Revving Up for Mario Kart World on Switch 2
With nearly 70 million sales, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is undeniably the best-selling title on the original Nintendo Switch. So, bringing a sequel to the newly released Nintendo Switch 2 seems like a no-brainer.
However, improving upon such a beloved game with a staggering 96 courses, now including DLC, presents a hefty challenge. In theory, the new open-world structure of Mario Kart World might be the fresh direction the series desperately needed to step out of its predecessor’s shadow.
The result is a vibrant, chaotic, and wildly entertaining racing experienceâ€â€but it falters in one major area.
The Dual Nature of Open-World Racing
Mario Kart World’s open-world design is its greatest asset and its biggest flaw simultaneously.
Unfairly, I expected an exploratory driving experience similar to Forza Horizon, where exploration is just as exhilarating as racing or completing missions. The thrill of notifications for discovering new roads and the spontaneity of starting races while cruising felt integral to that experience.
In contrast, Mario Kart World’s open-world feels sparse and underdeveloped. The only hook is the P-Switch challenges, which task players with reaching a destination within a time limit, highlighting new gameplay mechanics like grinding and power-ups such as the Feather for air jumps. While these missions are fun, they often last mere seconds.
Aside from P-Switch challenges, the open-world primarily offers costumes and coins, leaving much to be desired. It has huge potential; more mini-games, unlockables, and the ability to create custom courses are essential to truly elevate it.
Plus, having Free-Roam buried deep in the menu underscores its underwhelming nature.
Despite these criticisms, Mario Kart World is still a fantastic racing experience that I genuinely enjoy. The Knockout Tour mode, playable against AI or online, has captivated me. Starting with 24 racers and narrowing down to four keeps the stakes high. The course lengths and item placements ensure that losing four racers at every checkpoint doesn’t dampen excitement. You feel like you can turn the tide, even in last place.
The expanded 24-player feature injects glorious chaos, perfectly suiting the dynamic gameplay and versatile tracks. I’ve never been keen on online multiplayer, but the Knockout Tour has changed my mind, making a Nintendo Switch Online subscription feel necessary.
Mario Kart World also boasts outstanding tracks like Boo Cinema, DK Spaceport, and Dandelion Depths. Nintendo has thought through design elements, balancing wider pathways for larger races while introducing multiple routes and shortcuts that complement the open-world format. The only drawback? The connecting stretches of road lack the intricate design of classic tracks.
Visually, the courses are stunning, brimming with detail that captivates. Thanks to the enhanced power of the Nintendo Switch 2, the game runs smoothly, even amid the frenzy of 24-person races.
Overall, Mario Kart World serves as a stellar launch title and a smart evolution for a franchise that has stood the test of time since the early 1990s. There’s undeniable room for enhancement, particularly in the open-world mode, which, while promising, isn’t fully realized yet. Still, with its array of compelling courses, exciting online capabilities, and eye-catching visuals, Mario Kart World is a must-play for every Switch 2 owner.
VERDICT: 4/5