Mario Kart World is very entertaining, but I'm not sure if it's worth $80.
We really enjoyed playing Mario Kart World on the Nintendo Switch 2, although its price of $80 raises some concerns for us.
As the launch of Nintendo Switch 2 approaches on June 5, attention focuses on one particular game: Mario Kart World. This title promises to be the hallmark of this generation of consoles, just as Breath of the Wild was for the previous one. Nintendo demonstrates its confidence by setting a price of $80, a figure that has not been well received by many fans. For Mario Kart World to overcome this economic burden, it must offer exceptional quality, and all signs indicate that it will.
In a recent demonstration, I had the opportunity to try out Mario Kart World, exploring its new open-world approach as well as a knockout mode. The experience was delightful, maintaining the essence of one of the most reliable multiplayer series in the industry but significantly expanded. Despite how fun it was to play, the high price makes me wonder if that investment will truly be worth it.
Mario Kart World represents a significant expansion of a series that has evolved only slightly over time. While it retains the classic formula of choosing a character and kart, racing on intricate circuits, and using items to complicate opponents' lives, there are notable differences. Although the core gameplay remains entertaining, I noticed that drifting seems to require more skill to activate fully in the 100cc races I tried.
The game includes a wider cast than usual, with 24 characters available, ranging from beloved classics to costumed versions, like a blue Yoshi in a team uniform. However, I was puzzled by how karts are handled, as in the demo, only predefined options could be used, and there was no part customization, which could limit the experience.
One of the most notable changes is the circuits, which no longer consist of three identical laps. Races take place on long, multi-stage tracks that do not return to the start. The idea is for races to flow more naturally through a world that is not only designed for racing. Additionally, there are references to classic Mario Kart maps, offering a sense of nostalgia.
An interesting aspect is the free-roaming outside of races, allowing exploration of an open map that hints at interactions with events and points of interest, although it seems to lack substantial activities to do while driving. A novel mode is "Knockout," which allows 24 players to compete across six interconnected tracks. This evolution of the Mario Kart formula intensifies competition and excitement.
Visually, the game is appealing, with vibrant colors and smooth performance. However, it only meets the expectations for a Mario game without necessarily being technically impressive. What really stands out is the Switch 2's ability to manage multiple tracks without loading times, which is a significant advancement.
Despite the excitement it generates, the price of $80 makes me question the value. While I recognize that it is a modern concept for a franchise that has remained consistent, that does not eliminate the pressure of evaluating whether this investment is reasonable. With economic uncertainty and the rising cost of living, $80 feels like a considerable sum for a game that, although fun, may not offer as much content as other titles on the market.
While the idea of free-roaming is appealing, it is not an innovative concept in the world of video games. There are larger and more complete open-world games available for lower prices. This raises the question of whether the value comes solely from a new idea from Nintendo. Despite my doubts, I will go ahead with the purchase of Mario Kart World, enjoying every new touch it brings. I look forward to how factors like dynamic weather may influence the races and other surprises that the game has in store. Undoubtedly, it will be a defining title for the Switch 2 era, although the balance between price and budget is a crucial aspect that I must not overlook.