Konclusion
I actually wasn't sure I could write this review without using the phrase "cluster f***," but with much care I worked through it. The same old routine of being slapped around by the computer is in full force here, and with the added players it's more trouble staying ahead of the fray than ever before. This is likely to make things more fun for new comers, but there's little reward for small advancements in skill.
While the Wii wheel is cute and might be fun for players new to Mario Kart Wii to try out, it wound up being more effectively implemented as a toy for my 18-month-old daughter, and even she has tired of it after realizing it wouldn't make a proper substitute for a hat. Its major failing is in the fact that it is incredibly difficult to master and is quirky compared to using another control scheme. I'm not sure the creators are good with subtlety, and I'm an avid critic of the "let's do it because we can" attitude of most Nintendo Wii games. The fact that an accelerometer and an infrared camera have been built into the console's controller doesn't mean these elements should be exhausted with every new game. The wheel pushes this line.
Not pretty
The interface design is pretty bland, too. I know I'm a girl, but this isn't related to the cliché preferences of the different sexes; it's basic aesthetics and ergonomics. There used to be a little more finesse in the title and option screens, and when a race finished there was an interesting detail or two about how many places you moved with a nice soundtrack or effect here and there. Once upon a time, there was even a speedometer to show how fast you were hitting the tracks. No more. This is a dry game. The frills are completely gone.
Also… the credits suck. There. It has been said. And they are four minutes long, people. Use the plus button to get rid of them (we suffered through too many before we figured that one out, but be warned you can't do it the first time through).
The great frustration in regards to Mario Kart Wii is how much better it could have been with so little extra effort. It's clear the money was spent making it online-compatible; little else is truly new. And even that element was pulled more or less straight from the DS version. Surely the makers intended this game to be a sequel to Mario Kart DS, and not so much a continuation of all things special and dear about the Mario Kart series. The racing itself is fun, but it can be frustrating (if not downright depressing) to play and see how much better the game could have been. Mario Kart lovers, beware. It isn't better than the last one.
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SonicIce - Saturday, May 31, 2008 - link
taking pics of the screen... anadtech has not evolved to the point of capturing the video output? come on, even a 10 dollar capture card can receive s-video :)crimson117 - Friday, May 30, 2008 - link
Wouldn't it be "kluster f***"?
Cygni - Friday, May 30, 2008 - link
Zing!I agree though, i rented this game to try and decide if it was worth picking up... and it just wasnt for me. And im a HUGE Mario Kart fanatic. It just seemed rushed or something, with little (but ridiculously important) menus crammed in weird places. Im going to rent it again in a few weeks, when ive beaten GTAIV, and give it another shot.
wchall01 - Friday, May 30, 2008 - link
"If you want to play battle mode with only two people, too bad. Want to play with four? Too bad! Your only option is to be on one of two teams and play with twelve players"I was very frustrated the first time I encountered this issue. But there is a "Rules" button in the upper right hand corner on the menu screen before you click "Battle" or "Coin Runner". Simple select "None" for CPU and you can battle with just 2-4 of your friends.
The same options apply on the local multiplayer racing menu.
Laura Wilson - Friday, May 30, 2008 - link
Thanks for pointing out the error, we have updated the article.DerekWilson - Friday, May 30, 2008 - link
WOW ....I had no idea about this -- way confirms the ergonomics / UI issues pointed out though.
I'll let Laura know about this and ask her to update the article.
thanks for pointing it out -- you've just made me a lot happier with the game :-)
Bremen7000 - Friday, May 30, 2008 - link
s/loose/lose/SniperDaws - Friday, May 30, 2008 - link
This is by far the best Mario kart yet, and is unique because of the wheel.But 2 player Wifi is pointless because the 2nd player is a guest so doesnt really feel as part of the game.
But thats all that ruins it for me so far.
DerekWilson - Friday, May 30, 2008 - link
i know i'm lame, but i love the n64 version ...to me n64 and GC are tied for best mario kart.
the DS version is good, but the Wii version is really a better DS version that doesn't quite live up to the n64 or GC. with a wheel.
seriously guys, if you want to compete for near the top in tournaments and time trials, you'll want to look into not using the wheel (where the tournament allows it).
Locutus465 - Friday, May 30, 2008 - link
You'd have to use kluster f*** :DIn all seriousness, I love this version of the game... Yeah, it has it's issues but it easly owns the GC version (which I also own). I love using the Wii wheel though I'm still not quite as good at manual power sliding as I need to be, and since I play mario with medium karts power sliding is essential to staying on course (I'm sure it is to varying degrees for all characters).
As an added testiment, and I'm sure many on these bords will be shocked... In my appartment I bought this and rented GTA4 at the same time... Mario Kart got serious play time, GTA4 sat around my apparment until it was time to return it (basically).