Sure, here’s the re-written article:
Okay, so here’s the thing about Mario Kart World on the Nintendo Switch 2. You know, that game we all couldn’t wait to get our hands on? Yeah, that’s the one. Most folks, myself included, dove in headfirst and spent weeks tearing through its massive, interconnected map. So, are you still revving those engines, or has the reality set in, making you park your kart in the garage for a bit? Anyway, let’s pop the hood and see what’s going on.
Alright, so this is the first shiny-new Mario Kart in forever. Over a decade, can you believe it? And it had a lot to live up to. With 24 bikes and karts jostling for glory, it feels packed, but the tracks are more expansive now. You won’t get caught like a sitting duck waiting to get shelled by someone way back in 12th place.
You can race solo, with pals, or online—seriously, multiplayer is where it gets its staying power. I actually trounced a couple of my friends online, which, believe me, is a rare occurrence. Everything ran smoothly, and the game chat? Free-for-all and a blast. You’ll probably start solo to get the hang of things (or wheels, if we’re being literal).
Comfort comes in familiar flavors—Grand Prix, Time Trials, and VS Race. No 200cc yet, but 150cc is no joke. The Knockout Tour, though? That’s where the real sweat happens. It’s a nerve-racking, nonstop sprint eliminating the bottom four at each checkpoint. Seriously, who comes up with this stuff? But yeah, it keeps you on your toes.
Now, some say I’m skipping over Battle mode. Truth is, it feels a bit flat right now. Only Balloon Battle and Coin Runners, which is kinda meh. Plus, I don’t know about you, but driving around looking for someone to smash into isn’t my cup of tea. Since Mario Kart 64 days, I’ve been a fan, so I’m hoping for some upgrades.
Oh, and if you’re eagle-eyed, you’ll spot this teeny map icon on the main screen that lets you explore. Missed it at first, and honestly, why isn’t it more obvious? Maybe they’re banking more on the Knockout Tour than this whole free-roam thing.
Speaking of which, Free Roam has surprisingly been a chill mode. Drive around, collect goodies, enjoy the day-night vibe. It’s a whole new way to see the tracks, makes me wanna hop out and explore on foot sometimes.
But—and here’s a big but—when those P Switches come into play, it’s a different story. Not quite chill, some are even downright tough. They focus on jumping and new tricks, but boy, do they need more polish. Updates would really kick this mode up a notch.
Ideas? Sure, here’s a freebie: improve mission tracking. Skimming through multiple costumed Marios gets old fast. What’s with all these stickers anyway? Feels shoehorned in, if you ask me.
More updates, yes please! Longer P Switch missions could recreate classic tracks—how cool would that be? The soundtrack slaps, so maybe a custom playlist while you cruise?
The tracks, though, have me torn. Don’t get me wrong, they’re fun and having them connected adds the “World” feel. But individually, they lack that memorable punch because the traditional loops are missing. Noticeable in older tracks—feels like the first or last lap is the only place they stick to their roots.
As for these classic tracks, they do look stunning, but the new game smell fades when half the roster is recycled. Choco Mountain’s legendary, but does it need to pop up everywhere? Though, seeing Toad’s Factory again is a nice touch. DK Spaceport has to be my top pick among the new ones, a nod to Donkey Kong’s arcade days. Oh, and DK himself? Unlocked by beating the first cup, which is a fun little twist.
Bottom line, Mario Kart World has a bunch of fun stuff in store—big things and small quirks alike, like racing as a cow. Yep. For newbies, this might just be the game of this era. Can’t wait to see how it evolves with time.
After countless hours behind the wheel, here’s my take: Mario Kart World is a visual feast and plays like a dream. Quick, crisp, and fluid on the Switch 2. Worth the bundle price for sure, even if as a standalone, the track count feels a bit, well, thin compared to its ancestors. Let’s hope some DLCs come to the rescue. All in all, it’s a must-play, sprinting across the finish line grinning.
