Is Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Worth It? An In-Depth Review
With exhilarating racing action and iconic Nintendo charm, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe has cemented itself as one of the best entries in the beloved Mario Kart series. But is the Nintendo Switch port of Mario Kart 8 worth picking up?
If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer: Yes, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is absolutely worth it. With tons of tracks, characters, and game modes, plus excellent multiplayer options, it’s one of the best games available for the Nintendo Switch.
In this comprehensive review, we’ll take an in-depth look at everything Mario Kart 8 Deluxe has to offer. From new gameplay features to upgraded visuals, we’ll help you decide if it’s worth buying Mario Kart again on the Switch.
Key Gameplay Features and Modes
Single player Grand Prix
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe offers an exciting single player experience with its Grand Prix mode. Players can compete against computer-controlled opponents in a series of races across various tracks. The Grand Prix mode allows you to choose from different difficulty levels and cc classes, ranging from 50cc for beginners to 200cc for the most seasoned racers.
It’s a great way to hone your racing skills and unlock new characters, karts, and tracks along the way. With multiple cups to conquer and different challenges to overcome, the single player Grand Prix provides hours of fun and replayability.
Revamped Battle Mode
One of the major improvements in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is the revamped Battle Mode. This mode brings back the classic battle arena gameplay that fans of the series know and love. You can engage in intense battles with friends or computer-controlled opponents, using a variety of items to take down your rivals.
The Battle Mode introduces new arenas and game modes, such as Balloon Battle and Bob-omb Blast, adding more excitement and strategic elements to the gameplay. Whether you prefer teaming up with friends or going solo, the revamped Battle Mode offers a thrilling and competitive experience.
Range of cc classes
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe caters to players of all skill levels with its range of cc classes. The different cc classes determine the speed and difficulty of the races. Beginners can start with the 50cc class, which offers slower-paced races that allow for easier maneuvering and learning the tracks.
As you gain more experience and confidence, you can progress to higher cc classes like 100cc, 150cc, and even the challenging 200cc. Each cc class provides a unique racing experience, with faster speeds and tougher competition.
Whether you’re a casual gamer or a hardcore racer, the range of cc classes ensures that there’s always a suitable challenge for you.
New and Returning Characters
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe offers a diverse range of characters for players to choose from, combining the beloved classics with some exciting new additions. Whether you’re a long-time fan of the series or a newcomer, the game has something for everyone.
The full Mario Kart 8 roster returns
One of the highlights of Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is the return of the full roster from the original Mario Kart 8 game. This means you can once again race as popular characters like Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach, and Bowser.
With a total of 42 characters to choose from, each with their unique abilities and playstyles, there’s no shortage of options to suit your racing style.
New additions like Inkling Boy and Girl
In addition to the returning characters, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe introduces some exciting new additions to the roster. Among them are the Inkling Boy and Girl from the popular Splatoon series. These squid-like characters bring a fresh and unique aesthetic to the game, and their inclusion adds even more variety to the already diverse lineup of racers.
Character weight classes and attributes
Each character in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe belongs to a specific weight class, which affects their handling and speed on the track. Lighter characters like Toad and Baby Mario excel in acceleration and handling, while heavier characters like Bowser and Donkey Kong have higher top speeds and can push opponents out of the way.
This gives the game a strategic element, as players must choose characters that align with their racing style and the tracks they’ll be competing on.
For a comprehensive comparison of the character weight classes and their attributes, you can visit the official Mario Kart 8 Deluxe website https://www.nintendo.com/games/detail/mario-kart-8-deluxe-switch/.
This will help you make an informed decision when selecting your character for each race, allowing you to maximize your chances of victory.
Track Selection and DLC
48 exciting race tracks
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe offers an impressive selection of 48 race tracks, ensuring that players never get bored. From classic courses like Rainbow Road to new additions like Sweet Sweet Canyon, there is a track to suit every player’s preference.
The variety in track design and themes keeps the gameplay fresh and exciting. Whether you prefer high-speed straightaways or challenging twists and turns, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe has you covered.
Highlights like Mount Wario and Electrodrome
Among the 48 race tracks, there are some real standout gems. Mount Wario, for example, is a thrilling downhill descent that keeps players on the edge of their seats. The Electrodrome is another fan favorite, with its vibrant colors and catchy music creating an electrifying atmosphere.
These tracks, along with others, showcase the attention to detail and creativity that Nintendo is known for.
Remastered Battle Mode arenas
In addition to the race tracks, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe also includes remastered Battle Mode arenas. This mode allows players to engage in intense multiplayer battles, adding a whole new level of excitement to the game.
Whether you’re popping balloons or trying to capture the flag, these arenas provide endless fun and opportunities for strategic gameplay.
Booster Course Pass DLC
For those looking to expand their Mario Kart 8 Deluxe experience even further, the Booster Course Pass DLC is available. This DLC includes additional race tracks and characters, ensuring that the game never feels stale.
By adding new content periodically, Nintendo keeps players engaged and excited about the game’s future.
Upgraded Visuals and Performance
One of the key aspects that make Mario Kart 8 Deluxe worth it is its upgraded visuals and performance. This enhanced version of the game brings a whole new level of visual fidelity to the table, making it a treat for the eyes.
1080p resolution docked and handheld
Whether you’re playing in handheld mode or docked to your TV, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe delivers stunning visuals with a resolution of 1080p. This means that you can enjoy every race, every track, and every character in crisp and clear detail, immersing yourself in the vibrant world of Mario Kart.
Solid 60fps framerate
Smooth gameplay is essential for any racing game, and Mario Kart 8 Deluxe doesn’t disappoint. It maintains a solid 60 frames per second (fps) framerate, ensuring a seamless and responsive experience. This high framerate not only enhances the visual fluidity of the game but also improves the overall gameplay, allowing for precise steering and timing of power-ups.
Vibrant colors and sharp detail
The upgraded visuals in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe truly shine through its vibrant colors and sharp detail. Every race track is bursting with life, with lush environments and eye-catching backdrops. The character models are also beautifully rendered, showcasing intricate details and animations that add to the overall charm of the game.
Support for LAN play
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe also offers support for LAN play, allowing you to connect multiple Nintendo Switch consoles for local multiplayer races. This feature opens up a whole new level of competition, as you can now challenge your friends and family in the same room, creating unforgettable gaming moments.
Local and Online Multiplayer
One of the key aspects that make Mario Kart 8 Deluxe worth it is its extensive multiplayer options. Whether you want to play with friends in the same room or challenge players from around the world, this game has got you covered.
Local split-screen for up to 4 players
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe allows you to enjoy the classic split-screen multiplayer experience with your friends or family. With local multiplayer, up to four players can compete against each other on the same screen, making it a perfect game for gatherings and parties.
You can share the joy-cons or use multiple controllers for an immersive and competitive gaming session.
Online play for up to 12 players
If you prefer to race against players from different parts of the world, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe offers an exciting online multiplayer mode. You can connect with up to 12 players online and compete in various race modes and battle arenas.
The online play is smooth and offers a great opportunity to test your skills against other Mario Kart enthusiasts.
Player ranking system
To add more depth and competitiveness to the online experience, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe features a player ranking system. As you participate in online races and battles, your performance is tracked, and you are assigned a rank based on your skills and achievements.
This allows you to gauge your progress and strive to improve your ranking, adding a layer of motivation and excitement to the game.
According to Nintendo’s official website, the multiplayer aspect of Mario Kart 8 Deluxe has been highly praised by both critics and players. The seamless online experience and the ability to play with friends locally make it a fantastic choice for anyone looking for a fun and engaging multiplayer game.
Conclusion
With its vast amount of content, excellent gameplay, and sharp visuals, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe makes a compelling case for being a must-have game on the Nintendo Switch. The upgraded Battle Mode and portability make it the definitive edition of Mario Kart 8.
For both nostalgic Mario Kart fans and newcomers looking for accessible, thrilling multiplayer fun, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is absolutely worth the purchase. With endless replay value and gameplay that’s easy to pick up but hard to master, it’s a worthwhile addition to any Switch owner’s library.
