Super Mario is back and has moved from the gaming arcade to your home propelling himself into yet another gaming adventure on your TV screen.

Released in Singapore on Apr 27, Nintendo’s highly anticipated Mario Kart transcends console boundaries and is now available to Wii users. Add this game to your Wii party line-up; it’s 1 game that you won’t want to drive past you unplayed.

If you’ve played it before on the Nintendo DS or GameCube , you’d know exactly what the game entails with the addition of new features and agree with UrbanWire in saying that the game lives up to its hype. Gamers who don’t own any of these consoles needn’t feel left out, as the Mario Kart GP is available in gaming arcades, with a new release scheduled for the 4th quarter of this year.

Gentlemen, Start Your Engines!

One of the first things that gamers ought to know is that Mario Kart is not necessarily only for the driving game pros. Newbies or even those who’ve had bad experiences with racing games shouldn’t write it off so easily as the game has more to it than just the racing element, as you’ll soon find out.

Furthermore, the steering wheel (1 ‘wheelie’ is included in each purchase) makes handling easier and more realistic when playing. However, if you’d prefer flexibility with game controls, you’ll be glad to know that Mario Kart supports 3 other controller configurations other than the wheel: Wii Remote and Nunchuk, Classic Controller and GameCube Controller.

The game comprises of 4 basic play modes namely, Single Player (SP), Multiplayer (MP), Wii-Fi Connection (WFC) and Mario Kart Channel (MKC).

In SP, you’ll be taking part in a grand prix, perfecting laps in time trial or simply having good old fun in the versus or battle modes. The main highlight is probably the grand prix where you’ll compete in different cups (8 to be exact) and vie for the pole position.

As the game goes on you’ll find yourself taken in by the beautifully designed terrain. However, not all the design aspects add to the fun, like when different mobs (eg. penguins) may become more of a hindrance than a cute sight. Expect to see a number of classic maps from previous Mario Kart versions such as Yoshi Falls and Peach Beach .

Of course, the underlying charm of it all has to be the appearances of familiar characters such as ‘Toad’, ‘Luigi’ and ‘Bowser’ the baddie.

What makes the game even more engaging is the arsenal of weapons and boosters that you can use to help you win your race.

Those who haven’t played Mario Kart before might not be aware that one of the thrills of the game is when your character picks up an item and is able to use it, whether to your advantage or to offset an opponent. It could be a banana peel that causes the enemy to skid or a mushroom that gives you a speed boost. In fact, UrbanWire found that it’s easier to control your vehicle while simultaneously lobbing items on the Wii as compared to other consoles, as the buttons are conveniently spaced. Whatever the item, brace yourself for mayhem on the racetrack!

MP play is similar to SP, except you can compete with up to 4 other players. This is probably the best for those who’re looking to bag some bragging rights by beating their friends at the game or just having a good time with the family.

For those who feel the urge to bring their gameplay to another level, you’ll be glad to know that WFC, or online play, lets you pit your skills against players in the region or around the world, if you’re more ambitious.

Expect a vastly different experience from the Single Player mode, as your opponents online will not go as easy on you as the AI. This online play is what gives Mario Kart that new dimension that was otherwise lacking (and also impossible) in previous consoles. Up to 2 players can play online from 1 Wii console at the same time.

To top if all off, the Mario Kart Channel allows player interaction with your buddies, checking of current world ranking (points system) and even tournament play. Tournaments are only available at certain periods but are frequently held every few weeks. Information regarding them can be checked via posted notices on the Channel.

Also comforting is there was virtually no lag during play, even during online play, so kudos to Nintendo for ensuring that gameplay remains enjoyable. Also the sound effects are generally pretty appropriate for the cutesy Nintendo game, although older players might find them a little too noisy and annoying for their liking.

Overall

Unfortunately, UrbanWire felt that certain aspects might be lacking and that the game could be made better. Nintendo should have considered implementing a sensitivity option that allows users to adjust controller sensitivity settings according to personal preference as some people might find the vehicle manoeuvring a little difficult to get accustomed to.

Furthermore, it was quite disappointing to find out that the brawl-like ‘Last Man Standing’ game mode that was available in previous versions such as the Nintendo DS, was left out in the Wii Version.

Also, it might have been a lot more interesting if an adventure mode was added where specific objectives had be fulfilled in order to advance to higher stages.

All in all, even with the cons, Mario Kart for the Wii has done tremendously well in delivering a game for people of all ages.

So believe it when UrbanWire says that this cute, fast-paced game is one for the (Wii) books!

Gameplay: 9/10
Graphics: 8.5/10
Sound: 7.5/10
Control: 9/10
Overall Rating: 8.5/10

Pictures courtesy of GamePress.