Mario Kart World Sets the Bar High as Switch 2 Launch Title

Nintendo has set a high bar with its latest installment in the beloved Mario Kart series, World. As a follow-up to the best-selling game across Nintendo’s last two console generations, Mario Kart 8, World takes a bold new direction by introducing an open-world structure that makes the game feel larger and more cohesive.

Unlike previous Mario Kart games, where tracks were discrete entities, World combines them into a singular landmass with different areas and biomes. This connected approach allows players to seamlessly transition between courses, creating a sense of continuity and immersion. The result is a game that feels like one cohesive unit, rather than a collection of standalone tracks.

This innovative structure also enables Nintendo to showcase the capabilities of the Switch 2 at launch. With its vast open world, World is the perfect vehicle for demonstrating the console’s potential. And, with its return to classic Mario Kart gameplay, World meets fans’ expectations while setting a new standard for the series.

The open-world approach also introduces new challenges and opportunities for excitement. The lack of distinct boundaries between tracks can make it feel like the courses are bleeding into one another, as seen in the connection between Moo Moo Meadows and Choco Mountain. However, this seamless transition is also part of what makes World so engaging – it’s a testament to Nintendo’s innovative spirit and commitment to pushing the series forward.

Source: https://www.theverge.com/games-review/684518/mario-kart-world-review-nintendo-switch-2