The Bluffer's Guide to Mario Kart

By Sam Leitch

Mario Kart – now with waggle

Mario Kart: it's been one of the most wanted games for the Wii ever since the system was first announced. With the game screaming towards release, we at NZGamer thought we would sit down and answer some frequently asked questions. So whether you're new to the Mario Kart craze, or want to catch up on the latest title, pull up a stool and get that banana peel primed!

So, Mario Kart, huh?

Yup, Mario Kart. For the uninitiated (insert comment about living under a rock), it’s a game that sees Mario and his pals (such as Luigi, Princess Peach, Bowser, and more) racing around tracks causing all sorts of mayhem. It's seen a release on every major Nintendo console since the Super NES many years ago.

So what’s the big deal?

The multiplayer. Mario Kart is down and dirty racing at its finest. There is always a heap of jostling going on, and we haven’t even mentioned the weapons yet. Oh yes, the glorious weapons – what could be more satisfying than ramming a red turtle shell down your best mate's throat?

If it’s been done so many times before, why should I buy this on Wii?

As well as the usual karts, the Wii game looks to shake things up a tad with motorbikes. Most casual gamers won’t have played the game since the Nintendo 64 as well, so getting people back into the game with new motion controls should be a hoot. Oh, and there’s stunts too…stunts are awesome!

Stunts? That sounds a little lame!

Yeah, I admit it, I thought so too. They are not a prominent part of the game though and do give you a speed boost, so it shouldn’t make a simple game much more complicated.

Do those little ‘Mii’ freaks make an appearance? I like those guys, mine looks like a cauliflower.

If racing those little fellows wasn’t enough, you will also see them as spectators cheering on the race. Cauliflower?

But the graphics are a bit stink, eh?

The graphics actually look quite good. The tracks are imaginative, the characters bright. Sure it won’t be a game you bring out as a tech demo, but the graphics certainly do their job. Anyone that actually plays the game will be hooked within five minutes, guaranteed.

And you get a bit of plastic? Awesome!

Yes, you get a round wheel to pop your ‘Wii-mote’ into. Sure seems simple, but word from people that have used it is that it’s surprisingly effective and comfortable. Who would have thunk it?

So earlier you said the multiplayer was a key feature. Is it online?

Sure is. You can race up to 11 opponents on any track – sounds like sheer carnage, if you can navigate through Nintendo's friend codes. Of course, there is always the party favourite – four player split screen. You bring the chips, I’ll bring the dip!

Hmmm, sounds kind of awesome actually.

Yeah, we think so too. I personally can’t wait to beat the other staff down with my supreme Mario Kart skills!

 del.icio.us  StumbleUpon  Facebook  Reddit