Okay, let’s dive into this, and bear with me if I wander a bit or get sidetracked. Here goes:
—
So, everyone and their grandma seems to be on the Switch 2 grind, buzzing around playing Mario Kart World. Honestly, if you grabbed the console straight out of the gate, I bet you’ve been zooming all over its shiny new wraparound map, right? But now that the first-date jitters are done, maybe let’s pop the hood and see what’s what.
Being the first fresh Mario Kart in, like, forever, World needed to bring its A-game—and boy, did it. Twenty-four different bikes and karts, all jostling like it’s rush hour? Sounds a bit chaotic, but fear not, the tracks have bulged like that one pair of old jeans to fit everyone. There’s room to weave around and dodge shells from mysterious folks in last place. How come they always manage to hit me, though?
Playing solo is nice and chill, but multiplayer and online? That’s where this puppy shines. I hopped online with some pals from work and, not to humblebrag—but I won a couple times. It’s all smooth sailing, with voice chat thrown in for now. Just make sure you’re solo to practice without being that guy who ruins Christmas by driving off the map.
Nostalgia’s calling with Grand Prix and Time Trials back—thank goodness, right? Except 200cc is AWOL, which stings a bit for those of us who crave speed. Then there’s Knockout Tour, which scrapes the bottom four off every checkpoint. Can’t even crack my knuckles before the next round starts. I’ve found myself forgetting to blink—no joke. Also pro-tip: switch off “Smart Steering” unless you like driving like your grandma.
Some folks might’ve noticed I skipped Battle mode. Not much to say yet; Balloon Battle and Coin Runners feel like missing teeth. Just hoping they’re planning a dental appointment soon. Seems more a case of déjà vu with track vibes—similar to Mario Kart 8 on the Wii U. Not unwelcome, just… familiar, you know?
Oh, and the whole Free Roam thing is honestly like a holiday after all that racing rush. Just meandering about, looking for shiny stuff while the sun sets—a bit cliché but in a good way. Makes me wanna step out of the kart and roam around. But then those P Switch missions sneak in—not so chill.
Speaking of updates, they could double down on making missions more trackable. Endlessly sorting through costumes like I’m flipping through hangers, searching for the perfect Mario. And stickers? Feels like they were tossed in as an afterthought. Worst-case scenario, they might make ’em worthwhile.
Now, throw in a killer soundtrack—one of those you’d actually want blasting from a radio while you drive. And longer missions revisiting classic tracks are a blast, though a touch more variety would be the cherry on top. But something about these connected tracks—they blend together. I get it; it’s a “World”—but man, I miss the loops.
Not to rant, but revisiting old tracks, despite the glow-up, steals some new-game magic. The roster—kinda small, honestly. I’m over Choco Mountain; there, I said it. Toad’s Factory has a fresh coat, though. And DK Spaceport? Loved it—just a nod to the arcade days. But heads-up, DK ain’t just lounging around; you’ve gotta unlock him by beating the cup.
For us die-hards, Mario Kart World nails it with both the small stuff and the grand gestures. New players might find this as unforgettable as their first bike ride (minus the scraped knees). I’m keening to see where they take this beyond the launch.
After weeks in the driver’s seat, the rose-tinted glasses are off and I’ve got thoughts. It’s a killer game, no doubt—zippy, slick, and just plain fun on the Switch 2. Whether it warrants the extra cash as part of a bundle? That’s a toss-up. But hey, once they roll out free DLC to beef it up, Mario Kart World might just speed past our expectations.
—
Phew, that was a journey. But, hey, isn’t that what makes it kind of fun?
