Game review: Mario Kart World (Nintendo Switch 2)
It has been over a decade since the last time we received an actual new Mario Kart video game. Mario Kart 8 was released back for the Wii U in 2014, with a better re-release called Mario Kart 8 Deluxe released for the Nintendo Switch in 2017.
Eight years later, not only do we get Mario Kart World, but Nintendo has also released the long-awaited Nintendo Switch 2 console. With better graphics and a bigger 7.9-inch screen, Mario Kart World is arguably the best-looking Mario Kart game of all time!
The biggest change in Mario Kart World compared to previous games is the fact that this new version features a seamless open-world environment. Every track in the game is connected, and the free roam mode allows you to explore the whole island without any loading times whatsoever.
Not to mention, Mario Kart World is graphically superior compared to Mario Kart 8 Deluxe on the original Nintendo Switch. This is because the Nintendo Switch 2 can output the new game at a higher resolution.
When the Nintendo Switch 2 is docked, Mario Kart World can be played at 4K with a smooth 60fps. If you want to play at 120fps, the resolution drops to around 1440p or 1080p. In handheld mode, you can now play games at 1080p with 60fps. A much more noticeable upgrade compared to the 720p screen that the original Switch had.
The power of the Switch 2 also affects the number of competitors that you now have to face in a race too. In Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, the maximum number of racers only reached a maximum of 12 competitors. Thanks to the Switch 2, races are much more chaotic, as up to 24 racers can now compete in a single competition!
Speaking of gameplay, Mario Kart World adds a few new techniques to make races more fun and unpredictable. You can now wall ride during some sections of races and even grind on rails like you're Tony Hawk! Racers can also press the jump button multiple times to reach higher areas now too.
As for the core gameplay, the main mission remains the same. Your goal is to essentially drift your way to victory while trying not to get hit by your opponents. Question mark boxes are littered throughout races where everyone can collect special items to aid them. Items can include turtle shells that act like missiles, while other shells give you extra speed. The worst item in the game is the lightning strike that affects a lot of racers at the same time!
The gameplay is also very accessible because gamers young and old can play this game. The reason the game is also accessible is because it features many controller aids. The aids you can turn on include auto acceleration, as well as using motion controls for steering. My Mum actually came first in a face using the many aids that are available in this game.
Mario Kart World also features several new game modes that weren't featured in previous Mario Kart games. As aforementioned, the Free Roam mode is the biggest and best new feature in this game.
In Free Roam mode, you can drive anywhere and look for certain missions to complete. These missions can include you trying to drive through a certain number of rings in a specific amount of time. In other missions, you may need to use the game's new tricks to collect rings and more.
Free Roam is also the best mode where you can unlock all of the costumes for the characters in the game. In some regions of the game, you can visit Yoshi shops to collect special bags that contain different costumes. Other bags are located on top of trucks that you can chase down too. Each character has tons of costumes, and it's fun to drive around the countryside trying to catch them all.
Another new mode that has been added to Mario Kart World is Knockout Mode. This is a cross-country race where the goal is to not be in the last position during each checkpoint. The race starts with 24 racers, but the final section is only allocated to four racers. In total, 20 racers will get eliminated before the race ends in this mode!
Grand Prix mode returns where you race in four tracks in hopes of making it to the top of the podium. This mode is fun because when you finish each championship, you unlock a new character in the roster. You also unlock a very special race when you reach the end of this mode too.
Another returning mode is Time Trial, and this is where you have to race to see who has the fastest time. This mode is special because you cannot play using special aids. If you attain a fast time, you can upload a ghost so you can try and beat it the second time you race.
The Battle Mode is also back, and this is where you fight against other racers. You use items to knock out other opponents in arena-style tracks. This is a really fun mode to play if you're playing in multiplayer.
As for multiplayer, you can still play the game online or with friends and family members inside your own home. The Switch 2 console is cool because it comes with two joy-cons out of the box, so you don't need to pay extra for another controller. Two-player split-screen also works both docked and undocked too.
While Mario Kart World improves on Mario Kart 8 Deluxe in many ways, there are still some missing features. For one thing, this game doesn't include Link or any of the characters from Splatoon. Hopefully, some of these missing characters will be included in future DLC.
Mario Kart World also lacks the customisation feature that was included in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe too. In this new game, you just choose your vehicle without altering its wheels or adding any attachments or other parts.
One last thing I want to mention is that Mario Kart World lacks a story mode that is present in CTR: Crash Team Racing. It would have been cool if a story mode was included where you can race against boss characters or something like that.
Aside from some minor flaws, I still had a very enjoyable time playing Mario Kart World with my brother and my mum. The graphics are gorgeous, and the gameplay is super fun. I'm hoping some future updates will include some of the missing features from previous games soon, though.
Verdict: 8.5/10
