You really have to hand it to Nintendo. They somehow manage to keep on remaking the same game over and over again for each console generation and still find a way to make it a best seller each time. However this time around there are some very interesting new features with the introduction of the Wii Wheel and online play. These two features easily make this one of the better Mario Kart titles since its debut on the Super Nintendo.
Now typically I am not a huge Mario Kart fan. As I have already stated the game has basically been the same thing since its debut without a lot of changes to help keep it fresh. Nintendo really stepped their game up this time though by adding two new and very important features. First, going along with the motion sensing theme that has captured the imagination of the world is the Wii Wheel. I was actually very surprised by how well the Wii Wheel works. It is easy to use and makes the experience much more enjoyable. Most importantly Nintendo has finally put Mario Kart online where it belongs. Playing Mario Kart online is the most rewarding experience I have had on the Wii thus far.
For all it's innovation Mario Kart Wii has some glaring imperfections. As much fun as the Wii Wheel is, you will encounter instances where the wheel doesn't want to respond and you will get stuck on a wall. These instances are few and far between but they are extremely frustrating when they occur. For as great and as much fun as playing online is, it is kind of annoying that you can't communicate with the other competitors. Now I am not a huge fan of using the headset on my 360 or my PS3, but it is nice to have the option of talking to other people if I choose. This is especially irritating since Mario Kart Wii is very clearly a part game to be enjoyed with other people.
All in all Mario Kart Wii is a must have for any Wii owner who enjoys the party games. It is by no means the best title on the console but it very easily has the best online functionality and also features a solid single player mode. After playing Mario Kart Wii I am finally willing to admit that the Wii's motion sensing controls are not a fad; it is just the beginning of what is a bright future for the interactive game industry.
For a lot of people, Mario Kart Wii was their introduction to the franchise, and what a terrific introduction they had.
Major 2023 game anniversaries include The World Ends With You, Mario Kart Wii, and The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker, among many others
Nintendo has provided a sales update on Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, and it's confirmed that the game has now outsold Mario Kart Wii.
Always remember Polygon's take on MK 8 and how it would end up being worse selling entry in franchise history. Oof. MK 8 deluxe is going to have one hell of a holiday. You know that Switch bundle is coming back.
Baffles me that they haven't made any new dlc for this, and yet they focus on the mobile game smh
I can only imagine that the Mario Kart devs have been hard at work on the follow-up to 8, hence why it got no dlc.
We can only assume that they'll show something next year if they are working on the next game. With the way Ninty has been announcing games close to their release they don't leave room for any leaked info
Its not like its the same developer. The one working on the mobile game isnt even a Nintendo developer
Nice review. I too was surprised by how well the Wii Wheel works. I was skeptical and thought MK Wii w/ the Wii Wheel would play just like Excite Truck (which I personally had issues with), but it turned out to be much better IMHO. The online play is a blast as you said.
The only other negative thing about the game that I'd like to add is that sometimes when I want to end a wheelie while I'm using a bike, the motion to do so doesn't register. The result is that the wheelie persists and severely hampers my ability to turn. It doesn't happen too often but again, it is annoying when it does.
yeah the Wii Wheel really did me in too and yes it's waaaaaay better than what Excite Truck pulled off ;) I too had a few spots where I turned the opposite direction I tried to go I think that had to do with me having my fingers over that hole in the wheel. Least that's what I blame it on. Nice review and it is a fun game with good additions.