Mario Kart Wii

LiKuidLinsang · 04-28-2008

Mario Kart Wii was released April 11, 2008 in Europe and April 27, 2008 in North America. I got it yesterday, and I am actually very pleased overall.

Just like Super Smash Bros. Brawl, you can use a multitude of control methods (Wii Remote, Wii Remote + Wii Wheel, Wii Remote + Nunchuk, Wii Remote + Classic Rontroller, or GameCube controller). Using the Wii Wheel with the Wii Remote set near the center, it actually makes the game just a bit more challenging, in my opinion. The GameCube controller makes things a little easier. I have not tried any of the other methods, so I cannot comment on those.

Mario Kart Wii introduces motorbikes! They've got their own features which make them different from karts. There are seven stats you need to look at, nonetheless, to find the right kart/bike for you.

Not to mention is the fact that you can go online and race up to 11 other players around the world (or in your region, or even just friends). You can also do balloon and coin battles with teams and fight for the most balloons/coins until the time is up. Your virtual rating in both battles and races that determine who you are matched up with. You can check out rankings and download ghosts on the Mario Kart Channel, and every once in a while, there will be a tournament held for a limited time.

If you want to learn more about Mario Kart Wii, check out the website.

So, has anyone else played Mario Kart Wii or plans on purchasing it? What are your thoughts?

BoyEngland · 04-28-2008

I played it when it first came out here and I was not impressed in the slightest.

The Wii Wheel doesn't add any excitement to the game because the motion censor bar on the Wii is horrible when you are passing the controller around. If you sit in one place it works fine, you sit 3 feet to the left and it's almost totally unresponsive.

The gameplay is very much like the N64 version. I loved the N64 Mario Kart, but I for one don't expect to see almost identical gameplay around 10 years later.

The bikes are fun and are probably easier when using the wheel, the combination of wheel and kart just provides for annoyance rather than fun.

Have they fixed the bug yet where you can turn around at the end of the lap and end the race?

strictlystyles · 04-28-2008

Even tho the gameplay is fundamentally the same, its still not your older brothers mario kart. Introducing to a new generation of gamers is the key selling point here, and it does a really good job since even tho its the same, its different ya kno? The only point where they ****ed up was releasing it in the US on the same day(night) as GTA4, I immediatly cancelled my reserve. Its gonna have to wait until june LOL!

BoyEngland · 04-28-2008

I thought it was already out in the US? I doubt any developer would release on the same night as GTAIV, it would affect the launch sales of both games.

Don't get me wrong though, I like Mario Kart 64, but there's no way we should be playing games like that anymore. 2 consoles later and Nintendo still cant provide games that are totally new, innovative, and entertaining.

Quite frankly, I am tired of seeing Mario, Zelda, and all the other characters that go along with them. I can't see the point in it anymore. The Smash Brothers game are very similar every release, so are the Mario Kart games, Zelda games, Mario Party games, etc.

Of course don't fix what isn't broken, but they were never really good to begin with. I also realise that many games in a series for any console are similar, but no developer out there keep milking the same old **** like Nintendo does.

strictlystyles · 04-28-2008

im sorry it came out yesterday officially, but it might has well have come out today, since this close of a timeframe from gta is definitly going to hurt sales.
You cant say nintendo is really milking the franchise tho, since they only come out with one mariokart per system, and it always has a new mechanic that keeps it from feeling too stale. This time the mechanic is motion control and motorcycles.

LiKuidLinsang · 04-28-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by BoyEngland

I thought it was already out in the US? I doubt any developer would release on the same night as GTAIV, it would affect the launch sales of both games.

The U.S. got it last, which is quite odd. =P

Quote:

Originally Posted by BoyEngland

Don't get me wrong though, I like Mario Kart 64, but there's no way we should be playing games like that anymore. 2 consoles later and Nintendo still cant provide games that are totally new, innovative, and entertaining.

Nintendo's CONSOLE is new, innovative, and entertaining. It may not always have graphics that rival that of the PS3 or Xbox 360, but in my opinion, graphics are the last thing you should worry about when looking for fun.

I am looking forward to Wii Fit and many other things to come.

Quote:

Originally Posted by BoyEngland

Quite frankly, I am tired of seeing Mario, Zelda, and all the other characters that go along with them. I can't see the point in it anymore. The Smash Brothers game are very similar every release, so are the Mario Kart games, Zelda games, Mario Party games, etc.

People enjoy visiting these characters and the worlds they live in, and that's one big thing that keeps a franchise going. It's a fact, so I don't know what's wrong.

Quote:

Originally Posted by BoyEngland

Of course don't fix what isn't broken, but they were never really good to begin with. I also realise that many games in a series for any console are similar, but no developer out there keep milking the same old **** like Nintendo does.

That's your opinion, but let the sales records for Mario Kart Wii speak -- especially in the UK.

strictlystyles · 04-28-2008

I think he was speaking lightly in his claims, but even if Nintendo was milking the franchise, they rarely give people a game they havent been asking for.

BoyEngland · 04-28-2008

I realise that those characters are a huge selling point for Nintendo, but I don't think I'm the only one in the world who wants to see a new character or set of characters which can "take over" from the current ones.

The sales statistics for Mario kart may be high, but I know 3 people who have it (all Nintendo fanboys/girls) and they all say it's a huge let down to the series and the console.

Wii Fit isn't anything spectacular either. I watched my 3 year old cousin successfully do the yoga and left the room. Plus me and "fit" aren't terms that go together with "un" as a prefix.

strictlystyles · 04-28-2008

Oh Noes! no set of characters will ever replace the current. They are too beloved by the world. However nintendo is good at introducing new characters, and giving older, minor characters, bigger roles. It actually does work for them. I personally like the new characters in wii kart.

LiKuidLinsang · 04-28-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by strictlystyles

I think he was speaking lightly in his claims, but even if Nintendo was milking the franchise, they rarely give people a game they havent been asking for.

I know he was speaking lightly of his claims. I may have come off hard in my statements, and I apologize.

Nintendo isn't the only one who rarely gives people a game they haven't been aksing for. Solution: if I want a different experience and a different list of characters, I go to a different game; it's as simple as that. I'm no Nintendo fanboy, I just like good games, and Mario Kart Wii satisfies me! My sister swears up and down at it, though.