Mario Kart World: A Gorgeous, Chaotic Ride

New Game’s High Price Tag Raises Eyebrows

The latest Mario Kart title, Mario Kart World, is a stunning racing game. However, it’s the hefty $80 price point that’s raising concerns, and the new release is under scrutiny for its value proposition.

Visuals and Gameplay

The graphics in Mario Kart World are undeniably beautiful. It’s a gorgeous game, though perhaps not “$80 gorgeous,” as one reviewer noted. The developers made an excellent decision when showcasing the Switch 2’s graphical capabilities. Certain gameplay elements may be more divisive, however.

The game features a chaotic style of racing with more items and racers than ever before. Skillful driving is still an option, particularly with all the acrobatics, yet luck also plays a large role in the outcome. The game includes twenty-four racers and a variety of new items.

Price Point Concerns

The $80 price tag of Mario Kart World makes it difficult for some to fully embrace the game. The game is leveraging a beloved series. The reviewer is critical of the price, stating, “I’ll gladly admit it upfront – as the game to introduce a new normal of publishers charging $80 (minimum) for games, Mario Kart World is something I can’t help but resent.”

The game’s visuals are impressive, but the price point raises questions. #MarioKartWorld example.com/review

— Person Name (@PersonName) March 8, 2024

“Mario Kart World is pretty damn good – not exceptional, but it’s got that baseline level of quality one expects from a Mario Kart game.”

—Reviewer Name, Game Critic

A recent report from the Entertainment Software Association indicates that the average cost of developing a AAA game has risen to over $100 million, driving up prices (ESA 2023).

New Features and Modes

The game introduces Knockout Tour, an elimination mode that’s proving popular. The Knockout Tour is designed to accommodate the game’s increased level of chaos. Traditional modes like regular races and Grand Prix are also available. New additions include a golden shell, a Hammer, and the Mega Mushroom.

Additionally, maneuverability is a significant part of World’s gameplay, with new ways to move. This includes a jump mechanic for wall riding and grinding along surfaces. Some tracks are designed with acrobatic racing in mind, offering kart-based parkour.

Open World Shortcomings

The game features a world-based design, connecting all tracks into a large, interconnected map. However, the open world feels less exciting than it could be, as there is very little to do besides checkpoint races. The open-world aspect falls short, with a lack of engaging activities outside of the main races.

The reward system seems lackluster. Stickers are a common reward, but they don’t seem to have much impact. Unlockable content, like vehicles, characters, or costumes, is tied to a single method. The overbearing “course correction” by Lakitu is a point of criticism, and it frequently punishes players.

Final Thoughts

Mario Kart World delivers both fun and disappointment. It has the potential to be great, but doesn’t meet its full potential or the hefty price. It offers a lot of exciting new features, but it falls short by promising a thrilling open world and instead providing a shallow one that’s visually pleasing but offers very little to do.