Mario Kart 8

Published by Nintendo, Developed by Nintendo

Genres: Racing (1-12 players)

US release date: May 30th, 2013 | EU release date: May 30th, 2013

Mario Kart 8

Mario Kart 8 introduces anti-gravity racing, allowing for some of the most creative and mind-blowing track design the series has ever seen. When players drive over a blue anti-gravity strip, the tires on their vehicles will turn sideways and emit a blue glow. When this happens, drivers can defy the laws of gravity by racing upside down, along walls and even up waterfalls. While in this mode, players can bump into each other to get a Spin Boost. This anti-gravity Spin Boost fundamentally redefines the way players compete and makes anti-gravity racing even more exhilarating.

Up to 12 players can race or battle online, as long as everyone has the game and a broadband Internet connection. Players also can create public or private tournaments for which they specify the day of the week, the time and the rules. Per tradition, players will be able to race against ghost data from friends or even the top 10 worldwide racers. With the new Mario Kart TV feature, players can even watch their highlight reels, rewind them, play them in slow motion or post them to Miiverse (a Nintendo Network ID is required). Players with Google accounts can also upload their reels directly to their YouTube channels to show off their slick racing moves.

Mention the Red Shell, Banana Peel or blue Spiny Shell items, and any fan will be able to instantly tell you what each one does in the Mario Kart series - they are that recognizable. All of these classic items return in Mario Kart 8, but are also joined by four new creations: The long-range Boomerang can be thrown up to three times, returning to its owner after each toss. The Piranha Plant attaches to the front of the player's vehicle and not only provides a speed boost with every lunge, but also bites other drivers or items that come too close. The Crazy Eight gifts eight orbiting items to a lucky driver to be used one by one. And last but certainly not least is the Super Horn. This item sends nearby drivers flying with a powerful sound wave, but also can blow away any incoming items like the dreaded and powerful blue Spiny Shell. That's right: The blue Spiny Shell has finally met its match.

More info
Less info

Review

96%

Wow

One of the most well known racing games finally gets its 8th title in the series. With the Wii U sadly becoming the left out fat kid in a PE class at school, does Mario Kart 8 have enough to get the attention it deserves? The loading screen is normal, I will start off with...read full review

Please log in or join so you can write reviews.



Gameplay (1/10)
Graphics (1/10)
Sound (1/10)
Lifespan (1/10)
10%

^ Move the sliders to give your ratings

Screenshots

Related news

Is Nintendo Making A New Wii U Gamepad?
It seems some eagle-eyed Nintendo fans may have discovered a new Wii U GamePad model in a recent Japanese commercial for Mario Kart...

Nintendo Confirms Select Amiibo Have Been Discontinued
Nintendo has confirmed today that certain amiibo will not be returning to the market beyond their initial shipments. This announcement has...

Second Amiibo Wave Incoming, More Game Compatibility
Alongside today's news about Super Smash Bros. for Wii U, Nintendo has also announced new information about the amiibo. The first news came...

Mercedes DLC comes to Europe and North America
For those of you readers who feel left out that Japan have more stuff than the West should find this news joyful. It may not be...

Everything Nintendo from E3 2014
Very few people would argue that this E3 was one of the best that Nintendo has had in recent memory. Starting with the Digital Event and...

Mario Kart 8 DLC Confirmed for North America
For a while we have known that Japan was going to get a Mercedes-themed DLC for Mario Kart 8, but today we received a confirmation via...

Mario Kart 8 is a hit!
Nintendo's latest release in the long running Mario Kart franchise, Mario Kart 8, has already seen some impressive numbers and is proving...

Receive a free downloadable game when registering Mario Kart 8
Anyone in the U.S. or Canada who is considering buying Mario Kart 8 when it is released has an extra incentive now. Nintendo is offering...

Mario Kart 8 Wii U Premium Bundle Announced
Nintendo has just announced that they will be releasing a Mario Kart 8 Premium Pack on May 30th, the same time the game is scheduled to...

The Best Upcoming Wii U Games For The Spring and Summer
There are a lot of fun games coming out for the Wii U in the next couple of months. Though the weather might be beautiful, these titles...

First Mario Kart 8 ads appear
Nintendo are no doubt hoping that lackluster sales figures of the Wii U console will receive a shot in the arm next month with the release...

Expanded Item Customization for Mario Kart 8
Although there was not much item customization within Mario Kart 7, Mario Kart 8 director Kosuke Yabuki explained to IGN that the upcoming...

User comments

No posts yet for this game. Silence is golden?

Write a comment

Instant join

Wii's World is not officially affiliated with Nintendo! (but they wish we were).