| Some of the best Wii games currently available revolve around the Mario character and his world of misfits, monsters and princesses. It’s really no wonder then, that with the success of Mario Kart back in the old 64 days, Nintendo should re-imagine this classic chaotic Kart race game on the latest and greatest console of them all. Bringing new life and innovation to games the way no other console can, with its unique mix of interactivity and “realness” in motion technology, it is also little wonder that the new polished version of Mario Kart comes with its own steering wheel controller! Fans of the original Mario Kart will love this new Wii version because of the amped up revitalization of the game, bringing greater depth with the already familiar territory. Those new to the game will love it simply because it’s a fantastic game and one that you’ll find hard to get enough of. |  Available Through Amazon.com |
People don’t realize how enduring this game has been; it was actually introduced over 15 years ago on the Nintendo 64. And now it is back by popular demand, by a need if you will, for a re-imagined version. Mario Kart has reached cult status over the years, with every player of the original game having their own fave kart and track on which they have mastered the art of kicking the competitions backside! The beauty of Mario Kart Wii is that the basic thrill of mastering a kart and a particular track are still there, but with all new karts and tracks it is like a completely new game. The action never stops with single-player or multi-player games that are both highly challenging and highly addictive.
For the uninitiated, when you consider the concept of this game, with its outlandish and often surreal track arrangements where you’ll race and fight with the other racers using such things as fruit and turtle shells you may not think it’s all that exciting. However once you strap in and get a hold of the Wii steering wheel and take your first run you will find yourself strangely exhilarated and ready to go back out there for more.
If you’ve been a fan of Mario Kart for long, you know that it has never been a game that could be called casual, with its frenetic pace and crazy shenanigans - but then it was never really something you could call hard-core either like some of the other games out there. And yet it still survives and thrives against the competition.
Aficionados of the original from years ago will notice that there are not a whole lot of differences in the new version. Some people may consider this a disadvantage but most will see it as endearing and comforting. It’s kind of like finding an old friend from high school on Facebook, one whom you haven’t seen in 15 years – except its pretty safe to say that the old friend isn’t going to be nearly as exciting as Mario Kart Wii, nor will they have their own steering wheel by which you can control them. As it is with any reissue of a successful Nintendo game, it’s hard to justify messing around with the success formula of the original – but they do tweak it enough to give it a new breath of life and increased usability with the Wii controller system.
The one noticeable difference right from the start - and one that will be welcome addition to anyone familiar with the Wii (and quite a curio to those unfamiliar) - is the inclusion of the Wii Wheel. This awesome little device is shaped like a little steering wheel (of course), and is made to slot your Wii remote into, thereby creating a realistic feel of driving your kart around the track. Of course, you don’t need the wheel to play the game - you can simply turn your Wii remote to a horizontal position and you’ll get the same effect, albeit with less of that realistic feel. The wheel works for both the karts and the newest upgrade to the Mario world, that of racing bikes! Just as madcap and chaotic as the karts, the Mario bikes add to the revitalization of this new game and give those familiar with Mario Kart a new challenge to master.
Another popular addition for this Wii release of Mario Kart is the advantage of the Wii’s networking capabilities, meaning you can connect with friends and other racers anywhere in the world from the comfort of your living room. Since day one the network capabilities have been a huge plus for the Wii and nowhere is this felt more than in a game like Mario Kart Wii, which raises the bar for the Wii’s Wi-Fi capabilities and also makes Mario Kart Wii a sure bet to be one of the best Wii games of all time.
It doesn’t matter who you are, a gamer nostalgic for the Mario Kart of Nintendo 64, or a first time player, you will find so much to love about this game that you’ll find it hard to drag yourself away. If you played it long ago you will love the old school feel that means you don’t have to completely re-learn the game from the start, while marveling at all the new tracks, characters (and remembering all the old favorites), thrills and spills that Mario Kart Wii offers. If you’re new to it, then it will be the crazy energy, the track and kart mastering, and the out-and-out frustration at being pipped at the post time and time again that will have you playing this game into the wee small hours. While Mario Kart Wii might not be the most challenging of the games available, it is definitely one of the most fun times you’ll ever have with your Wii. On your marks, get set, GO!