As an avid enthusiast of the Mario Kart franchise, I was excited to see the announcement of Mario Kart World during the Switch 2 Direct presentation. While my overall impression of the Direct wasn’t particularly favorable, the reveal of Mario Kart certainly caught my attention despite its hefty $80 price tag. However, a lingering feeling of discontent has diminished my enthusiasm for this new installment in the series.
Mario Kart World boasts a roster filled with beloved characters and a mix of new and familiar tracks, all rendered in stunning detail. Yet, the game’s primary innovation—its open-world format—raises concerns for me. After investing countless hours into Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, I’ve developed certain expectations regarding the franchise. Although I’m open to new ideas, I believe that an open-world design diverges from the essence of what makes Mario Kart enjoyable.
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe: The Pinnacle of the Franchise
A Harmonious Blend of New and Classic Tracks
My investment of over 500 hours in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe underscores its status as the best entry in the series. This title excels not only for its rich gameplay but also due to its exceptional course design and an extensive range of characters, enhanced further by transformative DLC. The game achieves a delicate balance between innovative mechanics and familiar gameplay elements, ensuring lasting appeal.
Nintendo itself acknowledges the excellence of Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, which remains a successful title even eight years post-launch. The game’s longevity stems from well-crafted mechanics and a wealth of content that have collectively refined the Mario Kart formula to perfection. This raises the question of how Nintendo can follow up such a renowned game, which is rightly recognized as the best-selling title on the Switch.
The Open World Concept in Mario Kart World: A Missed Opportunity
A Concept That Falls Flat
In response to the challenges of succeeding a beloved title, Nintendo has chosen to incorporate an open world in Mario Kart World. While this approach has proven successful in other franchises like The Legend of Zelda and Pokémon, it is ill-suited for Mario Kart. The essence of the series, as demonstrated by Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, is grounded in linear gameplay, which fosters a competitive spirit among players.
The thrill of Mario Kart lies within its structured progression, where players advance through races and cups in a deliberate sequence, facing escalating challenges. This structure is complemented by the Grand Prix mode, which efficiently blends competition with brief intervals for players to regroup. Therefore, the shift towards an open-world experience contradicts the fundamental characteristics of the series, potentially detracting from the competitiveness that fans love.
The introduction of an open world may extend race intervals, dampening the sense of progression and competition. Although traditional gameplay modes remain, the open-world aspect—currently defined only by collectibles and coins—appears to divert resources from enriching the overall Mario Kart experience.
A Missed Opportunity: What If Mario Kart World Took Notes from Super Smash Bros. Ultimate?
Dreaming of the Ultimate Mario Kart Adventure
Instead of venturing into an open-world format, Nintendo might have been better served by creating an experience reminiscent of Super Smash Bros. Ultimate. The DLC for Mario Kart 8 Deluxe suggested a desire for a richer, more expansive experience by increasing the roster and number of tracks. Incorporating advanced graphics, new characters, innovative mechanics, and a plethora of tracks could have transformed Mario Kart World into an unparalleled entry in the franchise, justifying its premium pricing.
With over 100 tracks—including the 96 from Mario Kart 8 Deluxe—and a diverse range of characters, Mario Kart Ultimate could have incorporated elements from across Nintendo’s storied catalog, bringing in popular figures from franchises like Fire Emblem and Kirby. Furthermore, introducing mechanics like those seen in Mario Kart World could have pushed the series to new heights.
Mario Kart World: A Contender for Many
The Joy of Open-World Racing
While I believe Mario Kart World diverges from the principles established by its predecessors, I recognize that it still promises to be a fun experience for many players. Initially, I felt frustrated post-Direct, a reaction stemming from an overall sentiment of negativity I’ve been grappling with lately. However, upon reflection, I realized that the open-world concept could have been exciting, particularly a decade ago.
I can easily envision younger versions of myself and my siblings joyfully exploring an expansive Mario Kart World, uncovering secrets and enjoying imaginative play—experiences reminiscent of those we had in games like Tony Hawk’s American Wasteland. Unfortunately, as an adult without children, I might not find the same joy in a solo open-world experience. It could feel aimless and detached.
Upon this realization, I began to appreciate the smaller improvements Mario Kart World introduces, which may resonate with families and children. Though I personally would have preferred a more content-rich version reminiscent of Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, I’m glad that Mario Kart World caters to players who cherish open-world gameplay. Despite my own misgivings, I acknowledge the potential for excitement and creativity that this new title could offer.