Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com en-us Copyright 2008 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/MGS4 runs 12 circles around closest competitor first week in Japanhttp://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/19/mgs4-runs-12-circles-around-closest-competitor-first-week-in-jap/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/19/mgs4-runs-12-circles-around-closest-competitor-first-week-in-jap/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/19/mgs4-runs-12-circles-around-closest-competitor-first-week-in-jap/#commentsFiled under: , ,

We already knew sales of Metal Gear Solid 4 were good for Japan, with Famitsu reporting earlier that 476,000 copies had been sold in the first few days of release. According to Media Create, that figure sneaks in an extra 11,000, as they're only tracking 465,000 in sales for the first week (via Gamasutra).

Despite the missing units, the launch provides some interesting statistics. MGS4 moved over 12 times as many units as its closest competitor, Mario Kart Wii (38,000), and more than double that of the non-Metal Gear top 10 combined. Sorry, Snake, there's no place to hide in Japan.

Snake? Snaaaake? SNAAAAAAKE! Check out our Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots page for all things Metal Gear. While you're at it, enter for your chance to win a copy of MGS4 signed by Hideo Kojima!

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>japanjapanese-software-salesmario-kart-wiimedia-createmetal-gear-solid-4mgs4Ross Miller2008-06-19T14:00:00+00:00Mario Kart Wii tournament features new 'Galaxy Colosseum' stagehttp://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/02/mario-kart-wii-tournament-features-new-galaxy-colosseum-stage/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/02/mario-kart-wii-tournament-features-new-galaxy-colosseum-stage/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/02/mario-kart-wii-tournament-features-new-galaxy-colosseum-stage/#commentsFiled under: ,

mario kart
A new stage. A new challenge. A new way to play Mario Kart Wii. Is this Nintendo doing DLC? Not so fast.

We're not certain if Mario Kart Wii's new "Galaxy Colosseum" stage is actually downloaded or simply unlocked from the game disc by downloading the latest Tournament update -- either way, you could argue it's "DLC." But what's its value as additional Kart content? If the stage disappears when the tourney expires on June 9, then the freebie ranks as negligible (currently, Galaxy Colosseum is only playable through the online Tournament mode). Even if it's archived in a single-player mode, the timed minigame (knock four Spiky Topmen out of the arena using mushroom bursts as fast as you can) is an incredibly dull use of a Super Mario Galaxy crossover. Keep trying, Nintendo. And we'll keep dreaming.

[Via Nintendo Wii Fanboy]

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>galaxy-colosseummario-kartmario-kart-wiispiky-topmensuper-mario-galaxyJames Ransom-Wiley2008-06-02T19:00:00+00:00A DIY Mario Kart Wii training wheelhttp://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/21/a-diy-mario-kart-wii-training-wheel/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/21/a-diy-mario-kart-wii-training-wheel/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/21/a-diy-mario-kart-wii-training-wheel/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Are you still struggling with the Wii Wheel in Mario Kart, despite everyone online who's kicking your derrière while using it? Nintendo Wii Fanboy's Revolutionary columnist Mike Sylvester has a rather, erm, revolutionary idea: a do-it-yourself training wheel to help add subtlety to your turning. Check out the article for more information; a video demonstration is embedded after the break.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>diymario-kartmario-kart-wiinintendowii-wheelRoss Miller2008-05-21T17:00:00+00:00Nintendo bans Hitler from Mario Kart Wiihttp://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/19/nintendo-bans-hitler-from-mario-kart-wii/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/19/nintendo-bans-hitler-from-mario-kart-wii/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/19/nintendo-bans-hitler-from-mario-kart-wii/#commentsFiled under:

Looks like sein kampf just got a little härter. As if it wasn't bad enough that Hitler's Xbox Live account was banned for modding, he's now being excluded from Mario Kart Wii as well. As Nintendo Everything recently reported, those with the Mii license of "Hitler" attempting to log on to the game will receive a message that such user names are not allowed on the Nintendo Wi-Fi service.

While we support the move, we worry about the effect this will have on the completely hate-free "Li'l Hitler" (no relation to the full-size despot). The only thing he tries to completely eradicate from the globe is frowns.

[Via NWF]

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>hitlermario-kart-wiinintendoJustin McElroy2008-05-19T15:56:00+00:00April NPD: GTA IV, Mario Kart Wii race to the tophttp://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/15/april-npd-gta-iv-mario-kart-wii-race-to-the-top/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/15/april-npd-gta-iv-mario-kart-wii-race-to-the-top/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/15/april-npd-gta-iv-mario-kart-wii-race-to-the-top/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,


Things that won't surprise you

April proved to be yet another lucrative month for the ol' gaming biz, with total industry sales reaching $1.23 billion, reports GameDaily. Software sales in particular grew to $654.7 million, an increase of 68% carried on the fine leather seats of Grand Theft Auto IV's recently stolen convertible. Rockstar's urban riffraff romp sold 2.85 million copies -- that's 1.85 million on Xbox 360 and 1 million on PS3 -- while Nintendo's Wii took the top spot in hardware sales. Mario Kart Wii, however, had to settle for second place.

Things that will surprise you

It was a photo finish for the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3, but the photographers had likely packed up and left for the day by the time the steeds reached the finish line. Selling 188K and 187.1K units respectively, the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 were thoroughly bested by the systems that didn't have GTA IV. We'd feel a bit silly if we were them.

- Wii: 714.2K 6.8K (0.94%)
- DS: 414.8K 283.2K (40.6%)
- PSP: 192.7K 104.3K (35.1%)
- Xbox 360: 188K 74K (28.2%)
- PS3: 187.1K 69.9K (27.2%)
- PS2: 124.4K 91.6K (42.4%)

You'll find the top ten in software sales after the break.

April Software

1. GTA IV - Xbox 360 - 1.85 million*
2. Mario Kart Wii - Wii - 1.12 million
3. GTA IV - PS3 - 1.00 million*
4. Wii Play w/ remote - Wii - 360K
5. Super Smash Bros. Brawl - Wii - 326K
6. Gran Turismo 5: Prologue - PS3 - 224K
7. Pokemon Mystery Dungeon: Explorers of Darkness - DS - 202K
8. Pokemon Mystery Dungeon: Explorers of Time - DS - 202K
9. Guitar Hero III - Wii - 152K
10. Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare - Xbox 360 - 141K*

* includes bundles, collector's editions, GOTY editions

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>BreakingNewsGTAIVMario-Kart-WiiMicrosoftNintendoNPDRockstarSonyLudwig Kietzmann2008-05-15T19:45:00+00:00Nintendo releases first Mario Kart Wii tournamenthttp://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/01/nintendo-releases-first-mario-kart-wii-tournament/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/01/nintendo-releases-first-mario-kart-wii-tournament/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/01/nintendo-releases-first-mario-kart-wii-tournament/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Nintendo has announced the launch of worldwide Mario Kart Wii Tournaments, which will be coming every few weeks. The first one, available now, is a competition for fastest time on Mario Circuit. "Look closely though," said the press release, "something may be different." (For whatever reason, we haven't been able to get online to see what difference there might be.)

Best times will be recorded and viewed on worldwide rankings. Future tournaments might also include collecting coins and Wii Wheel-specific challenges.

Need a Kart fix? Check out all our coverage of Mario Kart Wii!

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>mariomario-kartmario-kart-wiinintendonintendo-wfctournamentsRoss Miller2008-05-01T20:55:00+00:00Joyswag: Win our copies of Mario Kart Wii (and some launch swag)http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/29/joyswag-win-our-copies-mario-kart-wii-and-some-launch-swag/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/29/joyswag-win-our-copies-mario-kart-wii-and-some-launch-swag/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/29/joyswag-win-our-copies-mario-kart-wii-and-some-launch-swag/#commentsFiled under: , ,


[Update: Entry period is over, folks. We're contacting the winners by email, so go check!]
Looking for some new wheels? How about two of 'em -- that's right, two Wii Wheels, and we'll even throw in a copy of Mario Kart Wii ($49.99 value) with each (and, if you're lucky, an "I Heart Kart" air freshener), as well as some miscellaneous swag from the NYC launch party (1 t-shirt, 1 sticker and one "driver's license," a $15 value). Just follow these five steps and a winner can be you!
  • To enter this giveaway, leave a comment on any of the designated gallery pictures (one, two, three) with your favorite track from the Mario Kart series.
  • You must be 18 years or older and a resident of the US or Canada (excluding Quebec -- désolée!).
  • Limit 1 entry per gallery picture, per person
  • This entry period ends at 8:00pm ET on Friday, May 2nd. We'll randomly select the winners at that time (please check your email!).
  • For a list of complete rules, click here.

Gallery: Mario Kart Joyswag Giveaway

Our 1st copy of Mario Kart WiiOur 2nd copy of Mario Kart WiiOur Mario Kart Wii launch swag

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>joyswagmariomario-kartmario-kart-wiinintendowii-wheelRoss Miller2008-04-29T13:00:00+00:00Mario Kart Wii NYC launch: Mario + Priestley = BFFhttp://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/28/mario-kart-wii-nyc-launch-mario-priestley-bff/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/28/mario-kart-wii-nyc-launch-mario-priestley-bff/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/28/mario-kart-wii-nyc-launch-mario-priestley-bff/#commentsFiled under: , ,

itsame!
Click for high-resolution version

At the Nintendo World Store on Saturday, Mario and has-been heartthrob Jason Priestley combined forces to promote Mario Kart Wii. It was an unconventional union with perfect ties: Two products of the early 90s (90210 debuted in the fall of 1990, Mario Kart two years later) with a passion for racing. However, Priestley wasn't the only pseudo-star wearing a smug smile, as Gossip Girl's Chace Crawford made a surprise appearance to appease the crowd of young debutantes, while their mothers snuck photo ops with their old crush. Mario, of course, remained the most popular persona of the afternoon. After all, who could deny the charm of that adorable mustache?

For pics of the debaucherous after party (was Peach really not wearing any ... !) you'll have to try TMZ -- we were just there for the family-friendly festivities, where young and old challenged one another for racing supremacy. 250 lucky attendees were able to purchase the game early, while everyone had the opportunity to enter a tournament and go hands-on with the Wii Wheel. The top three tourney racers went on to challenge Priestley for a chance to win a Wii and copy of Mario Kart. Of course, there was only one winner: Nazareth (was it divine intervention?). The champion received his brand new system and game, a high-five from Mario, and all-important bragging rights. (So much for Priestley's experience on the race track.)

Other highlights from the Nintendo World Store party? Best Mario Kart t-shirt ever. So, cruise through the rest of our photo gallery below and then be sure to check out Game Daily's interview with Jason Priestley. Is the man a gamer? Find out.

Gallery: Mario Kart Wii Launch Party

Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>mariomario-kartmario-kart-wiinintendo-world-storeMajed Athab2008-04-28T16:15:00+00:00Joystiq's official Mario Kart Wii friend codes über-listhttp://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/27/joystiqs-official-mario-kart-wii-friend-codes-uber-list-12-01a/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/27/joystiqs-official-mario-kart-wii-friend-codes-uber-list-12-01a/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/27/joystiqs-official-mario-kart-wii-friend-codes-uber-list-12-01a/#commentsFiled under: ,

Are you feeling lost, lonely, scared of racing with computers or unknown online drivers? Fear not, Joystiq reader, you have a whole community of gamers who will scare you for entirely different reasons. Please consider this the official post for the Joystiq community to drop their Mario Kart Wii digits. A couple quick ground rules:
  • All that's required is the Kart code and not your Wii digits. Please don't post your Wii code.
  • This post is only for Kart codes.
  • This post is only for Kart codes, seriously!
--Love, Joystiq

Need a Kart fix? Check out all our coverage of Mario Kart Wii!

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>mariomario-kartmario-kart-wiinintendoRoss Miller2008-04-27T00:01:00+00:00A walkthrough of Mario Kart Wii's online multiplayerhttp://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/26/an-online-walkthrough-of-mario-kart-wii/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/26/an-online-walkthrough-of-mario-kart-wii/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/26/an-online-walkthrough-of-mario-kart-wii/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

We decided to create a gallery outlining the steps you'll go through to play the game online. Click here to get acquainted. While Europe is laughing that they already have the game, US gamers finally get their hands on Mario Kart and midnight tonight.

(Note: Due to technical difficulties, we had to physically take pictures of the game running in 480i. The quality of the images does not affect what Mario Kart Wii actually looks like.)

Need a Kart fix? Check out all our coverage of Mario Kart Wii!

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>how-tomariomario-kartmario-kart-wiionlinewalkthroughRoss Miller2008-04-26T21:15:00+00:00Reminder: Mario Kart Wii has voice chat, it's called XBL, PSN, Skype, etc.http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/26/reminder-mario-kart-wii-has-voice-chat-its-called-xbl-psn-s/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/26/reminder-mario-kart-wii-has-voice-chat-its-called-xbl-psn-s/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/26/reminder-mario-kart-wii-has-voice-chat-its-called-xbl-psn-s/#commentsFiled under: ,

We thought it'd be best to reprint our advice from the Super Smash Bros. Brawl release: if you want to chat up your friends while doing laps in Mario Kart Wii, here are five options we found -- harnessing the power of other consoles or a com-pu-ter -- for chatting up your friends. (Looking for a place to share your Kart friend codes? We'll set up a über-list post closer to tonight's US release. Here's a link to the über-list.)
  • Xbox Live: Or as we've come to know it -- Kart LIVE(R). Just set up private chat and off you go. Got more than one friend? Go into a Halo 3 lobby (you do have Halo 3, right?).
  • PSN: Start up a new chat under the "friends" section of the XMB. Invite all the friends you want and wait for them to join. Works and sounds exceptional! USB and Bluetooth compatible.
  • Skype: Set up a conference call.
  • TeamSpeak or Ventrilo: Guilds, clans and other computer types know these services. Perfect for guildies racing together.
  • Nintendo DS: Use Metroid Prime Hunters or Pokémon Diamond or Pearl. Warning: More inane codes required to pull this option off. There are also homebrew options.
Of course, if none of these options are viable, might we suggest using a classic: The phone.
Need a Kart fix? Check out all our coverage of Mario Kart Wii!

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>mariomario-kartmario-kart-wiinintendopsnskypeteamspeakventrilovoicevoice-chatxbox-liveRoss Miller2008-04-26T19:30:00+00:00Metareview (US Edition) -- Mario Kart Wii (Wii)http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/26/metareview-us-edition-mario-kart-wii-wii/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/26/metareview-us-edition-mario-kart-wii-wii/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/26/metareview-us-edition-mario-kart-wii-wii/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Yes, Europe. It's shocking, but Mario Kart Wii comes out in North America tomorrow. But, y'all are probably over the latest real kart simulator and have moved on to enjoying Wii Fit. The continent where the history comes from already reviewed Mario Kart Wii many moons ago and rated it a perfectly competent experience. What do the American outlets think? Pretty much the same thing.
  • 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

Need a Kart fix? Check out all our coverage of Mario Kart Wii!

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>mario-kart-wiimariokartwiimetareviewmetareviewsnintendoAlexander Sliwinski2008-04-26T14:00:00+00:00This Week in Review isn't snaking either wayhttp://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/25/this-week-in-review-isnt-snaking-either-way/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/25/this-week-in-review-isnt-snaking-either-way/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/25/this-week-in-review-isnt-snaking-either-way/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

We've had our hands full today mulling over what we should play -- Mario Kart Wii or Metal Gear Online, both titles we weren't expecting until the weekend. We were going to use the snaking joke regardless of the headlining game, but then we realized that you will not be snaking in either game.

We've got a rather hefty This Week in Review today. Check out all of our hands-on impressions and reviews from the Joystiq Network this week:

Nintendo Wii
PlayStation 3
Nintendo DS
  • MLB 2K8 Fantasy All-Stars (Review)
  • Pokemon Mystery Dungeon 2 (Review)
Xbox 360
Sony PSP

Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>mario-kartmario-kart-wiithis-week-in-reviewRoss Miller2008-04-25T23:30:00+00:00The Mario Kart Wii controller showdownhttp://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/25/the-definitive-mario-kart-wii-controller-showdown/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/25/the-definitive-mario-kart-wii-controller-showdown/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/25/the-definitive-mario-kart-wii-controller-showdown/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

There are five ways to handle your racer in Mario Kart Wii: Wii Remote solo, Wii Remote embedded in Wii Wheel, Wii Remote with Nunchuk, Classic Controller, and GameCube controller. But, removing all other variables, which control method is the best? Are there really limitations to not using the Wii Wheel? We decided to pull out the ever-trusty "scientific method" and determine, once and for all, the best kart controller.

The Setup

To isolate the control scheme variable, we used a controlled setting. Given the stability of the control scheme, we stuck as close as we could to the following strategy:
  • Mario using Standard Kart M or Standard Bike B, Manual Power Slides
  • Solo Time Trial on Luigi Circuit
  • First curve must be normal turn
  • Power sliding all the way through second curve (until orange if possible)
  • At next straightway, use a boost mushroom at second set of adjacent pipes, go off the course and over the ramp, and do a trick mid-air
  • Power sliding through final curve, avoiding boosters (until orange if possible)
  • (Bike only) Performing a wheelie from end of curve until crossing finish line
We ran three trials with each control scheme and each bike (that's 3 x 5 x 2 = 30 separate trials), recording the best lap and best time for each.

The Results
Kart
Bike
Best Time Best Lap Best Time Best Lap
GCN Controller 1.29.169 29.14 1.31.405 29.69
Classic Controller 1.30.093 29.343 1.31.889 29.874
Wii Remote 1.35.31 30.659 1.36.774 30.932
Wii Wheel 1.32.799 29.706 1.34.247 31.060
Nunchuk 1.30.070 29.499 1.30.481 29.398

Other Thoughts
  • Double Dash veterans beware! The control scheme using the GameCube controller is very different.
  • When used alone, the Wii Remote is incredibly unstable. We had a difficult time staying on course, never mind managing to execute a power slide. Mid-air tricks took noticeably more effort than simply pressing a button.
  • The Wii Wheel was a lot more accurate than we expected. The added weight helped counteract much of the instability we experienced while using the Wii Remote on its own.
  • Performing tricks on the GCN controller or Classic Controller, via the D-pad, feels awkward. We're not fond of removing our thumb from the joystick, only to dart back to it when we need to turn. (But such is the cost of showing off.)
  • We never want to play Luigi Circuit again. Ever.
  • Mario is setting a very bad example for the children by not wearing a helmet while riding on a motorcycle. You'd think all those smash attacks to the head would've knocked some sense into him.
Conclusions

We guessed beforehand that the GameCube Controller would dominate in every category, so it was somewhat unexpected when the Wii Remote and Nunchuk combination fared so well, especially when using a bike. Not surprisingly, the Classic Controller had almost the exact same times as the GCN controller.

We've also come to understand why Nintendo is pushing the Wii Wheel so vigorously -- without it, the Wii Remote option is just dreadful. If you're worried about precision, we'd suggest a more traditional style (GCN controller or Classic Con). If you're looking for fun, take the Wii Wheel for a spin. Our best all-around controller scheme is actually the Wii Remote and Nunchuk combo. But seriously, no matter what your choice becomes, avoid the Wii Remote solo option at all times!


Pen and paper stat tracking? Oh yes! (We used an abacus for complex calculations too.)

Need a Kart fix? Check out all our coverage of Mario Kart Wii!

Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>classic-controllergamecube-controllergcn-controllerjoystiqfeaturesmariomario-kartmario-kart-wiinintendonunchukwii-remotewii-wheelRoss Miller2008-04-25T13:00:00+00:00First impressions: Mario Kart Wiihttp://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/25/first-impressions-mario-kart-wii/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/25/first-impressions-mario-kart-wii/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/25/first-impressions-mario-kart-wii/#commentsFiled under: , ,

We've been tailing Mario Kart Wii since its announcement at E3 last year, but now that we have an actual retail copy to play at home, we're finally able to share with you some quick impressions of the game. Click through to read our thoughts on the Wii Wheel, online multiplayer, the Mario Kart channel and more:
  • Wii Wheel: Nintendo's packaged peripheral is not as bad as we feared, especially when compared to playing the game with just the Wii remote. Nintendo has integrated a Wii Wheel icon into the game that appears next to your name when you use the wheel and tracks your "Wii Wheel %" usage. Truthfully, as long as you play without attachments (Wii Wheel or not), it'll count towards this stat, but trust us: you will not want to use the Wii remote without the wheel. There's also a golden Wii Wheel icon -- and from what we gather the "gold" means you've won a number matches using the peripheral (a "master," if you will). Despite the usability of the wheel, we still prefer the Classic Controller or Wii remote plus Nunchuk. Click here for a more detailed analysis.
  • Online Multiplayer: Options include worldwide, regional and friends. The numerical ranking will probably end up as addicting as it was in Tetris DS. Choosing worldwide, we had 12 opponents within a minute, most of them from Japan (with one player from Austria). One neat visual cue is a spinning globe that geographically pinpoints exactly where the players are. As an added bonus, you get to see the other players' games while you wait to join, and unlike Smash Bros. Brawl, you actually see the names of the opponents you're racing against. Online matches were lag-free, though we have no idea how well the game's servers will hold up on launch day and the weeks following.
  • Nostalgia: There's no way around it. For better or worse, this game is like every other Mario Kart game you've played. The mechanics most closely resemble that of Mario Kart DS, with drifting and hopping power slides. And of course, the nostalgia is most fueled by the tracks, half being from previous games in the series.
  • Rubber Band AI: File this under "bad nostalgia." In our very first race, we ended up passing into first place 30 seconds from the finish line. At that point, we were hit by (and we're not exaggerating here) a red shell, a blue shell and a lightning bolt, all in quick succession. Needless to say, we dropped to 8th almost instantly. Like all other Mario Kart games, it's best to hang around in 2nd or 3rd place until the very last moment.
  • New Additions: So far, we've had a positive experience with all the new items and stages we've seen. The addition of bikes is also interesting, although we've yet to see a noticeable benefit from performing a wheelie.
  • Mario Kart Channel: A welcome addition! We hope more online-centric Wii games start capitalizing on this idea. View your friends, check out/download ghost data, rankings (sorted by friends, region and worldwide), join in tournaments, and invite friends via your console-specific friends list all from the Wii's main menu.
Need a Kart fix? Check out all our coverage of Mario Kart Wii!

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>hands-onimpressionsmariomario-kartmario-kart-wiinintendoRoss Miller2008-04-25T12:00:00+00:00Keep on Kartin': A Mario Kart Retrospectivehttp://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/25/keep-on-kartin-a-mario-kart-retrospective/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/25/keep-on-kartin-a-mario-kart-retrospective/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/25/keep-on-kartin-a-mario-kart-retrospective/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Nintendo has said it considers Mario Kart Wii a "bridge game" -- a title that converts casual, Wii Sports-playing Wii owners into a more hardcore, game-buying type. For those bridge gamers, this quick retrospective will help fill you in on the history that has made the Mario Kart series one of the most beloved in gaming. For everyone else, it's a stroll down memory lane and a starting point for discussion about your hopes and fears for the impending Mario Kart Wii.

Let's roll! -->
Need a Kart fix? Check out all our coverage of Mario Kart Wii!

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>featuregallerymario-kartmario-kart-wiiNintendoracingretrospectivewii-wheelKyle Orland2008-04-25T11:00:00+00:00Jason Priestley is helping to promote Mario Karthttp://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/25/jason-priestley-is-helping-to-promote-mario-kart/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/25/jason-priestley-is-helping-to-promote-mario-kart/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/25/jason-priestley-is-helping-to-promote-mario-kart/#commentsFiled under: ,


When you think celebrity, racing and Mario Kart, only one name really comes to mind: Jason Priestley. That's why the actor is a perfect choice to be the final boss of sorts for tomorrow's Mario Kart Wii tournament at the Nintendo World Store in NYC.

You should know though that when we think Jason Priestley, we also think August 11, 2002, when he plowed his Indy Pro Series car into a wall at 180 miles an hour at the Kentucky Speedway before making a speedy and complete recovery. So try to remember that when he's dropping the 90210wnage -- he's also loco and possibly the T-1000.

Gallery: Mario Kart Wii

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>jason-priestleymario-kart-wiinintendoJustin McElroy2008-04-25T09:30:00+00:00Watch Mario give tourists and disgruntled New Yorkers a cab ridehttp://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/24/watch-mario-give-tourists-and-disgruntled-new-yorkers-a-cab-ride/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/24/watch-mario-give-tourists-and-disgruntled-new-yorkers-a-cab-ride/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/24/watch-mario-give-tourists-and-disgruntled-new-yorkers-a-cab-ride/#commentsFiled under: , ,

In preparation of the upcoming release of Mario Kart Wii, Nintendo held a rather quirky promotion in front of the Sheraton New York hotel in Midtown Manhattan. Confused tourists and businesspeople walked by as a giant costumed Mario, Wii Wheel in hand, gave away free cab rides for the willing.

Many, afraid of a potential scam, simply ignored Mario's kind offer. Others, however, were far more willing to jump in a cab hailed by the Italian gaming icon. Nintendo's offer of $10 to the cab drivers, while generous, would probably get most riders down to Times Square, before the gridlock of traffic consumed Nintendo's free fare. Ouch.

Gallery: Mario hails cabs in NYC

Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>mariomario-kartmario-kart-wiinintendotaxiAndrew Yoon2008-04-24T20:00:00+00:00Mario Kart Wii: The Unboxinghttp://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/24/mario-kart-wii-the-unboxing/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/24/mario-kart-wii-the-unboxing/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/24/mario-kart-wii-the-unboxing/#commentsFiled under: , ,

We got home this afternoon to find a rather large shoebox at our doorstep. Contained within: our very own Mario Kart Wii. We can't simply enjoy our excitement alone, of course, so check out our unboxing gallery. We'll have full impressions of the anticipated racer soon.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>mariomario-kartmario-kart-wiinintendounboxingwii-wheelRoss Miller2008-04-24T19:00:00+00:00Wii Fanboy Weekly: Apr. 17 - Apr. 23http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/23/wii-fanboy-weekly-apr-17-apr-23/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/23/wii-fanboy-weekly-apr-17-apr-23/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/23/wii-fanboy-weekly-apr-17-apr-23/#commentsFiled under:



What a week to be a Wii Fanboy. Not only are we giving away 5, count 'em, 5 copies of Mario Kart Wii, but we're also paying homage to the game by contributing a new feature every day up until its release. On Sunday, we spoke about the franchise's history. On Monday, we talked about the alternate kart universe and what the racers could be ripping through turns in. Yesterday, we talked about substitute Wii Wheels. Today, it's all about who else we would like to see make an appearance in a Mario Kart game.

Oh, and did we mention we're giving away 5 copies of Mario Kart Wii?

Features:
Videos:
Other Items of Interest:

Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>mario-kartmario-kart-wiiweekly-recapDavid Hinkle2008-04-23T21:30:00+00:00