**Official Mario Kart Wii** thread UPDATE

[bignateyk]

Originally posted by: randomlinh
...
You were able to dodge blue shells in MKS (I don't remember about DD). You had to boost at exactly the right time or something. I've only done it once or twice.Usually if I hear the blue shell coming I hit the breaks and let people pass me so they're the ones who get whacked.

Hitting the brakes didn't work in doubledash. Once it picked its target, that's who got hit. I did that once and let everyone pass me, then I still got nailed by the shell. I think that's when I decided to learn how to dodge them.

At my prime I could probably dodge 50% of the blue shells thrown at me. You just had to time a power slide perfectly and boost right before it hit you. Some karts were much easier than others to do this in, although ive done it in the donkey kong kart before.

I liked DD because there were tricks to all the items. The secret to avoid the lightning was to run into an item right before the other person used it. (Fairly easy to time if it's just a few players)

 

[torpid]

In DD how did you know if a computer had a lightning bolt before they used it?

 

[clamum]

So far I'm really diggin this game. I've played a lot of the SNES version and I thought, compared to that, that this Wii version was a fair amount harder. I still usually took first but in the SNES one I could easily tear it up. Maybe cause I was so used to it though.

Haven't gotten a chance to play online and won't for awhile. One other thing, I thought that there were TONS of power-ups compared to SNES. It seemed like every few seconds some shit was flashing or whatever.

 

[eelw]

Originally posted by: RandomFool
I've only done it once or twice.Usually if I hear the blue shell coming I hit the breaks and let people pass me so they're the ones who get whacked.

I will slow down so I take along the 2nd and 3rd place people with me.

 

[bunnyfubbles]

Winning gold cups in all the SP GPs isn't that hard for me, the problem I'm having is achieving perfection: winning 1st in all the races to achieve 60 points for the whole GP and doing it with enough style/domination/whatever it is that determines your rating, whether it be 3 stars, 2, 1, A, B, C, D, on down to E...

I can somewhat agree with the annoyances of all the chaos items - in MK64 (the last console MK that is most similar to this one) I would rarely get hit by a blue shell even just once, now I feel lucky to get hit less than 5 times...the AI certainly seems suspiciously cooperative as well, whenever the AI is in first it doesn't seem to ever have as hard a time of maintaining it (ie less blue shells) - but I'll admit that could just be psychological.

The weapons seem to be just as good if not a bit improved in overall feel from past incarnations - bananas and single shells will work well as shields for any locked on red shell that is coming directly from behind, just have to hold the item, no need to intercept it. From what I've seen, the fake item box does not provide any protection at all from any shells. The biggest change I have yet to get over is the vast amount of ways items you hold can be lost and thus leave you even more vulnerable. Its bad enough getting hit by a lightning bold, pow box, blue shell, etc...but to lose any items you're "holding" and any ready to be deployed feels like a bit too much. Some of the initial 'super' attacks are less severe than the potential aftermath when you're stripped bare and unprotected for any follow up attack. While I like this change for the fact that it can counter (and even discourage) players who are hoarding decent items that would allow them to finish the race relatively uncontested, I'm still somewhat sore on this fact because I'm one of those players who would exploit such a strategy to help me win such MK64 games. Now I find myself quickly adapting to more of a "use it or lose it" strategy, which seems to be working.

I strongly disagree about the issue of 'skill'. Yes, MK is not a traditional racer - to try and 'race' in the traditional sense will not win you many races, any seasoned and good MK (other than the original) vet will know this. If you prefer the traditional style, that's fine, that's your preference, but to knock MK to make up for an apparent lack of ability in the game is absurd - play a different game, this one isn't compatible with your ego. The better MK players will consistently best the lesser MK players; they may not use traditional racing skill to do so, but they'll achieve victory through alternative skill such as superior strategy and weapon use/tactics.

People can brag about how "l33t" they were in Super Mario Kart and subsequently knock all other MK games using typical elitist jargon about how the newer games no longer require "skill" ... a pretty convenient strategy - you now suck in the new game or perhaps are merely no longer godly exceptional, so now you play it off as it being the game and not you. Awesome. We're all convinced. Keep living in the past where your awesomeness can no longer be refuted.

Originally posted by: randomlinh
And I didn't notice anyone mention it before, but the save games are locked just like SSBB. WTF is the point now. I can't move my saves I want to keep for whatever reason might come up. With WiiWare and more VC stuff, having to delete and redownload or transfer those between the wii and SD card just to play will be highly aggravating.

Does anyone know the motivation for Nintendo to do this? IMO its absolutely ridiculous and can't think of any legitimate reason for Nintendo to do it...

 

[clamum]

Played the game for a couple more hours last night. Definitely getting used to it more, like as I've said I've only played the SNES version which I put a ton of time into, and the N64 version just a handfull of times for short periods.

You do get hit way more times with powerups but like someone said above, I guess I didn't realize the player count increase to 12 was a factor in that, which is fine. I really hate the ones that make you lose your powerup, so like bunnyfubbles said I've adopted more of a "use it or lose it" approach as well. The drifting/boosting is nicely done, and I noticed that if you drift someone for a bit that you also get a speed increase. That had happened to me before but I didn't know how/why it was occuring.

Even though my first impression was it took a lot less skill than previous versions (SNES in my case), that isn't quite the truth. It's true there's more randomness involved due to the increased powerups/racers, but IMO if you can't hit some great drifts and know the maps reasonably well, you simply ain't gonna do very well.

I also thought it was cool they included maps from previous versions of the game alongside the new maps. I definitely tore the fuck up the bowser castle map from the SNES version in (I think) the Leaf cup.

Graphics are nice; controls seem pretty decent (I'm using the Wiimote and wheel) but I've found turning sharp is pretty much impossible with the Wiimote/wheel. Not really a dealbreaker though.

That's about all I can comment on so far. I've completed the 50cc maps but haven't played any higher Grand Prix or any battle mode or multiplayer.

 

[Modeps]

I took a look through the thread before, but I didnt see it answered... can you play with TWO people on the same wii, over WFC? My wife, who doesnt play games, said she would play mario kart, and it would be sweeter if we could play with her sister, who lives in another state.

 

[tfinch2]

Originally posted by: Modeps
I took a look through the thread before, but I didnt see it answered... can you play with TWO people on the same wii, over WFC? My wife, who doesnt play games, said she would play mario kart, and it would be sweeter if we could play with her sister, who lives in another state.

Yes you can play with two players split screen on WFC. It's awesome. My fiancee and I have been playing furiously for the passed three days.

 

[Modeps]

Originally posted by: tfinch2

Originally posted by: Modeps
I took a look through the thread before, but I didnt see it answered... can you play with TWO people on the same wii, over WFC? My wife, who doesnt play games, said she would play mario kart, and it would be sweeter if we could play with her sister, who lives in another state.

Yes you can play with two players split screen on WFC. It's awesome. My fiancee and I have been playing furiously for the passed three days.

Thats extremely good to know. Thanks for the info.

 

[randomlinh]

Originally posted by: Modeps

Originally posted by: tfinch2

Originally posted by: Modeps
I took a look through the thread before, but I didnt see it answered... can you play with TWO people on the same wii, over WFC? My wife, who doesnt play games, said she would play mario kart, and it would be sweeter if we could play with her sister, who lives in another state.

Yes you can play with two players split screen on WFC. It's awesome. My fiancee and I have been playing furiously for the passed three days.

Thats extremely good to know. Thanks for the info.

you CANNOT however, link two save files when playing w/ two people. the 2nd player will always be a guest. VERY annoying

 

[BD2003]

Originally posted by: bunnyfubbles
I strongly disagree about the issue of 'skill'. Yes, MK is not a traditional racer - to try and 'race' in the traditional sense will not win you many races, any seasoned and good MK (other than the original) vet will know this. If you prefer the traditional style, that's fine, that's your preference, but to knock MK to make up for an apparent lack of ability in the game is absurd - play a different game, this one isn't compatible with your ego. The better MK players will consistently best the lesser MK players; they may not use traditional racing skill to do so, but they'll achieve victory through alternative skill such as superior strategy and weapon use/tactics.

Thats really my main problem there. I find it really hard to swallow when a game gives you so many ways to speed boost, but the real route to victory is to actually hang back. That might be strategy, but it kills the essence of a racing game. Maybe when I was playing, most people hadnt yet realized that you win by not trying to win, because I really didnt see anyone outranking anyone else by too much.

Imagine if in COD4, the path to victory was to try not to kill the enemy *too much*, where you score more points by being inaccurate and not taking a shot when you have one, because in the last minute of the match the team bringing up the rear would be granted a nuke. There might be some strategy to that too, but it would really undermine the core game.

I highly suggest the people that dont like the stock item distribution to try it on basic. Its a much different game, much more of an actual racer, where being in front is actually a good thing.

 

[Baked]

I've been playing MK Wii 30 min a night trying to get use to the wheel. Man, this is hard! I'm really good at drifting and power sliding on MK DS, but using the wheel to do the same thing on MK Wii takes lots and lots of practice. I've been doing just time trials on the 1st two tracks. 30 min is the maximum I can do before I throw the wheel across the room.

 

[bunnyfubbles]

Originally posted by: BD2003

Originally posted by: bunnyfubbles
I strongly disagree about the issue of 'skill'. Yes, MK is not a traditional racer - to try and 'race' in the traditional sense will not win you many races, any seasoned and good MK (other than the original) vet will know this. If you prefer the traditional style, that's fine, that's your preference, but to knock MK to make up for an apparent lack of ability in the game is absurd - play a different game, this one isn't compatible with your ego. The better MK players will consistently best the lesser MK players; they may not use traditional racing skill to do so, but they'll achieve victory through alternative skill such as superior strategy and weapon use/tactics.

Thats really my main problem there. I find it really hard to swallow when a game gives you so many ways to speed boost, but the real route to victory is to actually hang back. That might be strategy, but it kills the essence of a racing game. Maybe when I was playing, most people hadnt yet realized that you win by not trying to win, because I really didnt see anyone outranking anyone else by too much.

Guess you skipped the part about how hanging back doesn't always work.

Imagine if in COD4, the path to victory was to try not to kill the enemy *too much*, where you score more points by being inaccurate and not taking a shot when you have one, because in the last minute of the match the team bringing up the rear would be granted a nuke. There might be some strategy to that too, but it would really undermine the core game.

Now I know you didn't skip it, because you bolded part of it, but I specifically mention how the better players will most likely be the ones with overall better ability and strategy. In a shooter if the goal is to be the last one standing, then a strategy of letting everyone rush out and kill each other before you enter the fray is most likely going to be a successful one.

I highly suggest the people that dont like the stock item distribution to try it on basic. Its a much different game, much more of an actual racer, where being in front is actually a good thing.

Which is why this game is even better. MK (at least the newer games) has always been about the multiplayer yet you cried so much about it for its single player faults...faults I might actually agree with a certain amount because the computer AI doesn't act the same way human opponents do. Heck, I don't even know how valid those faults are...considering I can relatively easily win gold cups consistently for any of the classes, the problem is coming in 1st every single race and doing it with whatever is required to achieve the highest possible ranking (3 stars). Of which your beef isn't with the difficulty of the game, its most likely the absurdity of having to jump through so many hoops just to unlock parts of the game you paid good money for (or supposedly in your case didn't pay for) and there is no easy out because Nintendo retardedly locks the save file for their most anticipated games...WTF.

I find myself conflicted - on the one hand I've been able to destroy MK games in the past and relatively easily complete the game to its max, but now there's this new game and it actually presents a challenge for change...OH NO!!!

 

[clamum]

Originally posted by: Baked
I've been playing MK Wii 30 min a night trying to get use to the wheel. Man, this is hard! I'm really good at drifting and power sliding on MK DS, but using the wheel to do the same thing on MK Wii takes lots and lots of practice. I've been doing just time trials on the 1st two tracks. 30 min is the maximum I can do before I throw the wheel across the room.

Have you played the bikes yet? I played a map or two and almost had to re-learn to drift. Fuck those things.

 

[Baked]

No, haven't tried the bikes yet. Still learning the cars. The original go cart is surprisingly good. Maybe I'll try the bikes tonight.

 

[CraKaJaX]

Anyone up for some battle mode tonight?

 

[Dumac]

I'm seriously disappointed with this game. It just feels...almost stale and backwards at the same time. All the previous Mario Kart games, for the SNES, N64, DS, and even Double Dash despite its quirkiness, felt solid and were thoroughly enjoyable. However, Mario Kart Wii just feels like it lacks something...

 

[Modeps]

Wow. This is just retarded functionality nintendo. You included a way to send "friend requests" but buried it in a scrolling menu item? What is wrong with you?

 

[BD2003]

Originally posted by: Modeps
Wow. This is just retarded functionality nintendo. You included a way to send "friend requests" but buried it in a scrolling menu item? What is wrong with you?

Never mind the fact that it needs individual friend codes when you already have a unique console code.

I'm all for them creating a safe environment for children, but they go to such absurd lengths to do so. Its akin to a mom not wanting a child to get sick, so she locks her kid in the basement.

 

[torpid]

Played it briefly this weekend. It really didn't have the luster I was hoping for. I like the new vehicles, but the game feels dated to me so far. Maybe it's the levels we chose to play. They all seem short and vanilla. The mall level was a great idea executed without an ounce of creativity. I did somewhat enjoy the mushroom level with all the bouncing. Are the unlockable ones more interesting? I didn't have the patience to sit through single player yet.

The lack of a multiplayer GP is really annoying. The default rules for items are total crap and I can't believe they would even bother releasing the game with these rules as default. I suspect I might play it more once I get sick of Rock Band, but it's going to be a while before that happens, I suspect.

Thumbs down so far, but I am sure I'll play it a fair amount over time.

 

[Modeps]

I have a confession to make... I've been playing a bunch more of Kart than I thought I would play. My wife picked it up this past weekend to my surprise and since, I've fallen into the "just one more race" mentality. Yes, its not much different than previous versions. Yes, the complete devastation often reigned upon you by AI characters is groin grabbingly disgusting. Yes, the friend code system is still horrendous... but in general its a fun, accessible game. The Wheel control isn't nearly as bad as everyone makes it out to be either. I'm truly enjoying this game.

This marks the second Wii title that I enjoy playing.

 

[grohl]

There are some of us who have never played a prior version of this game and enjoying it immensely. It has a true family quality to it - I can legitimately play with my 6 year old and she will beat me occasionally - mostly due to AI but so what. In single player there are a lot of subtleties to this game (drift, shortcuts) that take some time to pick up on, then trying to get all the unlocks...very enjoyable to date.

 

[RandomFool]

I finally got a chance to play it yesterday. Not bad, but no amazing. I like the wheel so far but it's going to take some getting use to. It's pretty much a Mario Kart game. I do kind of miss the whole two people per kart thing in Double Dash and I really wish I could play co-op in the single player campaign.

 

[BD2003]

I'm also finding racing time trials against the ghosts to be quite fun as well. Despite the annoyances of the GP, there is a whole lot to like in the parts of the game that don't get ruined by the super items.

 

[torpid]

I like the wheel quite a bit. And my neighbor also has not played much MK prior to this and loves the game. So, while I am not THAT impressed with it myself (yet), I do think someone who has never played MK before would really like this game.