Raced through 'Mario Kart World' and consider it a potential star to spearhead the Switch 2 launch.
Frank's Take on Mario Kart World's Grand Debut
Alright, folks! Six weeks ago, the boom of Nintendo's Switch 2 console rumbled through our gaming world during a lengthy livestream. And with the big launch just around the corner on June 5, two burning questions have been on every gamer's lips:
- Is Mario Kart World truly worth $80?
- Is Mario Kart World enough to validate diving into the Switch 2 on day one?
Nintendo's been scratching at the first question, but gamers I know remain unconvinced. Well, after steering through Mario Kart World for about six hours, I feel ready to tackle the second.
So, is Mario Kart World's meat on the bone tasty enough to keep Switch 2 enthusiasts grinning like looters at a burned-out bank until this summer's first-party games like Donkey Kong Bananza come crashing through the door? Hell, yeah!
Here's the lowdown on this monumental kart racing series' open-world debut, leveraging my hands-on experience wisely.
Mario Kart World: The Final Hands-On Impressions
A World to Explore and Dominate
Listen up, city slickers, 'cause Mario Kart World's disrupting the racing genre by incorporating an expansive open world riders can roam at will. Every track is melded into this universe, with Grands Prix resulting in a mad dash to the next destination. Get ready, 'cause this frog-kissing, mushroom-chomping odyssey ain't gonna ride itself!
Nintendo's brainiacs made it dead simple to jump into Free Roam, with our hero hopping around town while hopelessly addicted gamers like me twiddle our thumbs before taking the wheel. Peeping the Switch 2's plus button brings up the screen—presto, change-o, instant gameplay!
And what about the world itself? It's a rollicking wonderland jammed with P Switches, mini-games, downhill slides, and obstacles galore. Larking around this sprawling landscape feels like running through a carnival at midnight—wild, thrilling, and impossible to forget.
Don't expect this open world to place you in the heart of an epic mystery like The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. Instead, it's all about bite-sized, replayable delight, perfect for those times you need a breath of fresh air between bouts of online chaos.
So Much More Than a Track
It ain't just about the races! Wall riding and rail grinding add a whole new dimension to Mario Kart World's gameplay. Karts can now dig themselves into the wall and scoot along, while inhabitants of the open world seem to have taken a page from Sony's Jak and Daxter franchise by effortlessly scaling the sides of mountains.
This Switch 2 launch game is bursting with content, and if you're struggling to find a game to pass the time until your Switch 2 arrives, Mario Kart World could be just the bargain you're looking for. Hell, buy it just to sock it away during Destiny 2's next major downtime.
Gaming Haven Don't miss out on the latest gaming news and reviews. Sign up for our Gaming Heaven newsletter. By clicking Sign Me Up, you confirm you are 16+ and agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Thanks for subscribing!
- Totally Rentriculous Karts: Customize your ride like never before with the game's vast assortment of cosmetic upgrades.
- Unlockables Galore: Uncover hidden secrets and mini-games scattered throughout the map.
- The Palace of Loot: Battle your way to the top in online races and collect some primo rewards from the Switch 2's virtual treasure vault.
- Dynamism in Motion: Watch the open world spring to life as day turns to night and weather patterns change, making each race more engaging and memorable.
- Daily Showdowns: Compete in daily races with real players for exclusive prizes and bragging rights.
So saddle up, my friends, and get ready for the ride of your life! Mario Kart World's about to redefine the open-world racing genre and bring together gamers from all walks of life. And if you can't bag a Switch 2 preorder, don't fret—there's plenty to gobble up in these early days of the gaming world's newest console.
Gaming Awesomeness: Stay up to date on the latest gaming happenings, reviews, and everything cool with our Gaming Awesomeness website. Follow our link or scan the QR code!
- Retro Kart Frenzy: Celebrate the heritage of Mario Kart World with these must-play retro kart racing titles.
- Speedweek Mayhem: Rev up your engines with these highly-anticipated upcoming racing games.
- Despite its focus on the debut of Mario Kart World, it's hard to ignore the impact that tech giants like Google and their advancements in AI might have on the future of gadgets and technology related to the gaming industry, such as the potential for voice assistants to streamline gameplay or AI algorithms optimizing game performance.
- As we delve deeper into the vast, open world of Mario Kart World, it's fascinating to consider how the elements of tech and gadgets, such as Google's project Soli that could allow for more intuitive, gesture-based controls in future iterations, could further enhance the overall gaming experience.
