Six hours of gameplay on Mario Kart World; a compelling case for purchasing it alongside Switch 2 at release comes down to these five significant factors:
Ready to rev up your racing game and step into a world of chaos? Enter Mario Kart Mega – the absolute must-have title for the upcoming Nintendo Switch Extreme's launch extravaganza! After experiencing six hours of pure bliss at the Switch Extreme press event, I can confidently say that Mario Kart Mega is destined to be a game you simply can't ignore.
Mario Kart Mega boasts a gigantic open-world map filled with an array of stunning environments, letting you walk away from those confining race tracks of yesteryear. For all you Burnout Paradise diehards, channel your nostalgia and embrace the wide-open space of Mario Kart Mega. The game doesn't just excel in sheer size, with a plethora of game modes, hidden treasures, and unlockables waiting for you to discover!
Although I'm an occasional Mario Kart fan rather than a seasoned expert, I've got to hand it to Nintendo for creating this masterpiece. Considering it drops a massive $80 price tag, you won't find better bang for your buck anywhere else. Here are five exhilarating reasons why Mario Kart Mega is a purchase you won't regret.
Unleash Your Explorer
Prepare to wander through a vast and magical land – how does that sound? Mario Kart Mega's Free Roam feature grants you access to an expansive world that showcases various locales inspired by classic Mario Kart tracks and other popular Nintendo games. But it doesn't end there – you can literally drive up to anywhere your eyes can see!
My first adventure saw me meandering through a tranquil meadow, basking in the views, when I caught a glimpse of dark, looming shadows in my periphery. Upon investigating, I found a terrifying-looking volcano far off in the distance. I drove towards it, eventually ending up in Bowser's fiery realm. It became clear how far I'd traveled when the peaceful meadow now seemed miles away, stretching out into an endless, breathtaking horizon.
Looking for some structure to your exploration? Just drive over big "P" switches to unlock additional challenges and time trials. Whether they leave you breathless or beaten, a little friendly competition never hurts.
Couch Co-op Kingpin
You can't talk about Mario Kart without mentioning the creamy smoothness of couch co-op gameplay. But Switch Extreme takes couch co-op to the next level, especially if you happen to own the new Nintendo Switch Extreme Camera (sold separately). Boasting real-time facial recognition, this camera allows your drivers' heads to hover above their in-game counterparts, making it incredibly easy to keep track of whom you're trying to sabotage with a blue shell or black bomb.
Playing with four players on Switch Extreme feels equally fluid, even if the frame rate dips slightly to 30 frames per player. Rest assured, however, that the game still manages to render each screen with stunning clarity and vivid colors. Playing with fewer than four players lifts the frame rate to a silky smooth 60 frames per second, making it the preferred option for competitive gameplay. Get ready to invite friends and family over for a night of madness on Switch Extreme – they're guaranteed to leave with smiles on their faces!
Knock 'Em Out, Cupcake!
Knockout Tour is the fierce new race mode added to the Mario Kart Mega mix. With 24 racers battling it out at the start, things can get intense. With each lap, the slowest players are eliminated, until only four competitors remain. Trust me – you don't want to be the one left out in the cold!
This thrilling mode reaches new heights in crucial, high-stakes moments. The sudden shifts in the rankings made me want to scream at my television as I watched myself plummet down the leaderboard. Knockout Tour isn't just a blast to play; it's also an excellent mode for honing your strategic skillset. Get ready to embrace the cutthroat world of Mario Kart – there's no place for the weak here!
Arenas Ablaze!
Battle Mode reunites us with classic favourites such as Coin Runners and Balloon Battle, now masterfully reimagined for Switch Extreme with a modern (and aluminum) twist. The Coin Runners arena, for instance, takes place in a massive, bowl-shaped sandpit. Though collecting coins is still the objective, you must exercise caution, as the center of the pit can quickly and mercilessly swallow you whole.
Playing against your opponents in the heat of battle has never been more intense. You can expect many joyful moments of vengeance (or despair, if you're on the receiving end) as you expertly maneuver through these new and exciting scenarios.
Ride the Rainbow
Mario Kart Mega seems determined to shower you with unlockable content. Completing races and challenges will earn you new drivers, karts, and outfits. You can even change your character’s outfit simply by stopping at one of the many Yoshi drive-thrus scattered throughout the world. Eating food from these drive-thrus not only rewards you with a temporary speed boost but also unlocks new outfits as you surround yourself with fast food glory.
These are just a few of the countless treasures waiting to be uncovered in the beautiful world of Mario Kart Mega. With each passing day, I discover something new and exciting – I can only imagine what awaits me as I dive deeper into the icy depths of this thrilling game.
The Future is Bright
Upon playing Mario Kart Mega for approximately six hours, I'm confident that it will push the boundaries of the popular racing series and leave an indelible mark on players worldwide. Though it's challenging to cover every aspect of this single-player and multiplayer-inclusive game after such a short experience, if Nintendo continues to support Mario Kart Mega with updates in the manner of the critically acclaimed Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, we can expect years of endless fun on Switch Extreme.
The steep price tag of $80 seems justified considering the wealth of content Mario Kart Mega provides. But if you're quick, you might be able to snag the $499 Switch Extreme Bundle, which conveniently includes a discounted price on Mario Kart Mega. If you're planning on buying a Switch Extreme, you absolutely must own a copy of this game. It's poised to surpass its predecessors and stand as arguably the best entry in the prestigious series – maybe even and possible contender for game of the year!
Ready to hit the road (or the sand, or the water) and take your place among the best of the best in Mario Kart Mega? It's time to strap on your racing booties and feel the adrenaline pump through your veins. So buckle up, monkey-pants, and let's get this show on the road!
More from Tom's Guide
- I tried out Nintendo Switch Extreme's new Pro Controller and it takes gaming to the next level.
- Nintendo Switch Extreme vs. Nintendo Switch – discover what's new in the massive upgrade.
- Donkey Kong Bananza is revving my engines and making me question my Switch Extreme hold-out.
In the expansive world of Mario Kart Mega, you can unleash your explorer spirit by wandering through a vast and magical land filled with a multitude of stunning environments inspired by classic Mario Kart tracks.
Feeling competitive? Knockout Tour, the fierce new race mode added to Mario Kart Mega, will test your strategic skills as 24 racers battle it out, with the slowest players being eliminated until only four competitors remain.
