The Mario Kart series has come a long way since its inception. What started as a simple kart racing game set in the Mushroom Kingdom has evolved into a motorized version of Super Smash Bros., featuring racers and tracks from various Nintendo franchises. With each new iteration, the game has grown in size, encompassing various vehicles such as quads, bikes, hovercars, and even two-seat mobile weapons platforms. In this article, we will pit these games against each other and see which ones come out on top.
Course Design
One of the most crucial aspects of any Mario Kart game is course design. It’s what keeps players coming back for more, as each track presents new challenges and obstacles to overcome. The early Mario Kart games had relatively simple courses that mostly consisted of straightaways and sharp turns. However, as the series progressed, the tracks became more complex and featured more diverse environments.
For example, Mario Kart Double Dash introduced Baby Park, a track with eight laps and numerous tight turns that created chaos among racers. Meanwhile, Mario Kart Wii’s Rainbow Road is a visually stunning track with a galaxy-themed design that is both beautiful and challenging to race on.
One of the standout courses in the series is Mount Wario from Mario Kart 8. It’s a mountainous track with a downhill section that allows players to pick up a lot of speed. The track’s design is incredible, and the various jumps and obstacles make it a thrilling experience even after multiple replays.
New Features
Each new Mario Kart game brings a host of new features to the table. These features include new characters, items, vehicles, and game modes. However, not all of these features are created equal or add value to the game.
Mario Kart 7 introduced hang gliding, which allowed players to soar through the air after hitting ramps. It was a cool new feature that added a new element of strategy to the game. However, Mario Kart Wii’s motion controls were poorly implemented and didn’t add much to the game’s overall experience.
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe introduced the ability to hold two items at once, which led to more strategic gameplay. The game’s improved battle mode, which featured eight different battle arenas, made it an all-around solid package that was well worth the investment for both new players and Mario Kart veterans.
Multiplayer
Mario Kart has always been a great game to play with friends, and with each new release, the multiplayer experience is refined and improved. One of the most significant improvements in recent years is the ability to play online with friends and other players from around the world.
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe offers the best online multiplayer experience in the series. The game features a robust matchmaking system that ensures fair play and reduced lag, and the ability to play with up to twelve players at once adds an extra layer of excitement to the game.
Local multiplayer is also an essential aspect of Mario Kart, and the series has always excelled in this area. Mario Kart Double Dash allowed players to team up and ride in a two-seat vehicle, while Mario Kart Wii introduced the ability to play with four players on one console. These features make Mario Kart an ideal game for playing with friends and family.
The Best Mario Kart Game
The Mario Kart series has been consistently excellent, with each new game bringing something exciting to the table. However, the question remains, which game is the best?
After careful consideration, we’ve ranked the Mario Kart games from best to worst:
- Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
- Mario Kart Double Dash
- Mario Kart Wii
- Mario Kart 7
- Mario Kart DS
- Mario Kart 64
- Super Mario Kart
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is undoubtedly the best game in the series. It has refined gameplay, incredible course design, and robust multiplayer features that make it the ultimate Mario Kart experience. Mario Kart Double Dash comes in at a close second, with its innovative two-seat vehicles and varied course design. Mario Kart Wii, while inferior to its successors, still offers a solid gameplay experience and fun party play modes.
Mario Kart 7 and Mario Kart DS are both excellent handheld Mario Kart games with robust online multiplayer features that make them worth revisiting. Mario Kart 64 and Super Mario Kart, while still fun to play, have aged poorly and lack the polish and refinement of more recent games in the series.
Conclusion
Mario Kart is a classic Nintendo franchise that has stood the test of time. With each new game, the series has improved upon the last, offering more polished gameplay, better course design, and improved multiplayer features. While each Mario Kart game is unique in its way, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is hands down the best game in the series, offering the ultimate Mario Kart experience. But no matter which Mario Kart game you choose, you’re sure to have hours of fun!