Why some many gamers want Mario Kart World so bad?
, by Quentin
Nintendo knew that, just by slipping a few images of the new Mario Kart into the very first Switch 2 teaser, it would create a wave of excitement among gamers the world over. And it didn't fail: the more detailed presentation during the Nintendo Direct dedicated to the new console gave us a glimpse of the many surprises in store for this new entry in the license.
Mario climbs aboard his kart for a brand-new game
Before getting into the new features, it's important to understand why fans have such high expectations. A new Mario Kart is not a common occurrence. In fact, it's been over ten years since the last one released. Mario Kart 8 was originally released on Wii U, before being re-released in 2017 on Nintendo Switch with a Deluxe version. This edition included all the additional content from the Wii U version, offering gameplay as effective as ever and an impressive selection of characters and circuits.
But even if it's a great game, it's a Wii U one still. And gamers are thirsty for some new content, new experiences. In fact, Nintendo has taken advantage of the Switch's massive success to bring back several games from the Wii U era, which got little to no exposure due to the console's limited sales (totalling around 13.5 million units), a far cry from the Switch's 150 million so far.
In any case, Mario Kart finally makes its comeback with Mario Kart World, available from June 5, the same time as the release of the Switch 2. Quite a big launch, and above all an excellent flagship for the new machine. Nintendo knows it can count on this strong license to carry the launch on its own, especially as the other highly anticipated game, Donkey Kong Bananza, won't come out until a month later, on July 17.
Please keep in mind that this is a Switch 2 exclusive we're talking about. A strategic choice for Nintendo, which is breaking with its habit of offering certain cross-generation games - as was the case with The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, released on both Switch and Wii U.
An entry with plenty of new features, not afraid to go back on certain elements of its gameplay
Mario Kart World seems to offer a host of new features, all while taking the risk of rethinking certain staples of the franchise's gameplay. It's a gamble that may just as well seduce those accustomed to the genre as put them off.
This is particularly true of driving, which seems much heavier than usual, at least according to the journalists who were able to test the game with the controller in hand. The skidding system has also been revised, with only two speed phases instead of the usual three.
What's more, Mario Kart World is now even more vertical. It will now be possible to take advantage of new elements for greater races, such as the wall ride, or the ability to drive on electric wires, like a tightrope walker. Circuits will also feature a wider variety of surfaces, such as ice or water, radically altering the driving sensations. A day/night cycle and dynamic weather will also influence gameplay.
The game also relies on the power of the machine, announced as being ten times more powerful than the first Switch, at least according to NVIDIA. This translates into better, prettier light effects, more visual effects, as well as real-time events during races, such as huge creatures crossing the sky above players.
But the new feature that could really shake up your gaming sessions is the arrival of 24-player races, promising really intense multiplayer crashes, where this feature could really come into its own.
And that's not all: the game will also feature an open world, made up of distinct biomes ranging from deserts to snow-capped mountains. It will be possible to roam freely, at your pleasure. enjoy a few walking sessions, and even capture certain places or moments thanks to a photo mode.
We also have some new item,s such as the feather (until now a battle mode-exclusive), the golden shell, the coin box, a crystal ball that summons Kamek, the mega mushroom, the hammer and the ice flower.
There's also a Grand Prix mode, with four interconnected circuits, and the Knockout Tour, which has you reach point A from point B by crossing various checkpoints as quickly as possible.
Nintendo will hold a conference dedicated to Mario Kart World on April 17 at 2:00 p.m. (London time). This will be the perfect opportunity to find out more about the game's new features and modes.