Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is the most crowded title regarding different characters, karts, and tracks. Its vibrant graphics, smooth controls, and pure fun make this game a must-have for casual and competitive gamers. Among those, probably the most distinguishing feature of Mario Kart 8 is the inclusion of franchises from other Nintendo games. The addition of Link from The Legend of Zelda series, along with a Hyrule-themed track and karts, went over amazingly well. But such a brief nod to the Zelda universe is not nearly enough.
Great Start, But We Need More
Currently, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe features several elements that are Zelda-themed. Link can be playable, and players can race on Hyrule Circuit, riding the Master Cycle bike with its accompanying Hylian Shield paraglider.
If anything sets the Hyrule Circuit course apart from the rest in this game, it’s the Rupees used instead of coins and a very iconic setting: a castle. It’s truly a great omen for these additions, offering something really unique and quintessentially Zelda.
The Legend of Zelda, meanwhile, is one of the most crucial franchises for Nintendo, with an extremely rich history that spans over three decades. Its worlds are vast, its characters are unforgettable, and the music is nothing short of legendary.
With such depth and variety that the Zelda series has in store, the current Zelda-themed content in Mario Kart 8 feels grossly underutilized. Much more can be dug into to create a more enriching and immersive crossover that does its due diligence in paying homage to the legacy of The Legend of Zelda.
More Character Opportunities
But this may arguably be one of the coolest ways to extend the Zelda content in Mario Kart 8: adding more Zelda characters. Link is a phenomenal addition, but why stop there? Zelda, the titular character of the series would be a great addition. Be it Classic or the Ocarina of Time version, Sheik, Zelda would add flair to the game in her light.
Other interesting characters could include the strong presence of Ganondorf and Midna from Twilight Princess, along with her mischievous charm. Each of them would be able to make use of their own set of specially designed karts and gliders, themed after their respective games, further immersing them within the Zelda universe.
New Tracks Building on Zelda’s Immense Worlds The Hyrule Circuit track is a great representation of the Zelda series, but there’s just so much more to be had. The world of Zelda is chock-full of iconic places that can serve as fantastic Mario Kart tracks. Think of racing through a twisting, maze-like path with sudden obstacles; it could be a Lost Woods.
A track based on Death Mountain would be hazardous, with its lava pits and falling rocks, making it quite a difficult but thrilling race. Another fantastic setting could be Lake Hylia since much of it would contain land-and-water racing, highly similar to that of the Dolphin Shoals track. These tracks would add variety and pay homage to the rich landscapes that the Zelda games contain.
Music and Atmosphere
Some of the most iconic songs in video game history come from Zelda, and including even more of them within Mario Kart 8 would improve the overall ambiance of the game tenfold. The track Hyrule Circuit has a remixed version of the Overworld song for Zelda, but it has so much room for it.
With any addition of a Zelda-themed track, it would have its unique music, ranging from the hauntingly beautiful melodies of Song of Storms for Kakariko Village to the epic orchestral arrangements from Breath of the Wild. Not only would this sound amazing, but fans would be hit with nostalgia and emotional attachment to the Zelda series.
Items and Power-Ups
Mario Kart 8 is all about innovative and often frenzied power-ups. Mixing some of the items from the Zelda series into this might provide new twists. A Hookshot, for example, pulls one ahead of opponents, while the Boomerang is arguably a more powerful class of Green Shell that comes back to the player if it happens to miss the target.
Bombchu could be the Zelda version of the Bomb item, although a little bit of unpredictability in finding its mark perhaps makes them somewhat different. These would add such great delight and introduce even more Zelda into the core aspects of Mario Kart 8.
Celebrate Nintendo’s Legacy
Mario Kart 8 is simply one of those games that epitomizes Nintendo’s great history and franchises. It has shown that already it can include other series’ content, but with this being related to The Legend of Zelda, the expansion capabilities are huge.
More characters, tracks, music, and items from the Zelda universe could make Mario Kart 8 all the more succulent, paying a proper homage to one of Nintendo’s most loved series. This would surely be welcomed by both Mario Kart and Zelda fans alike, thus being a very fitting tribute to their memory. More Zelda can be added to Mario Kart 8 in a game all about fun, variety, and competition.
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