Alright, buckle up, gamers. Today, we’re diving into a game that’s both a joy and a bane of my existence: Mario Kart 8 Deluxe. This game is the epitome of “love-hate relationship.” It’s like an ex you can’t get over because they’re just too damn fun, despite making you want to throw your console out the window. So, grab your controllers, folks, because this review is going to be a wild ride.
The Nostalgia Trip
First things first, let’s talk about the nostalgia. If you’ve been playing Mario Kart since the SNES days like I have, you’ll know that the series has evolved significantly. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is like a beautiful love letter to all those years of turtle shells and banana peels. The graphics are stunning, the tracks are vibrant, and the characters are as charming as ever. It’s like Nintendo took everything we loved about the older games, added a fresh coat of paint, and threw in a few new features to keep things interesting.
The Graphics: Eye Candy Galore
I mean, holy crap, the graphics in this game are gorgeous. Every track, every character, every item – it’s all so meticulously designed that it makes you forget you’re playing a game about cartoon characters driving go-karts. The attention to detail is insane. From the shimmering waters of Dolphin Shoals to the neon lights of Electrodrome, every track feels like a work of art. It’s almost distracting how pretty everything is, but in the best way possible.
The Tracks: New and Improved (Mostly)
Speaking of tracks, let’s talk about the selection. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe boasts a whopping 48 tracks, including all the DLC from the Wii U version. That’s a lot of variety, folks. And for the most part, the tracks are fantastic. You’ve got your classics like Rainbow Road (because of course), but there are also some really innovative ones like Mount Wario, which feels like an adrenaline-pumping ski race down a mountain.
But let’s be real, not all tracks are created equal. Some are a joy to race on, while others make me want to pull my hair out. I’m looking at you, Grumble Volcano. Seriously, who thought it was a good idea to design a track that literally falls apart as you race on it? Sadists, that’s who.
The Characters: A Mixed Bag of Fun
Now, let’s move on to the characters. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe has a massive roster of 42 characters, including all the usual suspects like Mario, Luigi, and Princess Peach, along with some new faces like the Inklings from Splatoon. The variety is great, but let’s be honest, some characters are just there to fill up space. I mean, do we really need three versions of Mario? Come on, Nintendo, get it together.
That said, it’s always fun to see which character your friends will pick. There’s nothing quite like the satisfaction of beating your buddy who’s playing as Bowser with your cute little Toadette. It’s the little victories that count, right?
The Items: Love ‘Em and Hate ‘Em
Ah, the items. The great equalizer. The bane of every skilled player’s existence. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe has a wide array of items, from the classic green shells and bananas to the new and improved Super Horn (which is basically your only hope against the dreaded Blue Shell)
Here’s the thing about items: they’re both the best and worst part of the game. On one hand, they add an element of chaos and unpredictability that keeps things exciting. On the other hand, nothing – and I mean nothing – is more infuriating than getting hit by a Blue Shell right before the finish line. It’s like the game is designed to make you question your life choices.
The Battle Mode: A Surprisingly Good Time
Let’s talk about Battle Mode for a second. In the original Mario Kart 8 for the Wii U, Battle Mode was a bit of a letdown. The tracks were just modified racing tracks, and it felt half-assed. But in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, Nintendo really stepped up their game. They brought back classic Battle Mode tracks and added new ones that are actually fun to play. Balloon Battle, Bob-omb Blast, Renegade Roundup – they’re all a blast. It’s like Nintendo finally remembered what made Battle Mode fun in the first place.
The Multiplayer: Friends and Foes
Of course, Mario Kart is best enjoyed with friends. Whether you’re playing online or locally, the multiplayer experience is where this game really shines. There’s nothing like the sheer joy of hitting your friend with a red shell and hearing them curse your name. Or the satisfaction of pulling off a last-minute victory in a close race. It’s these moments that make Mario Kart 8 Deluxe so special.
But, and this is a big but, the multiplayer can also be a source of immense frustration. Lag, disconnects, and the dreaded “communication error” message are all too common. And don’t even get me started on the unfair matchmaking. Nothing like getting paired with a bunch of pros when you’re just trying to have a good time. Thanks, Nintendo.
The Controls: Smooth as Butter
One of the things I love most about Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is how smooth the controls are. Whether you’re using a Joy-Con, a Pro Controller, or even a GameCube controller, the game handles like a dream. Drifting around corners feels satisfying, and the anti-gravity sections add a fun twist to the gameplay. It’s clear that Nintendo put a lot of effort into making sure the controls are tight and responsive. Kudos to them for that.
The Customization: Fun but Limited
Customization in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is decent but could be better. You can mix and match karts, tires, and gliders to find the perfect setup for your racing style. It’s fun to experiment and see what works best for you. However, the options do feel a bit limited after a while. I’d love to see more variety in future updates or games. Come on, Nintendo, give us more stuff to play with!
The Soundtrack: A Musical Delight
Last but not least, let’s talk about the soundtrack. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe has one of the best soundtracks in gaming, hands down. The music is catchy, upbeat, and perfectly complements the action on screen. Each track has its own unique theme, and the remixes of classic Mario Kart tunes are a nice touch. It’s the kind of soundtrack that makes you want to keep playing, even when the game is driving you up the wall.
Final Thoughts: A Must-Have for Switch Owners
So, is Mario Kart 8 Deluxe worth your time and money? Absolutely. Despite its flaws, it’s one of the best racing games out there and a must-have for any Nintendo Switch owner. The graphics are stunning, the gameplay is addictive, and the multiplayer is a riot (when it works). Plus, the nostalgia factor alone makes it worth a play.
Sure, there are moments when you’ll want to chuck your controller at the screen and curse the gaming gods, but that’s all part of the experience. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is a rollercoaster of emotions, and that’s what makes it so damn fun.
If you’re a Mario Kart fan, this game is a no-brainer. And if you’re new to the series, there’s no better place to start. So, go ahead, pick up a copy, and get ready for some high-speed, shell-throwing, banana-slipping action. Just don’t blame me when you start losing friends over it.
~ Rita 🖤