Mario Kart World Nintendo Switch 2 Review (Next-gen Karting)
Summary: Mario Kart World on Nintendo Switch 2 is pure next-gen karting at its best!
5
Next-gen karting!
Nintendo has a hit on its hands with its new next-gen console, and what better way to showcase the features than with a new Mario Kart game! Cue in Mario Kart World, which is undeniably now the king of kart games that not only pays homage to the other titles in this series but also delivers something unique, entertaining, and visually impressive on the Nintendo Switch 2.
Amazingly, it’s been 33 years since Mario Kart was first released, and even though all the high-speed mayhem is still included, the developers have added some new mechanics into the gameplay, which make it the perfect evolutionary step in this series that is also best played with others. There’s also a plethora of new characters supporting the classics, including new karts and a kart-load of environments that look nothing short of stunning on the Switch 2. The attention to detail, the colours, and 3D environments instantly draw you into the game.
Additionally, all the power-ups—from defence to attacks—are included, such as shooting those classic shells, summoning lightning, turning into a giant kart, or flying a giant rocket. Mario Kart World is all about fun, and it delivers this component exceptionally well. As you race on the various tracks, you’ll be gliding (literally) through the air, racing on water, and even rail grinding, which would probably get the thumbs-up from skating legend Tony Hawk himself.
One of my favourite new gameplay features is the Charge Jump, which provides you with a well-timed jump, and with 24 racers, it’s pure high-speed adrenaline with the fun factor turned to maximum. Another highlight is that different karts/racers feel heavier or lighter, with some having faster acceleration (which is great for Charge Jumps and Rail Grinding), whereas heavier racers like Mario and Peach have better handling. It’s these clever nuances that really add to your experience because no one driver feels the same.
With over 30 tracks, including classics such as Dino Dino Jungle (GameCube), Mario Circuit (SNES), and Wario Stadium (N64), these favourites have received a true power-up not only from a visual perspective but also from a gameplay one, as they are considerably more immersive to race on, with some great physics thrown into the mix. However, the developers didn’t rest on their laurels, as there is a whole myriad of new tracks, such as Bowser’s Castle, Airship Fortress, and Toad’s Factory, that really add an element of unexpectedness and freshness to the gameplay. Given the diverse nature of these tracks, nothing feels repetitive. Rather, it feels like an almost living, breathing world that celebrates all things Mario Kart and equally all things Nintendo.
You are also spoilt for gameplay modes, which are divided into racing, battles, and Free Roam. Free Roam basically opens all the tracks to the player as you explore, discover secrets, and engage in minigames, allowing for plenty of replay value. The classic racing modes include Grand Prix, Knockout Tour, VS Race, and Time Trials, including different engine sizes that, on the Switch 2, create a flawless gaming experience thanks to its CPU and GPU capabilities.
For something more mayhem-driven, you have Balloon Battle, which requires you to protect your balloons while trying to pop your opponents’, and Coin Runners, where you need to collect the most coins possible. While single-player is fun, multiplayer (whether local or online) takes the gameplay to a whole new level of excitement. Nothing is more satisfying than knocking out your real-life opponent.
Graphics & Sound
Visually, Mario Kart World is crystal-clear on the Switch 2, with detailed environments, realistic lighting, and fun special effects that help immerse you in the racing. The game also creates a true sense of speed, and supporting the gameplay are the great character models, which have never looked better—such as Mario, Luigi, Peach, Donkey Kong, and Bowser Jr., plus some special unlockable characters that I won’t mention here. Furthermore, the sound effects are great, and with the music, they create a must-play experience on the Nintendo Switch 2 console.
Final Thoughts?
Mario Kart World is a must-have title for the Nintendo Switch 2 that showcases this new console well and, more importantly, delivers an addictive and engaging Mario Kart experience. It’s jam-packed with gameplay modes and boasts flawless game mechanics that not only play well but also look spectacular on the Switch 2.
So, what are you waiting for? 1, 2, 3… RACE!
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