Nintendo has just rolled out a game-changing update for Mario Kart World, introducing a slew of exciting new features and tweaks that players have been eagerly anticipating.
The most significant change may be the game’s overall difficulty level. According to the patch notes, Nintendo has made the AI opponents easier, stating they have “made COM weaker in everything other than Battle.” This should bring relief to players who’ve struggled particularly in the 150CC mode of Grand Prix and Knockout Tour, where aggressive AI has made earning three-star ratings a daunting task.
In addition to the difficulty adjustment, the Version 1.2.0 patch enhances the gameplay with several new features. For instance, players can now engage in VS Race matches using only Mushrooms as items, a fun twist for those who enjoy a unique challenge. Furthermore, you can now view replays after downloading ghost data for Time Trials, providing an excellent opportunity to learn from the best.
A Suite of New Features
The update also adds valuable spectator options. Players can now choose whom to watch during online Knockout Tour races, making the spectating experience more personal and engaging. Additionally, there’s a handy feature that informs you of the waiting time before the next race starts in online, wireless, or LAN play.
For those who enjoy the Free Roam mode but have found it unclear when they’ve collected everything, there’s good news. When you gather all P Switches, Question Panels, or Peach Medallions, the collected count changes color, signaling that you’ve achieved 100% completion. However, the map still doesn’t mark their locations.
Fans of standard three-lap races will also be pleased, as the update increases the frequency of these types of races in the VS Race and wireless modes, enhancing the variety of gameplay options available.
What’s Included in the Update?
The full list of changes is impressive:
- Introduced “No COM” option in the “VS Race” of “Single Player.”
- Added “Mushrooms only” item rule for both “Single Player” and “Multiplayer” modes.
- Now allows for viewing replays after downloading ghost data in “Time Trials.”
- Players can choose whom to spectate in “Knockout Tour” and “Balloon Battle” during online play.
- Waiting time displayed before the next race or battle in various play modes.
- CameraPlay settings save until the game closes.
- Changed the colors of collected item numbers in Free Roam once all items are gathered.
- Weakened AI opponents in modes other than Battle.
- Reduced the strength of homing in Boomerang items.
- Adjusted item probability mechanics in races.
- Added wheel spinning animation for early accelerations at race starts.
- Increased the availability of lap-type courses in VS Race and wireless mode selections.
For players interested in the nitty-gritty, the patch notes detail 32 bug fixes that you can check out on the official Nintendo support site.
Despite its new open-world features, Mario Kart World shines when it sticks to the series’ classic gameplay. Whether players are diving into Grand Prix, VS Race, or online multiplayer, the experience remains thrilling, especially with the chaotic fun that comes from racing alongside 24 competitors.