I went into Mario Kart World with low expectations. Not because I don’t like the Mario Kart franchise, but the exact opposite. I loved Mario Kart 8 Deluxe so much and felt that it had done so much to perfect the game with tracks, drivers, and more that I was worried that Nintendo would either not be able to top that, or try too hard and make this newest entry feel like a mess of experimental features that nobody wanted. Thankfully, I am happy to report I was wrong, and Mario Kart World has managed to do the impossible.
Featuring fan-favorite modes like Grand Prix and new additions like Knockout Tour, Mario Kart World seems to effortlessly blend what players loved about older entries alongside updated graphics and fresh possibilities. If someone wants to simply race like they have always done in a Grand Prix race, they absolutely can. Yet, players looking for something new will find Mario Kart World offers the novelty of mini-games in Free Roam mode, costumes to unlock, and more.
Mario Kart World Had A Big Legacy To Stand Up To
And Somehow They Managed To Pull It Off
A couple of years back, I wrote an article about how I felt that the DLC for Mario Kart 8 was going to create a problem for its successor. At the time, I said that the sheer volume of wonderful courses and playable racers that the Booster Course Pass DLC added would make it difficult for any new Mario Kart to stand up against it.
However, the first thing that struck me while playing this latest entry in the series is the fact that Mario Kart World‘s courses are incredible. We may not have the plethora of 96 tracks that we enjoyed by the end of Mario Kart 8 Deluxe‘s lifespan. However, it’s important to remember that many of those Mario Kart 8 courses came in DLC packs that were released long after the original launch of the game. Therefore, it is entirely possible, if not probable, that Mario Kart World will also see additions in the coming years.
I also incorrectly predicted that the cartoonish nature of Mario Kart graphics would mean there wouldn’t be much of a visual upgrade to see. Again, here I was wrong. Seeing the two games side by side, especially when comparing comparable courses like Moo Moo Meadows or Sky-High Sundae, the graphical upgrade is absolutely there. Everything runs smoothly, and looks so good that, once again, I don’t know how the successor to Mario Kart World could ever improve on this.
New Modes Like Knockout Tour And Free Roam Have Me Sold
Fun Experiences In Addition To Familiar Favorites
Along with the familiar racing options, Mario Kart World adds a Knockout Tour and a Free Roam mode to the list of ways to play. Knockout Tour is a fun way to experience a longer race format with some tough competition. It feels like a battle royale style of kart racing, with 24 racers trying to stay ahead of everyone else as each checkpoint eliminates the stragglers. It is a much longer race, and I immediately felt the push to just try one more time to get that trophy.
Free Roam mode may be getting a lot of mixed opinions from players, but I have found it a wonderful addition to the game. I love the connectedness of the world and being able to roam freely throughout the map, randomly coming across the raceways, but also finding so much more. There are mini-games triggered by P Blocks that offer players small challenges to complete for coins and bragging rights. There’s a whole world to explore, full of secrets to find.
The Peach Medallion collectibles in Free Roam had been a bit confusing as to what they are there for, until I finally had to look it up online to see that you earn more stickers for finding them, and you need 10 to unlock Mirror Mode. As someone who enjoys collecting everything I can, this was enough for me. However, it does feel like the stickers aren’t as cool as they could be if players could make better use of them to show off their collections.
There’s a whole world to explore full of secrets to find.
My only real disappointment with Free Roam is that there is a lot of open space where more challenges or Easter eggs could have been placed. Though what is there is fun, it seems half-finished, and just needs a tiny bit more to become my favorite thing.
Unlocking New Outfits And Characters Has Become My Obsession
Loving The Variety Of Looks For These Characters, I Hope More Are Added
Both in the Free Roam mode and simply by racing on several of the tracks, you can find these Dash Food power-ups, which look like fast food bags, at Yoshi’s restaurants, stalls, and various other places. Not only are these food bags fun for offering yummy-looking alternatives to mushroom boosters with things like pizza and ice cream, but when the right character eats the right type of food, new outfits are unlocked.
With each of these new costume unlocks and playable characters that are in the game, there are 127 characters on the roster. If someone were to push to unlock everything in one sitting it can be quite a grind, and I would recommend having some other form of entertainment on in the background. However, getting each new look is like a mini dopamine rush for me, and I love finding them.
Unfortunately, unlocking some of the playable characters, like the Dolphin or Fish Bone, is a real challenge. The only way to unlock these options is by having another racer trigger a Kamek item, thereby sending Kamek out ahead to transform some of the racers in front of the person who used it. This is nearly impossible to do on your own, and can mean just racing a lot and hoping the NPCs or another player will get the right item. I will say, this method makes it all the more exciting when it does unlock, though.
Multiplayer Is As Wonderful As Ever
Perfect For Game Sessions With Friends
Sadly, my brother, with whom I usually play Mario Kart online, did not get his Nintendo Switch 2 before I needed to write this review, and therefore, I have not yet had the chance to experience online multiplayer. I did get to try out the local split-screen version, however, and had a blast with it. I am also grateful that it was easy to assign people to a team, so players on the couch together can play cooperatively in some modes, such as Balloon Battle or Coin Rush, to fight against NPC teams.
The online multiplayer can be a very important factor in a game like this, however, and I look forward to trying that out soon.
Final Thoughts And Review Score
ScreenRant Gives Mario Kart World A 9/10
As I said at the beginning, I went into Mario Kart World with tempered expectations, and was pleasantly blown away by how much fun this little game offers. The Nintendo Switch 2 may not have many launch titles, but I strongly feel that Mario Kart World made the purchase worth it for me. It not only looks beautiful, but every mode, new feature, and costume has done nothing but bring a smile to my face, easily prompting me to give Mario Kart World a 9/10.
It not only looks beautiful, but every mode, new feature, and costume has done nothing but bring a smile to my face, easily prompting me to give Mario Kart World a 9/10.
I do hope that there will be many updates in the months and years to come, with new courses, costumes, and more to provide fresh experiences to the game and help it stay popular for many years. I would absolutely love to see seasonal offerings in costumes, or maybe even some new things added to the world in Free Roam mode. But, even if the game stays exactly as it currently is, I will still enjoy every minute racing around Mario Kart World as either a Cow or Soft Serve Toadette.
Pros & Cons
- Costumes are a brilliant addition, adding more whimsy and objectives
- Knockout Tour is an entertaining new mode
- These courses are gorgeous
- Free Roam mode is a great way of making the game feel connected
- Free Roam mode feels like it needs a little more
- Wallriding is a great idea but difficult to execute
ScreenRant was provided with a digital Nintendo Switch code for the purpose of this review.
