On Nintendo consoles, Mario Kart games are a veritable institution. It's therefore no surprise that Mario Kart World emerged as the first major exclusive for the Nintendo Switch 2 on June 5th. But the context in which this opus arrives is unique, to say the least. By omitting Mario Kart Tour (which remains fundamentally a mobile game), Mario Kart World is the first title in the franchise to follow Mario Kart 8… after more than ten years. For context, most of the installments are only three years apart, with the exception of Mario Kart 64 and Mario Kart Super Circuit, which were released five years apart.
Even though Nintendo took care to rework MK8 when it was released as a Deluxe version on Switch, the fact remains that the cult racing game stagnated for a whole decade. To say that the first contact with Mario Kart World was a slap in the face would be an understatement. As veterans of the Switch and Wii U opus, getting to grips with the latest game quickly got the better of our good faith, reducing us to the state of grumpy old men incapable of saying anything other than "it was better before!".
But since only the Koopas never change their minds, our perseverance finally paid off. The problem isn't the game, but rather the bonds that gamers have forged with its predecessor.
Saying goodbye to 11 years of reflexes: it's not easy
Starting your first race on Mario Kart World is a bit like getting behind the wheel in a universe where the highway code has suddenly changed without anyone knowing. Vehicle physics, transformations, items, and even old-school tracks: the reflexes are there, but nothing seems to work the same as before. Yet, it's not as if the franchise hasn't accustomed us to changes. With the exception of Mario Kart 7 and 8, which share the same DNA, each title offers its own gameplay and identity. So, even if the Switch 2 installment aims to be revolutionary with its open world and 24-player races (among many other new features), veterans shouldn't cringe at these overhauls.
And since Mario Kart has never thrown us off to this extent, our first instinct was to think it was a bad game. Logical, right? Well, not really. Mario Kart World clearly suffers from flaws that we'll come back to, but to understand the game's true strengths and weaknesses, we first had to swallow our pride. Getting beaten by bots in Grand Prix mode after eleven years of driving like a master on Mario Kart 8 Deluxe doesn't please anyone. Neither does falling from first place to 20th on the slightest blue shell. But just because Mario Kart's codes have just been turned upside down doesn't mean World is a bad game, far from it. It's actually time that's playing tricks on us. Keeping players waiting for 11 years has only reinforced their expectations, while solidifying Mario Kart 8 Deluxe as an unbeatable entry. So obviously: the successor's flaws are exacerbated as much as possible.
A nice but anecdotal open world
To begin with, the open world on which Mario Kart World bases its entire identity is far from being up to scratch. While we imagined a Mario Kart with a Burnout Paradise twist, the ride mode that Nintendo offers us seems almost secondary. Its operation is more like a sandbox à la Skate 3, which is a good condensed fun… by the standards of 2010 open worlds. You can venture everywhere and do lots of tricks, sure, but the environment seems too empty and some missions are repetitive. Add to that a lack of clarity on the map, the impossibility of placing markers to better find your way or even the absence of excursions in local multiplayer: the open world of Mario Kart World is imperfect, there is no doubt.
But as an additional mode, and also as a first attempt at its kind, does the Ride mode deserve to be so heavily criticized? The answer isn't obvious. Players could simply ignore this new feature in favor of the classic aspects of Mario Kart. However, this new structure influences the entire game, including the classic modes. The Ride mode and the open world therefore bear some responsibility for the flaws that really bother them.
First and foremost: the new organization of cups, which includes the path between each circuit in the number of laps. Finally, the Grand Prix mode gives the impression of spending your time on the road avoiding obstacles, rather than enjoying the circuits and getting to know them. Also, the width of the circuits and routes sometimes makes you feel like you're driving straight for too long. And when there are 24 players and therefore even more objects to avoid on this kind of linear course, the race quickly takes on the air of an unfair war.
24 players is way too many
But the real bad idea of Mario Kart World is its increase from 12 to 24 drivers per race. Yes, the world and the circuits are vast, but this space does not need to be occupied by more players. 24 is the number of tribes in the Hunger Games, and that's exactly what you feel behind the wheel of this Mario Kart: the impression of being in a merciless battle royale. Since each driver can accumulate two items (like in MK 8 Deluxe), the first and last drivers avoid most of the chaos, while from 4th to 20th place, not a second goes by without a fatal collision.
Never have the items seemed so numerous and unbalanced, to the point that the gameplay is almost more like a party game than a racing game. The problem could be solved by offering players the choice between 12- or 24-player races. Nintendo has nevertheless chosen to omit this option which, we hope, will be introduced in an update soon.
The most technical (and innovative) Mario Kart to date
However, Mario Kart World has major assets that end up convincing us in the long run. Having made peace with the chaos of racing and the secondary nature of the ride mode, it must be said that the physics and driving sensations have never been better. By removing customizable vehicles, Mario Kart returns to a simpler formula allowing you to find the driver/vehicle combination best suited to your desires in just a few races. This accessibility allows you to focus your attention on the new possibilities offered by the game, namely on-the-spot tricks, rail crossings and wall jumps.
The freedom of movement is so impressive that in the space of a few weeks, players have already managed to develop amazing shortcuts. In the future, Mario Kart World promises to become the most competitive installment in the franchise, which is excellent news for gamers looking for a challenge. Moreover, the excellent survival mode introduced for the first time in this opus also goes in this direction. In Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, everything was about learning the pixel-perfect line for each circuit, while MK World prefers to reward daring and risk-taking. Unfortunately, this risks disappointing more "casual players who might well feel disconcerted during online games.
Flawless artistic direction
On the positive side of the scale, we must also mention the artistic direction of Mario Kart World. Since the first trailer, the aesthetics of the title have been unanimously appreciated and the charm of the game is even more striking with controllers in hand. With new cartoonish designs, worked and unique animations (even for certain skins), more detailed circuits than ever and breathtaking music, this opus is a real breath of fresh air. A reminder that this franchise isn't just a way to let off steam for evenings with friends, but also, and above all, a distillation of what Nintendo does best.
Is it healthy to force yourself to enjoy it?
Visually, musically, and mechanically, Mario Kart World already has all the ingredients to become the most memorable opus to date. Only here's the thing: the execution is still far from perfect. After some disconcerting first impressions, the game has finally revealed potential that cannot be ignored. But it's a shame to have to force oneself to reach this conclusion at first.
No doubt this difficult transition must be attributed to the eleven years that separate Mario Kart World from its predecessor, but Nintendo also has its part to play. Its latest game is sorely lacking in customization and balancing options, issues that can be easily corrected with updates. Thus, the potential iconic status of Mario Kart World is in the hands of the Kyoto firm. Will the developers stick to their guns or listen to feedback? The verdict will be known in the coming months and years.
Price and Availability
Mario Kart World has been available since June 5th at the recommended price of €89.99. This price certainly caused a stir when it was announced, but the physical version is already being sold at other, more attractive prices at some retailers.
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