Mario Kart World was announced yesterday during the Nintendo Switch 2 Direct. In the initial reveal trailer, fans caught a glimpse of a new Mario Kart game, but that was it. During the latest Nintendo Direct, the first game shown was the next installment of the game. The new game has a huge library of racers and has new modes and tracks. We got a closer look at the game during the Nintendo Treehouse presentation. One course, DK Spaceport, is a great nod to a classic Nintendo game.
Mario Kart World: DK Spaceport
To kick off the Nintendo Treehouse event, the company showed off the updates to the Grand Prix mode. The gameplay looked smooth, and the on-air talent talked up many of the new features. No longer will you have to hold a button to keep that banana peel behind you. It will happen automatically. Furthermore, you can ride on rails and walls, getting different boosts in order to overtake your opponents. For fans of classic Nintendo games, the last course in the Grand Prix, DK Spaceport, might be a new favorite.
The 1981 Donkey Kong game is one of the most iconic in video game history. The famed ape sits atop a tower while the player dodges barrels thrown by him. After winding through the stage, the player can rescue the princess. In DK Spaceport, the course starts with a giant robotic Donkey Kong heading to the top of a tower. About halfway through the course, racers have to wind through a back-and-forth part of the track while dodging barrels. It is a great callback to the company’s roots.
Brand New Courses
All four of the courses were brand new. This is a change from many past games that often rehash current tracks. Mario Kart World looks to have all-new tracks. Part of the reason for this is the traveling between the tracks being part of the Grand Prix. This was something the Treehouse event showed off. It adds a different element to the game and makes it feel like a brand new experience.
Furthermore, the Free Roam mode will also be great for any gamer. Mario Kart can be a friendship-ruining game, but in this mode, you can drive around with your friends, seeing the sights the land has to offer. You can take pictures and if you are still feeling competitive, find some alternative routes to take when the race does begin.
Final Thoughts
The anticipation for Mario Kart World is getting bigger, especially after today. With a huge roster and all-new tracks and gameplay, this promises to be the biggest Mario Kart yet! Will we see more nods to classic Nintendo games?
