Metareview (US Edition) -- Mario Kart Wii (Wii)
by Alexander Sliwinski 
{ Apr 26th 2008 at 2:00PM }
- IGN (85/100): "Every player is going to have their own love/hate relationship with Mario Kart Wii, but in the end the game does so many things right that it'd be foolish not to give credit where due. Online seriously raises the bar for Nintendo, trumping even Smash in a big, big way. ... It isn't the best Mario Kart in the series, but it's a must-play experience on Wii, and standard-setting offering as far as online, channel support, and connectivity are concerned. Now if you'll excuse us, we've got some online stats to obsess over. "
- GameTrailers (84/100): "Generally, video game franchises move forward with each successive release. In this case, Mario Kart for the Wii has taken a few steps forward, and one huge step back. This is the first case of Nintendo not finding a happy medium between accessibility and servicing hardcore players. Yet if you get a group of people together on a Saturday night to play you'll be the only one complaining. While the competitive spirit may be quelled, there's no denying that the foundation here is solid, and the addition of bikes, tricks, and online play are all positives that no one can deny."
- GameTap (80/100): "Mario Kart makes a good case for connecting the Wii online, too. Via the Mario Kart Channel, you race other gamers from around the world in an eight-driver contest; you can even see which countries they represent. This is the way to go for multiplayer karting. ... But online or off, you can't go wrong with Mario Kart. If this is your first experience or you've been absent for a while you're in for a treat. If you're a grizzled MK vet at least you can pit your skills with racers around the world--and still have something to grumble about. "
Gallery: Mario Kart Wii
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
I Love Bowser @ Apr 26th 2008 2:05PM
I can't wait for the Americans to get online. I'm going to really enjoy leaving those imperial bastards in the dust.
Cesaria (SSBB: 3136-6466-5083) @ Apr 26th 2008 2:27PM
I love the UK, i really do, but does every person there feel the need to point out that they are from the UK and how bad the US is?
Poisoned Al @ Apr 26th 2008 2:33PM
Oh we do that with everybody, not just septics.
RoboChamp @ Apr 26th 2008 2:34PM
I agree. Lets try to be gentlemen. You bastard.
Killer @ Apr 26th 2008 2:41PM
Exactly...Every single european country has been imperialist. (unless it was formed after World War 1) There is no innocence when it comes to imperialism. England, France, Germany, Italy, Greece, U.S.A., Russia, China, etc. have been and some still are imperialist. We all want to get rid of it, but it advances each country for the better, minerals, oil and resources, wise. I'm the first to say that "Yes as an American and my country is imperialist", but please have the common sense of history and act like we aren't the only ones to be doing it, because we aren't. I don't like imperialism, but the only way to get rid of it is to tell every country to abandon the resources they have taken. Which we all know what happened in Vietnam when that happened. >:> France didn't want to let go of it's colony....then the U.S. got involved because France was our ally. The rest is history.
License to ill @ Apr 26th 2008 3:07PM
Yeah I know what you mean its the same way I like watching you brits get waxed in Vagas2...
Bucfann @ Apr 26th 2008 3:27PM
Ive noticed this online in other games for the Xbox. Many times when there is a Brit bastard in the game, he goes out of his way to let us know where he's from/makes a lame attempt to make fun of Americans. Whatever. I think it's because they know that the US IS the greatest country in the world. Sure we make mistakes and have plenty of idiots here, but this is still the best country in the world.
And instead of trying to joke about Americans, why dont you worry about the growing Islamic psycho problem you got going over there in England/Britain.
JakubK666 (Ninja Defence Force) @ Apr 26th 2008 3:41PM
@ Bacfann
I'm not sure what the last paragraph is supposed to mean...
I though Yanks were supposed to protect us from Terrorists/Saddam's Nukes in Iraq?
/sarcasm
And by the way, EASILY hijacking four aero-planes > Suicide Bombing of a few Buses & Underground, so if anything; you should be worried about YOUR own level of security.
tmacairjordan87 @ Apr 26th 2008 4:02PM
Wouldn't you be cranky if your country lost a war to a bunch of farmers and then proceeded to watch said farmers become more powerful than them over the course of time? Go easy on our brit friends they're just venting.
JakubK666 (Ninja Defence Force) @ Apr 26th 2008 4:13PM
Ouch...Yeah that was a kick in the balls.
el serpiente @ Apr 26th 2008 5:28PM
I love it when people claim credit for things that happened hundreds of years before they were born.
But please, continue the ignorance parade, it is amusing and sad.
Co @ Apr 26th 2008 5:47PM
This is only two countries in this world:
America and Not America.
E.J. @ Apr 26th 2008 7:11PM
@ Co
Wow. Awesome. +1.
A Pissed-off English Gamer @ Apr 26th 2008 8:23PM
Wow, this is a lot of hate i see. We're not all so eager to be bastards :-(. I enjoy leaving everyone around the world in my dust equally.
samfish @ Apr 27th 2008 2:15AM
Nationalism is alive and well on both sides of the pond, I see.
You vould all make MEIN FURHEUR proud!
Fernando Rocker @ Apr 26th 2008 2:07PM
I just came from Gamestop... they didn't let me have my copy. And they have it right there. =(
Well... this and GTAIV will keep busy for a long time... well, mostly Mario Kart... I think I will be playing more Mario Kart than GTA.
=p
License to ill @ Apr 26th 2008 3:12PM
"I think I will be playing more Mario Kart than GT."
You'll be in the minority on that one....
John McPoop @ Apr 26th 2008 7:10PM
I will take you up on a bet Fernando ... I will bet you the the PS3 version of GTA IV will outsell the Wii version of Mario kart during their first week of sales ... So that will be Sunday to Snday for Mario kart and Tuesday to Tuesday for GTA IV PS3 ... Your underestimating how many PS3 users will buy this game ... These bets are only for the NA territories as well ... We will use NPD numbers only as our official score tally
I will bet you a little something on that ... Maybe
Fernando Rocker @ Apr 26th 2008 2:07PM
I just came from Gamestop... they didn't let me have my copy. And they have it right there. =(
Well... this and GTAIV will keep busy for a long time... well, mostly Mario Kart... I think I will be playing more Mario Kart than GTA.
=p
Esat Dedezade @ Apr 26th 2008 2:09PM
Did you just come from gamestop, but they didn't have your copy or something?
:)
Fernando Rocker @ Apr 26th 2008 2:15PM
I mean, the game will be released tomorrow, but my local Gamestop already have the game, but they didnt want to break the release date.
Alex @ Apr 26th 2008 2:11PM
I've been going back and forth desideding weather or not to get MKWii, but today I picked up DoubleDash and played it for the first time in years, and now I'm sure I'll be getting it. Also lastely some comments about DoubleDash, is it just me or does the game run very slow, also it was my first time playing it since I got my HD TV and man in Progressive Scan mode it has SOOOOO many jaggies it's not even funny.
Fernando Rocker @ Apr 26th 2008 2:20PM
Well... Double Dash in 150cc is the game fastest game in the series (don't know about the Wii version, I havent play it), and it runs at 60fps. It should be very smooth.
Fatass of Kickassness @ Apr 26th 2008 4:47PM
Double Dash 150cc is the slowest 150cc in the series, Fernando. The fastest is Super Circuit's, followed by MK64's, followed by DS's, followed by SMK, followed by DD.
Sir Fidlious Wong (Zeon Defense Force) @ Apr 26th 2008 8:55PM
If you're wanting speed, maybe a kart racer isn't for you...
Wes @ Apr 28th 2008 4:18AM
@Sir Fidlious Wong (Zeon Defense Force)
"If you're wanting speed, maybe a kart racer isn't for you..."
Side comment again. Congrats.
Anyways, back to the original poster's comment. I agree, I find there are so many jaggies on games lately. Its like anti-aliasing doesn't exist on consoles.
Wes @ Apr 28th 2008 4:21AM
Oops, meant to say 'snide' not 'side'.
Alex @ Apr 26th 2008 2:24PM
Well I was playing in 100cc, so yeah, I've never played the DS, SNES, or GBA versions so all I have to compare the speed with is the N64 and other racers. But I plan on getting the Wii version now, wait does this come out on Tuesday or next Tuesday?
John McPoop @ Apr 26th 2008 2:25PM
It comes out tomorrow on Sunday
John McPoop @ Apr 26th 2008 2:24PM
Well the game has received some fair reviews (mostly favorable) and a few bad ones ... From what I have read this game does not walk the same line that SSBB does ... I already had to buy two controllers to enjoy Brawl and it would appear i would need to pick up a couple of Wavebird's to enjoy this game ... I just can't see myself buying that many controllers for two games
With GTA IV dropping I will have to wait a while before picking up MK Wii ... I want a chance to give it a test drive before purchasing it ... Especially when GT:P is taking up so much of my time
Co @ Apr 26th 2008 6:24PM
"it would appear i would need to pick up a couple of Wavebird's to enjoy this game .."
Got no one but yourself to blame for that. Your inability to just hook up a nunchuck and play a way that is just as serviceable is only your fault.
John McPoop @ Apr 26th 2008 7:19PM
@Co
Your probably right about that but from what I have read the Wii mote + nunchuk is not the best method of control ... Just like with SSBB I had to pick up a couple of classic controllers because the Wii Mote was not adequate for that game ... I will give it a try with the Wii-Mote wheel but even at that I will have to purchase another Wii Wheel if it is the best method ...
You can try to make it out to be my fault because the game controls shitty with the Wii mote but I prefer to blame Nintendo ... Then again wouldn't expect you to blame Nintendo for anything ...
Like I said I will rent it and give the Wii mote a try but from what I have read in various places it is not as good as say Excite Truck ... I will also try attacing the wii-mote to my Logitech force feedback wheel and see how that works ... Seems silly to have a wheel not attached to anything
Co @ Apr 26th 2008 8:52PM
lol look im not fernando here. I play all the consoles, and enjoy their strengths. I just choose to put my earned cash towards Nintendo products because they appeal to me the most.
I like all the different control options Nintendo has been offering up as of late. It ties in well with their "and" philosophy over an "or" approach. I've never been a big fan of dual analog...
Webslinger @ Apr 26th 2008 2:24PM
i got it yesterday and its awesome, its a different feel but its a great addition to the series, its a must have. comon guys.. theres no one online to play with except ausies and brits, wheres my americans? lol
best of all.. NO SNAKING!!!
nealpro @ Apr 26th 2008 10:14PM
You mean they took out one of the only difficult techniques that helped distinguish the serious players from the casuals and actually made Mario Kart somewhat based on skill? THANK GOD!!!
Shmil @ Apr 26th 2008 4:18PM
You mean they took a glitch in the game which allowed some fiendish players to abuse said glitch and win by "technique" rather than skill? THANK GOD!
Webslinger @ Apr 26th 2008 4:20PM
i understand that mariokart stretches away from the realism of true racing but iv never seen race where a driver uses a straightaway for bobbing and weaving in order to gain speed.. doesnt make sense to the sport of racing and therefore should not be present... and oh its not there anymore, lastly its a shame you people cant cheat anymore
Fatass of Kickassness @ Apr 26th 2008 5:09PM
Nealpro, shut the fuck up. You want a strictly skill based game? Go play a realistic racing game, and leave Mario Kart to those of us who want to play it the way it's meant to be played.
Cesaria (SSBB: 3136-6466-5083) @ Apr 26th 2008 2:26PM
There's going to be a Joystiq tournament tonight if anyone wants to join. IM me on MSN: cesariatic
Poisoned Al @ Apr 26th 2008 3:01PM
DODGE the blue shell?! HAHAHA! Oh you've CLEARLY haven't played this yet!
Poisoned Al @ Apr 26th 2008 3:16PM
Ooookay, toy might have guessed that the reply sysem fucked up again
fuze9 @ Apr 26th 2008 2:37PM
Not to be a total spoil sport, but I got the game yesterday, and I can't stand it. I loved Mario Kart on the N64; it was the absolute staple of the system for me, the constant party game; but now, somehow it's just massively unpleasant to play. As has been noted plenty of times, the power ups have gone from being fun little additions to crippling tools of virtual communism. I play it and declare, "This game is a threat to American democracy!" Yes, I just feel like mario kart hates freedom, and it pains me to feel the cold war hostilities bubbling back to the surface with every bullet, squid, and blue shell that whizzes by. No sense of satisfaction when you win, and no sense of optimistic urgency if you lose. Just a helpless "maybe next time the gods will favor me" sensation.
D_Average @ Apr 26th 2008 2:41PM
I hear ya, I've played it as well and must concur. I still enjoy the game b/c its Mario Kart, but all things aside, the game could have been 10x better.
Honestly, I think its received a bit of a cake walk from the critics. Its one saving grace is the on-line play. However, since 2005ish, solid online play has been a staple in most AAA games, it certainely isn't something that should earn you points, it is to be expected.
JakubK666 (Ninja Defence Force) @ Apr 26th 2008 2:44PM
Yeah...it really hurt in 4-player MKDS games.
1st place - Fake Box or a Banana.Green Shell if you're a lucky bastard!
4th place - Golden Mushroom/Blue Shell/Bullet Bill/Lightning Bolt
Fernando Rocker @ Apr 26th 2008 2:50PM
You guys act like if Mario Kart 64 was the only game you played before the Wii version.
Every version do the same: the last places get the better items and the firts place get bananas. If you are good enough that should not be a problem.
If you are good enoug driving to be in first place, just save and banana and never used until someone throws you a red shell.
If someone throw you a blue shell, just learn the tecnic to dodge the blue shell.
Fernando Rocker @ Apr 26th 2008 2:51PM
*save the banana
You need to use some tactics if you want to play like a pro. Weapons are not a problem for Mario Kart good players.
Fernando Rocker @ Apr 26th 2008 2:56PM
By the way... people need to realize that Mario Kart 64 is the worst in the series.
D_Average @ Apr 26th 2008 3:09PM
Rocker...
I challenge you to play MK64 and DD back to back today. Play the Star Cup at 150cc in each and count how many times you get hit buy a blue shell. Odds are, it'll be 20x more in DD.
I've been playing MK64 all week, in fact, just played itt for an hour yesterday and didn't get hit w/ single blue shell. In DD, you get hit in every race (unless you're in last).
Bottom line, the blue shell is a poorly designed item, and MK Wii should of at the very least had the option to remove it. After seeing what Nintendo did w/ Brawl and Galaxy, you can't help but get the impression they got lazy on this one.
Fernando Rocker @ Apr 26th 2008 3:11PM
But whats the problem with the blue shell?? Just dodge it! It's not that difficult to dodge it.
Fernando Rocker @ Apr 26th 2008 3:15PM
http://www.gamespot.com/wii/driving/mariokart/show_msgs.php?topic_id=m-1-42616216&pid=942008
People need to stop complaining about game-breaking Blue Shells. They are, in fact, extremely easy to dodge if you know what to do. In 150cc, like in Double Dash, you can avoid them simply by Mini-Turboing just as they prepare to strike. This of course means you have to know they're coming, so it works best in multiplayer, where you can see them pass your opponents' screens.
There are already videos on youtube... that Why Double Dash is my top favorite in all the series. It actualy requires a lot more skill than the 64 version.