Games Database
Switch
Racing: Karting
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe - Switch
Also known as: Mario Kart 8 Deluxe', 'Mario Kart 8: Limited Edition
| Also for: | Wii U | ||
| Viewed: | 3D Third-person, over the shoulder | Genre: | Racing: Karting |
| Media: | Cartridge | Arcade origin: | No |
| Developer: | Nintendo | Soft. Co.: | Nintendo |
| Publishers: | Nintendo
(GB) |
Released: | 28 Apr 2017
(GB) |
| Ratings: | PEGI 3+ | ||
| Accessories: | Nintendo Switch Pro Controller (recommended), amiibo support | ||
| Connectivity: | Internet | ||
Summary
Mario Kart has long been a highlight on Nintendo consoles, and with the eighth in the series getting its definitive release we have a title that aims to continue the legacy on the Nintendo Switch.
When you first load up the game you're presented with a decent array of characters, but even more are made available through unlocks, all of which have their own subtle differences. Collecting coins brings more custom options for your vehicles, and yes, we've still got a mix of cars and bikes. Whatever your play style, you'll have a combination that will work for you.
The Big New Thing for this eight Mario Kart game is the anti-gravity elements of the courses. At times your vehicle will speed over a blue bar that turns your wheels into glowing, floating... something-or-others that allow you to race sideways, upside down, all over the place. This opens up even more shortcuts around the levels, and you'll be keeping an eye out for those places that allow you to cut precious split seconds off your time. Sure, it may appear a little gimmicky at first, but once you get the hang of the camera tilting back and forth you'll quickly realize that it adds a whole new level of fun to the game.
Of the brand new courses, there are some that will no doubt be regarded as future classics - the hectic activity of Sunshine Airport and the point-to-point action of Mount Wario both spring to mind. There's also the Daft Punk inspired insanity of the Electrodrome, undoubtedly one of the most beautiful and challenging courses from the whole series. With this Deluxe release players also get all the courses and characters released as DLC on the Wii U.
The four retro cups, as you'll be well aware, originally had no anti-grav sections, so many of them have been subtly remixed to incorporate this new game element. Some have been left well alone, sure, but those that have been altered still retain their original charm.
All the classic items are still in there (yes, even the evil Blue Shell) but there are a couple of new additions. The Boomerang is a curious one, great for chucking at bunched up groups, but the one that everyone will want is the 8 - eight different items appear around you, all of which can be triggered when they're in front of you. The biggest change, however, would have to be the chance to now carry two items at once!
With a great balance of the old and the new, Mario Kart 8 is a very worthy addition to the series.
When you first load up the game you're presented with a decent array of characters, but even more are made available through unlocks, all of which have their own subtle differences. Collecting coins brings more custom options for your vehicles, and yes, we've still got a mix of cars and bikes. Whatever your play style, you'll have a combination that will work for you.
The Big New Thing for this eight Mario Kart game is the anti-gravity elements of the courses. At times your vehicle will speed over a blue bar that turns your wheels into glowing, floating... something-or-others that allow you to race sideways, upside down, all over the place. This opens up even more shortcuts around the levels, and you'll be keeping an eye out for those places that allow you to cut precious split seconds off your time. Sure, it may appear a little gimmicky at first, but once you get the hang of the camera tilting back and forth you'll quickly realize that it adds a whole new level of fun to the game.
Of the brand new courses, there are some that will no doubt be regarded as future classics - the hectic activity of Sunshine Airport and the point-to-point action of Mount Wario both spring to mind. There's also the Daft Punk inspired insanity of the Electrodrome, undoubtedly one of the most beautiful and challenging courses from the whole series. With this Deluxe release players also get all the courses and characters released as DLC on the Wii U.
The four retro cups, as you'll be well aware, originally had no anti-grav sections, so many of them have been subtly remixed to incorporate this new game element. Some have been left well alone, sure, but those that have been altered still retain their original charm.
All the classic items are still in there (yes, even the evil Blue Shell) but there are a couple of new additions. The Boomerang is a curious one, great for chucking at bunched up groups, but the one that everyone will want is the 8 - eight different items appear around you, all of which can be triggered when they're in front of you. The biggest change, however, would have to be the chance to now carry two items at once!
With a great balance of the old and the new, Mario Kart 8 is a very worthy addition to the series.
Artwork
