Ah, Mario Kart. This fantastic racing series has always had a place in gaming history. Almost every release succeeds in changing the series in a positive way. Does the Wii version do the same? Most definitely, yes. One of the most notable changes is the motion-steering that comes with the Wii wheel. Included with the game, this plastic wheel actually allows the player to steer their vehicle by turning the Wiimote. Although, initially, it is difficult to learn, even the neediest of players will master it eventually. Still, the Wii wheel is not as accurate as a controller, which could be annoying when trying to perfect time trial runs. No fear, Nintendo decided to also allow players to use Gamecube controllers, which are even more precise than they were in MK: Double Dash. The Classic controller also works solidly, but the other options can be extremely annoying at times. I wouldn’t recommend any of them. Game mechanics work well in most areas. Physics are spot on, and even the items work well in single player. However, Karts are unbalanced, and some will never be able to win consistently as a result. Going along with this is the new vehicle option, the motorcycle. Motorcycles give up the ability to get large mini-turbos while drifting in order to gain the ability to do wheelies to gain speed on straight-aways. They control fine, although I found that some courses are better suited to them than others. One thing that was pulled off perfectly, however, was the trick system, which allows your racer to perform tricks after going over ramps for small speed boosts. This new game mechanic makes for some really exhilarating moments. The game’s battle mode is perhaps its most negative aspect. Rather than having 12 player free for all in balloon battles, you are put on teams of six. When your team makes a member of the other team lose a balloon, you gain a point. But the fact that you re-spawn after losing all of your balloons just doesn’t feel like past Mario Kart elimination-based battle modes. It is very disappointing. Also, Nintendo WFC one again shows its inability to handle large amounts of traffic with MK: Wii’s online play. Sure, twelve players and a fantastic point based ranking system make online play extremely fun. But lag makes item flawed in many matches. Other racers will randomly appear ahead of you at times, and red shells will explode for no reason. Still, online play is very entertaining. MK: Wii is graphically beautiful. Although character models may appear somewhat rough when looked at closely, courses and menus look amazing. Even courses from the Super Nes and N64 versions of Kart have been completely redone without losing their retro feel. Although they are not Super Mario Galaxy-esque, MK: Wii’s graphics are among the best on the Wii. Music is fantastic in this game, in both the courses and menus. Some courses actually have slight changes in music depending on where you are driving (such as when you are under water at Koopa Cape). Sound effects are exactly at the standard expected with past Mario Kart games, although having sound come out of the Wiimote’s speaker is a nice touch. As far as replay value goes, players won’t be disappointed. In order to unlock every character and vehicle, players must win single player trophies in every cup in every class. Although single player does get boring with the unskilled AI, it is redeemed with time trial mode. In time trial, players can race ghosts of players that have set world records, and even try to get on to regional and worldwide top ten lists themselves. With local multiplayer (as fun s ever) and online play, Mario Kart Wii can have you playing for months. Mario Kart Wii does indeed live up to its expectations. It can be enjoyed by new players or veterans (who will be delighted by some of the new characters) of all ages. I would recommend it to anyone who has ever enjoyed a Mario game.
60 of 71 found this review helpful.
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Posted byAnonymous
Santa fe, New Mexico
WOW
onJuly 26, 2011
Hi can you give me your friend code i want to play with you online to see if your a good or bad racer so bring it on
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Overall rating
5/ 5
Gameplay
5/ 5
Graphics
4/ 5
Sound
5/ 5
Lasting Appeal
5/ 5
kavek
fromcalifornia
This game is perfect for:casual gamers
Cool Game
PostedFebruary 13, 2015
1st off all i remembered those commercials with that country guy. It sucks cause my game is scratched up and i cant play with totally sucks.Great game actually i got the game in 2011 with the bundle.great tracks that moonview highyway was cool but you`d always get squish by a car. The graphics though from rainbow road epic.well now theyd say the graphics sucks cause mario kart 8 is awesome. Tricks were really cool you`d get alot off charcaters too play.Awesome game for 2008
Overall rating
4/ 5
Gameplay
5/ 5
Graphics
5/ 5
Sound
5/ 5
Lasting Appeal
4/ 5
Videogamefan10
fromSan Francisco, CA
This game is perfect for:casual gamers
An awesome game, with very few flaws.
PostedJanuary 8, 2015
I love this game and I keep playing it every week. My only gripes are how the gameplay is too repetitive and how difficult it is to find out where to get new characters, karts, and bikes. Plus, sometimes the game makes sure that the dude behind me always gets red shells, or, if I'm in first, everybody happens to get blue shells. So, it's a good game, but the monotony, the difficulty to progress, and the CPU-player advantage are a bit annoying.
This game works for me because as well as the quick and easy achievements you'll burn through early on in the game, it really makes you work for those last few. I'm still trying to unlock one of the large characters and I've had the game for about a year and a half! The lasting appeal as they call it is just outstanding. I will never get sick of this game, it's great to play with friends, in a crowded shindig situation or even just on your own. There's plenty of courses, but not too many that you feel you can't explore them all. Of course I love grand prix mode, but there's other things to do in this game too. In fact, you have to to unlock some of the medium characters I believe. Overall, great game, one of my overall favorites.
