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Mario Kart Wii


Are the keys to the kart the keys to your heart?

Split-screen racing? Fine, but it struggles visually - never dropping frames, but noticeably chugging compared to solo karting. We’d ask why Nintendo didn’t simply give us the option to turn off AI karts, but all the modes, maps and tracks have been so tailored to that magical number 12 that the game wouldn’t play properly.

No matter how rich the Wi-Fi mode is, to strengthen it at the cost of one of Nintendo gaming’s most beloved pastimes - good ol’ four-player Mario Kart - is downright wrong. Maybe in time we’ll warm to it, but we’ve played enough Kart, from SNES to GC, to know when something has been messed with. It’s not enough to deny the game the accolades it deserves for formula tweaks and for finally kicking off Wi-Fi Wii as it should be done, but Nintendo rarely disappoint like this. For all their moves that have baffled long-term fans - namely the casual gaming shift - this is their first decision we’re truly uneasy with. What a shame it should arrive in an otherwise delightful package.

Apr 28, 2008

You'll love
  • Risky drifting
  • Fantastic online play
  • Wheel or joystick - both work
You'll hate
  • Weak offline multiplayer
  • Still dumb, cheap AI
  • Imperfect vehicle balance

 
12 Comments
Order Comments: Newest First | Oldest First
justin321  - 1 year 2 months ago 
online is a blast but like brawl in needs voice chat in headset and im not saying wii speak
it also needs to take the crappy friend codes
rolyat14  - 1 year 2 months ago 
this game is just like what justin321 says it is, a blast on online! but i would take wii speak for an online speaking system, hey its better than nothing.
justin321  - 1 year 2 months ago 
well ur right we need at least somthing like wii speak be implemented into future or past games
and then third party developpers would make a headset not licisenced by nintendo a few months after wii speak
adrenaguy  - 1 year 1 month ago 
wii speak sounds like a great idea, and the headset might plug into the nunchuck slot and then be a wirless reciever while the nunchuck plugs into a slot on sed reciver
yaanyfizzle  - 1 year 1 month ago 
I cant believe i actualy spent 50 euros on this game and a further 20 on another steering wheel,its just aweful....like,unbelievably aweful.At least its taught me not to believe every review i read, thanks for that at least
yaanyfizzle  - 1 year 1 month ago 
i still love this site though
sonymon  - 1 year 13 days ago 
It is worth to spend for MARIO.
TiTE  - 5 months 18 days ago 
What are u guys talking about this game is incredible the way it is games radar should have given a 10.
Haxorz  - 4 months 3 days ago 
Eh,I agree with the last part. Miss the old battle system and duel Grand Prix. Also the whole 12 AI gets anonnying. But the Online play makes up for it in a sense. Just will never play battle again...
BigKingBud  - 3 months 25 days ago 
this games is a 10 ,the wii wheel and the drift ,to me this games is one of wii's finest moments.
Haxorz  - 2 months 5 days ago 
In all actuallity, you can remove the Ai's, there is a button to do so, or option in this case.
kazzleh  - 1 month 24 days ago 
Love Mario Kart. Hate the wheel - you're much better off with just using your Wii controller!
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The Knowledge
Mario Kart Wii
Mario Kart Wii

Genre: Racing
Release date: Apr 27, 2008
Published by: Nintendo
Developed by: Nintendo
Franchise: Mario
Multiplayer Modes:
Offline
4 player VS
Online
12 player VS
9 AWESOME
Read the review