The WhatsNext verdict
If you want colorful competitive racing that works immediately in a living room but still rewards drifting and track mastery, Mario Kart 8 delivers. Skip it if dedicated battle modes or consistently skill-determined outcomes matter more to you than spectacular, chaotic races.
What it does best
Instantly readable competition that turns friends into rivals
Racing through spectacular impossible spaces
A soundtrack that carries every race
Drifting and boosting feel precise and rewarding
What might put you off
Luck can overrule strong driving
Battle Mode feels like a downgrade
Look
Peek inside
The setup
What you are walking into
Mario Kart 8 is a kart racing game in which players control characters from the Mario universe and other Nintendo franchises. Racers compete on themed tracks using power-ups found in item boxes to gain advantages or hinder opponents. The game introduces anti-gravity sections where players drive on walls and ceilings, gaining speed boosts from collisions. It supports up to twelve players online, four locally on one system, and features modes including Grand Prix racing and arena-based battles. Vehicle customization allows players to mix kart bodies, wheels, and gliders. The Nintendo Switch version, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, includes all previous downloadable content, a revamped battle mode with dedicated arenas, and accessibility features for newer players.
Where it lives
Genre
Vibe
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