Mario Kart World Review: The Big Switch 2 Upgrade You’ve Been Waiting For

Mario Kart World, the flagship game for the newly launched Switch 2, usurps the ever-popular Mario Kart 8 Deluxe with an exciting array of skillful mechanics, stunning aesthetics, and unexpected surprises. As the first game in the series to introduce an interconnected map style, the game brings fan-favorite characters, a wealth of references, and an array of new features that caters to both new and veteran players. Amid the pressure of rising expectations, Nintendo has outdone itself by creating a game that promises to be an enduring favorite on one of its most successful platforms.

– Nintendo’s latest Mario Kart World game presents the race tracks as connected iconic locations within a large contiguous map, with races more dynamic than ever, featuring surprising elements and obstacles.
– The game boasts a wide variety of characters in addition to the core ones, offering numerous unlockable costume changes, and it serves as a showcase for the increased power of the Switch 2 with its visually stunning graphics.
– New gameplay elements such as the Charge Jump and more aggressive Battle Mode complement classic modes, while the new Knockout Tour mode takes full advantage of the increased 24-player count in online multiplayer, turning the game into a raucous party.

Nintendo was seemingly caught off guard by the enduring popularity of Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, a modest Switch adaptation of a Wii U game. The game surpassed all expectations, emerging as the top-selling game on one of Nintendo’s most successful platforms.

The launch of the Switch 2 was headlined by Mario Kart World, carrying the expectation that this game would be its flagship title. One challenge was creating a game that could bear the weight of these expectations.

Mario Kart World thrives due to its combination of sophisticated mechanical modifications, appealing visuals, and its design philosophy centered on delightful surprises. The standout feature of Mario Kart World is the world itself. For the first time in the history of this franchise, races are part of a large, interconnected map instead of isolated tracks. Iconic locations like Bowser’s Castle and Moo Moo Meadows are physically linked to each other through numerous roads.

Despite this, the races have never been more dynamic. Nintendo’s recent foray into licensing its properties for theme park attractions is clearly reflected in the roller coaster-like design of the tracks. A race through the savannah features adorable creatures like a herd of zebras while a desert tract surprises players with the Easter Island-esque Tokotoko enemies from Super Mario Land.

The character selection in the game includes both new and old characters from the Mario Kart series. Following the past inclusion of non-Mushroom Kingdom characters like Link and Isabella, Mario Kart World restricts the roster to Mushroom Kingdom inhabitants alone but then broadens its scope greatly. There’s a wide range of new characters and possible costume changes, adding to the variety of surprises in the game.

The hiring and costume unlock system could be a bit of a mismatch, and Mario Kart World deliberately obscures the process. Players may find the array of collectibles frustrating or exciting, depending on their play style. Regardless, the game is definitely meant for long-term investment.

The game looks delightful and is a perfect demonstration of the enhanced power of the Switch 2. Mario Kart World’s single, interconnected world results in courses merging into each other, making for a dynamic and occasionally distracting gaming experience.

The game introduces new items and skills to learn, ensuring that both new players and Mario Kart experts are accommodated. The Charge Jump is a new tool for veterans to use on straight paths, giving them an advantage if they use it properly.

Nintendo has applied this new suite of mechanics and polished it to create a diverse array of modes and ways to play the game. There’s the Grand Prix, VS, and time trials; the Battle Mode; and the Knockout Tour, a new addition that makes full use of the larger 24-player count.

The increased number of players in the online multiplayer takes some waiting, but the game allows you to roam free while you wait. There’s a lot more to do in the free-roaming mode, including the P-Switch challenges that give you a quick task to complete.

Mario Kart World shines as a sprawling sequel that deftly expands and develops on the aspects that made Mario Kart 8 Deluxe a long-term success. It’s a fun and rewarding kart racing experience that’s easy to pick up, but offers enough depth to satisfy hardcore fans. This game serves as a fitting flagship title for the new Nintendo Switch 2 and is sure to enjoy the same success as its predecessor.

RATING: 4.5 out of 5 stars.

Mario Kart World is now available for Switch 2.

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