Alright, here we go.
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Okay, so picture this. Mario Kart World on the Nintendo Switch 2. New console, new game, right? Been spinning those wheels for weeks? You still in the race or has the kart taken a breather? Let’s see what’s under the hood now that the initial hype is kinda settling down.
It’s like…the first brand new Mario Kart in, what, over a decade? Crazy. Loads to live up to, right? And hey, 24 bikes and karts jostling about might seem like a traffic jam, but the tracks? Wide open. Like, seriously, no more getting bumped around by someone who’s miles behind you.
Racing solo? Sure thing. Multiplayer or online? That’s where it gets fun. And let me tell ya, the first online race with my pals? Mind-blown. Smooth like butter. Even won a couple races, which is like, I dunno, a big deal for me. Customizing everything to your liking, though, that’s the jam. But start solo, you know, to find your groove. Or your wheels, whatever.
Grand Prix, Time Trials, VS Race—they’re all back. Classic stuff, right? But no 200cc. 150cc is sharp as ever. The star though? Knockout Tour. Talk about adrenaline. Each checkpoint boots the last four racers. It’s like, pure concentration. Your blink game better be strong. Oh, and check this—defaults to “Smart Steering,” which, why? Right?
So, Battle mode. Meh. What’s going on there? Only Balloon Battle and Coin Runners. Feels half-baked, don’t ya think? Some tracks, like Mario Kart 8’s Wii U days—kinda hit or miss. They’ve got you driving around looking for other players like some weird hide-and-seek. Been into this mode since like forever. Fingers crossed for some love there.
If you’ve got eagle eyes, there’s this nifty little map icon, right there on the main screen. Lets you free roam all over. Missed it at first—I know, shocking. So it’s like, maybe Nintendo’s betting more on Knockout Tour?
This Free Roam thing—it’s a chill pill, honestly. Driving around for coins or photos. Day turns into night. Almost makes you wanna jump out and roam on foot. But those P Switches? They’re mini-missions, right? Some of them are tough nuts to crack. More jumping, new rail riding—definitely not a walk in the park.
Updates? Heck yeah, sign me up. Better mission tracking would save some head-scratching. Seriously, all those costumes? C’mon. Let’s tidy that up a bit. Plus, these stickers. They’re like those random things you find in your glove box—kinda pointless, right?
Anyway—um, back to the tracks. Long P Switch missions on classic tracks. That’s a win. The soundtrack though? Pure gold. Imagine your own playlist while cruising. Maybe I’m getting ahead of myself. Who knows.
Surprisingly—sort of—a bit torn here. The connected world theme rocks, but individual tracks? Hmm. Not as standout as they used to be. Especially the revamped oldies. It’s like first and last laps have all the nostalgia, and the middle’s a blur.
Classic tracks. Fun, sure. Older ones steal the spotlight a bit though. Small roster already. Why revisit Choco Mountain a bajillion times? At least we’re seeing Toad’s Factory again. Fresh tracks would be aces. DK Spaceport? My fave. Gotta unlock DK first. Coincidence? Maybe.
Fans, old and new, got a gem here. Who’d have thought racing as a cow would be a thing? And newcomers? Could be their defining game. Excited to see where it goes next.
After racing for what feels like ages, Mario Kart World summed up? A solid ride. Looks and sounds fab on the Switch 2. Fast, sharp, smooth. Totally worth the bundle price. As a standalone though? Could use a bit more spice. Free DLC, anyone? Either way, a game you gotta check out. Finish line crossed with a high five. Or a high wheel? I dunno.
