Information
Reviewed On: Wii
Available On: Wii
Players: 1-4 local,
up to 12 online
Rating: G
Genre: Racing
Developer: Nintendo
Distributor: Nintendo
Release: 24th April 2008
In Short...
"Great for the average gamer, with online 12 participant multiplayer being the best part. Still a must-buy for all Wii owners."
Mario Kart Wii
Released on April the 24th in Australia, Mario Kart Wii is Nintendo’s next effort in the Mario Kart series of video games. As the successor to Mario Kart DS and four other titles preceding it, the game, while in development, had a lot of high expectations. Nintendo fan-boys (and fan-girls) have been waiting for this game since the Wii’s release, but was the wait worth it? Is it better than the DS edition? Are the game’s online modes good enough for a sufficient experience? Read on to find out...
Just in case, for those who have somehow never played a Mario Kart game, it is basically a game series where go-kart racing and the Mario universe meet head on, then, by adding more and more "roundhouse kick realism, straight in the face!" over the years, Mario Kart has turned out to arguably be the best multiplayer racer ever. The aim is to get to the finish line in your little kart (or, in this case, possibly motorbike) first, but you have to do it while everyone else in the race is throwing an array of outrageous of items at you, including turtle shells of varying colours, banana peels and, of course, those dastardly bombs, just to name a mere few.
In the latest Mario Kart outing, the game’s controls have been extremely fine tuned, more than any other Mario Kart game before it, with a total of five (technically four) different control methods. As this game boasts its ability for having the different control methods for accessibility to all gamers, we will be covering them first. Also, only four control methods will be covered, (three not including Wii Wheel separate from Wii-mote singular) as I have not used the classic controller to play as yet, but there have been reports of cramping and uncomfortable play while using it. Best stick with the ones outlaid below.
The Wii Wheel (and Wii-mote without wheel): First up, the Wii Wheel. To be honest, this is probably the most difficult control method for seasoned gamers, but it is ultimately how the game was “made” to be played, as it comes packaged with the game itself, and gives the game that ‘pick up and play’ aspect that Nintendo oh so highly keep in top regard when developing their games. I personally use this as my main control method as it is somewhat more ‘fun’ over using a conventional controller, because the motion controls make you feel more like you are actually driving you kart on the screen, and not just controlling it. It does have its critics, but I like it. Taking the abovementioned ‘pick up and play’ aspect into account, it is clear that the Wheel definitely targeted at casual gamers, so most people who bought the Wii.
The Wii-mote used on its side, (without the Wii Wheel) is also a more than sufficient control method, and removes some of the ‘clunkyness’ that comes along with using the Wheel. It also keeps the ‘pick up and play’ aspect in tact, and is a very accurate control method when used effectively.
Gamecube controller: Arguably, the best control method in the game. This method has the best control, but sometimes makes the game too easy for the people using it to win, compared to the Wii Wheel. It is also the more conventional controller that makes the game seem more ‘retro’ than using all the motion control methods that make the Wii unique. Again, it is there to cater for the more hardcore gamers.
In the end however, it is ultimately all up to personal preference, so it is recommended to give each one a go, and then decide what works best for you.
Moving on to the game’s actual gameplay, the Wii edition of this much-loved Nintendo franchise doesn’t add too much in terms of new gameplay. Sure, the mini turbos have changed a bit, there are motorbikes to choose from instead of karts, and a whole lot of Mii integration, in the forms of being able to race as Mii’s, being represented online as a Mii, and even seeing your Mii’s around the courses you play, either in crowds or on posters etc. Thankfully however, the main formula is still the same. Go fast, hit people with items and place first. This isn’t a bad thing though, it’s what makes the game so great, and really applies to the old adage, “if it ain’t broke don’t fix it”. The Grand Prix are an OK way to waste time, unlock new characters, learn how to play and become familiar with the various old and new courses. The game’s ‘saving grace’ if you like, is of course multiplayer, and is where the game really shines. The split screen makes a comeback and continues to make the game a blast to play with mates. Definitely the redeeming quality of the game.
The game also still uses Nintendo’s friend code system which can be annoying, but once everything is sorted and codes traded, it is very easy to use and play.
It also lets you take another player that is classed as a guest online with you, so two people can now enjoy Mario Kart online together, with a pool of friends, other Aussies, or our worldwide counterparts.
In the sound department, the new course music isn’t really that catchy, but the sound on the classic tracks is extremely nostalgic. I remember playing Mario Raceway N64 for the first time in this and just going “OMFG I can remember this music like I heard it yesterday!” even though I haven’t played the N64 version in years.
The graphics are the best of the series yet, but that isn’t saying much. I mean, they are good, but you could have seen them on the GCN if they put a lot of work into it. The tracks, character and art design however, are up to that Nintendo standard of quality that you would expect in a new Mario platformer, not just this series, like for example the Koopa Cape track, I mean, who could come up with stuff like that? Only Nintendo is the answer. It contains all the tricks and turns that Nintendo is famous for, plus a large helping of new ideas, all mashed together to create a hugely satisfying course. Remembering that this is only one course in the new selection, making for one hell of a good ride.
In summary, Mario Kart Wii, in my opinion, is the best game in the series. If you liked any other of the other Mario Kart games, you really should buy this game. All the best parts of the other games have returned, along with new features like online multiplayer, a whole lot of Mii integration, motion controls, (if you so choose) and motorbikes make the traditional formula that much better without wrecking the game. What’s not to like? Well, there are some things, for example, the new items, and also the increased difficulty in 150CC may make the casual gamers cry. But in saying this, if you just grab the Wii Wheel, sit down, have a play online, with mates, or even by yourself, I promise you’ll have a good time.
By Ben Hauser
The Verdict
Graphics: B+ Not the best ever graphics on Wii, but great design.Sound: B+ Nostalgic sound on the classic stages, but lacking that catchiness in the new tracks.
Gameplay: A+ If it ain’t broke don’t fix it.
Great for the average gamer, with online 12 participant multiplayer being the best part. Still a must-buy for all Wii owners.