Feature: Three Laps, Two Players, One Vegas Jumpsuit
By Mario Kart World has been making waves for over a month now, and after ten years since its predecessor, it’s refreshing to engage with something that feels novel.
This isn’t to imply that every one of its advancements has been well-received, as a vocal segment of the community has criticized Nintendo’s changes and the implementation of the Grand Prix mode, with the ‘intermission’ tracks eliciting particular frustration from users who favor the classic three-lap racing format.
Considering the sales figures, it’s reasonable to expect that Nintendo will continue to back this title for some time. And in light of the commotion surrounding its hefty $80 price point, we don’t foresee any paid DLC coming for quite some time. However, we do anticipate free updates that might include not just minor adjustments, but possibly added features, modes, costumes, and perhaps even new characters.
Now, let’s dive into what’s at the pinnacle of Team NL’s wish list…
Waypoint the way – Ollie Reynolds, staff writer
Given the recent discussions regarding the seeming absence of conventional three-lap racing, I believe it’s only reasonable for Nintendo to incorporate a bit more customization in selecting how we compete. So yes, let’s introduce a ‘Classic Grand Prix’ mode that permits us to transition seamlessly between tracks for those familiar, comforting three-lap experiences.
But let’s not stop there. Why not allow us to fully customize our own Knockout race by selecting any four tracks from the map? This could lead to some truly distinctive racing experiences! If that’s not sufficient, I think it would be exciting to choose your own start and end waypoints from any location on the map, engaging any track that happens to be situated between them.
Ultimately, Mario Kart World possesses immense potential that, at this point, I feel is somewhat constrained. Nintendo needs to liberate World from its Chain Chomp.
Put a pin in it – Alana Hagues, deputy editor
If you’ve diligently followed every *Mario Kart World* update on Nintendo Life, you probably know Jim and I have been responsible for crafting most of the guides. Hence, it shouldn’t come as a surprise to you that I really, really could’ve used a map marker, Nintendo.
A combination of methods to track your collectibles or denote a spot on the map would have been incredibly helpful, enabling me to remember locations perfect for snapping photos or goofing around with friends. I do enjoy unexpectedly discovering things on the map, but there were occasions when I was attempting to complete other tasks, such as pursuing a Nabbit or trying to activate a P Switch.
On that note, if you’re going to offer us stickers, let us place more than one sticker on our vehicles. What’s the incentive for a cute minor award if they’re hardly visible?
Finally, for something a bit more unconventional (and to resonate with Ollie), how about a design-your-own Knockout Tour? I know I’m thinking well outside the box here, but imagine how fantastic it would be to actually select your routes between tracks.
You’ve got a friend in me – Jim Norman, staff writer
I have been genuinely enjoying MKW. My companions also seem to be having a good time, from what I gather. So why, oh why, does it sometimes feel so frustrating trying to play with them?
Local multiplayer Free Roam feels like the most straightforward fix here (it would certainly have made locating all those P Switches far easier), and while there is some kind of workaround, it’s not the complete experience I’m after.
Even if Free Roam is not an option, can we at least allow it so I can add friends to existing online lobbies? If I’m racing with one group and then the wonderful Felix-from-Nintendo-Life-here comes online, there’s currently no way for me to include him in my lobby so we can all join in. Oh no. Instead, I need to dismiss everyone and start anew with a fresh room. Heaven forbid I do all of that only for Zion-from-Nintendo-Life-here to log on after a race or two…
However, I’d be willing to overlook all the above if my cherished Koopalings were to return to the roster. I miss Roy.
New Kids on the (?) Block – Gavin Lane, editor
Since Jim has highlighted the character roster, Kid Pauline from the impending DK Bananza seems like an obvious addition to the lineup. Both DK and his muse are lacking in the costume department, too, and with the array of unlockable outfits in Bananza, including more costumes (and thereby more items?) in MKW makes perfect sense. Who doesn’t want to see Vegas Jumpsuit Waluigi?
Reflecting on the topic of DKB, after examining the preview articles and considering the potential lore ramifications of a teenage Pauline within the revered and very much canonical Mario/DK narrative (you just know Nintendo has documentation somewhere), it’s got me pondering teenage versions of other Mushroom Kingdom characters. We’ve had the baby characters; now it’s time for the t(w)eens. Yes, you heard it here first: this is the real reason Nintendo parted ways with Charles Martinet. He just couldn’t quite pull off Squeaky-Voiced Teen Mario.
Am I 100% serious? Likely 50%, but I would be intrigued to see what Nintendo’s artists could do with a ‘Waluigi-but-a-teenager’ concept. If they’re scraping the bottom of the Mushroom Kingdom barrel (hey, I appreciate Conkdor just as much as anyone, but come on!) and they are holding back the Links, Inklings, and broader Nintendo universe characters for some inexplicable reason, sure, give me Peach with a blemish. Present me with edgy, emo Toad. Show me Wario before he flipped out.
Oh, and 200cc, I suppose. Ideally with an obscure unlock method involving rune symbols drafted in Mouse Mode and obtaining three-star golds in every online Knockout Tour by reversing over each checkpoint line.
These are some of our reflections, but there are plenty of other adjustments we’d make to items and other aspects – share which suggestions above you’d most like to see implemented in the poll, and let us know your thoughts in the comments.