Mario Kart World raises the question of how the series can evolve after the success of Mario Kart 8. This new installment brought a fresh sense of excitement to Nintendo’s latest event, where I got my hands on the upcoming Switch 2 console. The experience flipped my expectations upside down and opened my eyes to the limitless potential of Mario Kart tracks.
Mario Kart games have never strayed too far from their established formula, but change is on the horizon. Set to launch with the Switch 2 on June 5, Mario Kart World breaks away from tradition. During my trial, it was the moments when I wasn’t bound to the race that stood out the most. The freedom to just drive and soak in the surroundings made for a wonderfully refreshing experience.
In one of the event’s highlights, I participated in a Knock-out Tour. This marathon-style race pits 24 players against each other over shifting landscapes. Getting my hands on a console early meant I had to wait a bit, but it paid off. Instead of sitting idly, I took the opportunity to explore the expansive world at my leisure.
My journey began on icy roads, where the heavy tires of my vehicle crunched through the deep snow alongside the track. I launched off a ramp, experiencing a sense of weightlessness longer than ever before in a Mario Kart game. The drive took me onto highways filled with standard and oversized Nintendo-themed vehicles, some leaving trails of gold coins. I even took a detour to admire a mushroom diner sign I had previously overlooked.
Alongside the thrill of racing, Mario Kart World is a haven for longtime Nintendo fans. The game brims with nostalgic touches and hidden surprises that are easy to miss during high-speed races. In the leisurely Knock-out Tour, however, I could relish these details at my own pace. Imagine my surprise when a penguin from Mario 64 whizzed past me!
This mode brought to mind the laid-back feel of Forza Horizon 5. While Mario Kart remains inherently arcade-like, cruising through various terrains before events start offered a similar sense of exploration. The lack of pressure to respond to items or focus purely on racing allowed me to enjoy the ride even more. Admittedly, some frustration persists, as losing remains as much about bad luck as mistakes. I learned this lesson when my choice of a visually appealing, yet heavy character led to an early exit in the long Knock-out Tour. Shoutout to the beefcake biker Bowser, though!
The Direct presentation on Wednesday hinted at a promising new Free Roam mode, which I’m eager to explore. It promises more varied driving experiences beyond the single-track rotations I sampled. This upcoming mode allows for driving between courses within a cup, which sounds enticing.
There’s so much more to anticipate in Mario Kart World: new quirky items, an impressively wide selection of characters, and the freedom to embrace it all at my own speed. I’m ready to take the scenic route through this exciting new chapter in the series.
