Wi-Philes

I'm always pumped each time a new Mario Kart game comes out. Ever since the Super Nintendo days, Miyamoto's wacky racing franchise has spanned some of my favorite multiplayer games, and each iteration brings its share of even more craziness.

Mario Kart Wii was no exception. Sure, the game was kind of a stealth announcement; some short early footage at E3, a couple screenshots and art here and there unveiling the new type of vehicle, and then a surprise release on the heels of the highly successful Smash Bros. Brawl behemoth.

Still, the game managed to grab my attention. Maybe not from day one, but after a while it started growing its own personality, and slowly overshadowed Brawl's anticipation in my eyes. See, I was a huge fan of the Gamecube console opus, Mario Kart Double Dash!! (with the patented exclamation marks). I loved the driving model in that game, with each kart having for the first time its distinct feel on the road. I was also a fan of the tag team mechanic, which had you control two characters per vehicle, adding more complex strategy to power-up management. The new tracks were a lot of fun, and the battle mode, while sporting less interesting arenas than say Mario Kart 64, was enhanced with the addition of new modes.

But enough recalling the past! (OK not really) Mario Kart Wii as it is named, lets go of the two per kart mechanic, which makes for a seemingly more traditional take on the illustrious franchise. Wii oblige, the main appeal of the game is the control scheme. Now I have only tried the remote-only method, out of many others. The game controls a lot like Nintendo's own Wii launch title (not in Europe) Excite Trucks. The twist is that it comes with a plastic wheel shell to slip your remote in and pretend you're actually steering. I did not get to try the wheel, but I can tell you the remote controls are very good and actually quite sensitive. Powersliding (initiated after a quick hop using either the 2 or B button) gains in precision from the motion control, even vs. an analog stick.

At this point the game overall feels like a slightly refined Mario Kart with new tracks. Until you get familiarized with the other main appeal, that is: Bikes! This time around, the Grand Prix are divided in three leagues that go like this: 50cc with karts only, 100cc with motorcycles only, and 150cc with both. The bikes handle quite differently than their four wheeled counterparts. The steering is more nervous and so is the drifting. Different motorcycles also greatly differ in handling to the point that some might take some time to adjust to. You can now perform stunts on both karts and bikes, with a simple remote motion while suspended in mid-air. If timed well this technique is sure to give you a nice quick boost on landing, but nothing decisive for sure. Most of the regular items are making a comeback, like the rotating turtle shells, the banana peels and the Bullet Bills. I can't say much in terms of new power-ups, but I've already encountered a couple interesting ones, like that big mushroom from New Super Mario Bros. that makes you huge, or a stormy could that strikes you with lighting... or whatever bad stuff that thing does.

Some of the early tracks I've played were all fun and pretty well designed. There's a shopping mall, a new Moo Moo farm variant, a giant mushroom filled cave, and your regular Mario and Luigi racing circuits. As usual those stages are filled with tons of hidden shortcuts, and make you sweat to get them. Thankfully the new handling method is well suited to the tight turns and you're pretty much guaranteed some glorious powersliding moments.

Multiplayer I have only tried online. You can race in up to 12 players jousts (which I think is really a maximum of 6 Wiis with 2 people on each). I've had a few 6 player races and all ran perfectly smooth, and there was not much to note on that. Or maybe one thing: The game installs an optional Mario Kart channel to your Wii menu, from which you can access and manage your Nintendo WiFi Connection stats and friendlists, as well as download ghosts from the top Time Trial players in the world. There is also a very cool option to message people on your Wii directory with friend code invites, an option I have abused quite a lot to enrage a select few poor American forum members who I know won't get their hands on the game for some time.

Now for the the obligatory impressions of graphics: The game looks very nice and runs at some super smooth framerate. Nothing transcending in the technical department, as I'm sure you've seen from screens and videos. Some character models could've used some more polish (Bowser is blocky as Hell), but that mostly shows during the character select screen and replays. The tracks themselves are easy on the eyes and well textured and lit, but nothing will blow you away Mario Galaxy style.

Overall I'm quite pleased with the new Mario Kart grand cru, and I already know I'll be playing this game for a long time (longer than I did the DS game before losing interest). The real test of time for me will be local multiplayer, and I'll make sure to get back to you on that as soon as I can fit balloon popping session into my busy businessman schedule.