Mario Kart World Is This the Chaos the Franchise Needed?

'Mario Kart World' Races Are More Chaotic—and Better—Than Ever

Nintendo is taking the beloved Mario Kart franchise in a bold new direction with Mario Kart World, a launch title for the upcoming Switch 2. Instead of a simple numbered sequel, the game signals an ambition to modernize and expand the traditional Mario Kart experience. After a decade-long wait for a new installment, the pressure was on, but early impressions suggest that Mario Kart World is poised to deliver.

WIRED recently had a hands-on opportunity at a private event in New York, diving into the game's single-player and multiplayer modes, including the new Knockout tour, battle arenas, and expansive open areas. While not a comprehensive review, the experience provided a tantalizing glimpse into what the Switch 2's debut title has to offer.

The most significant change, as the title suggests, is the introduction of a vast, interconnected world map called Free Roam. This feature allows players to explore every corner of the game, even outside of traditional races.

Imagine driving seamlessly from:

• Beachy tracks to
• Snowy mountains,
• Off-road adventures to
• Well-paved highways.

The possibilities seem endless!

Hidden within this expansive world are special challenges and unlockables, including drive-throughs that reward players with new outfits for their favorite characters. This world feels genuinely impressive in scale, a departure from previous games where exploration was limited to finding shortcuts during races.

While sticking to roads and highways is an option, the true joy of Mario Kart World lies in charting your own course between grand prix events. It’s about discovery and freedom.

Still from Mario Kart World. Courtesy of Nintendo

According to producer Kosuke Yabuki:

"The first thing that we had to think about was how to build in all of these racing routes all over that world like a network that overlays it. So in thinking of that network of all of these connected routes, we had to consider them one by one and make sure that each one was pleasurable and interesting, and that it would offer a lot of value and fun for the player no matter which way they went."

This statement highlights Nintendo's commitment to creating a truly engaging and rewarding open-world experience within the Mario Kart universe. It sounds as though the developers have truly been thinking about how to make the world a joy to navigate.

Mario Kart World appears to be more than just a new game; it's a reimagining of what a kart racer can be. With its open-world exploration, hidden challenges, and commitment to player freedom, it's shaping up to be a must-have title for the Switch 2 and a potential game-changer for the franchise. The blend of familiar racing action with the freedom of exploration promises a fresh and exciting experience for both longtime fans and newcomers alike. We eagerly await the full release to see if Mario Kart World truly lives up to its ambitious promise.

Tags: Mario Kart, Switch 2, Nintendo, Mario Kart World, Racing game, Video game, Free Roam, Knockout tour, Open world, Game review

Source: https://www.wired.com/story/mario-kart-world-first-impressions/