**Official Mario Kart Wii** thread UPDATE

[BD2003]

Its funny that I'm about to say this after the various tirades, but the game actually might be worth something after all.

In vs. mode, in the corner of the screen, there is a "rules" button - we thought this was literally an explanation of how to play, but after clicking it, we just discovered that yes, you can actually control the frequency of the power items, even turn off items altogether, amongst other options. This doesnt exist in single player GP or online, but does in single player "Vs." We're about to fire it up and give it a go to see how well it plays on "basic", I have a feeling it is going to be MUCH better and hopefully a blast instead of the clusterfuck it was before. I suppose this is what happens when you don't have a manual.

Still, it doesnt appear you can unlock anything in vs. mode, so you'll unfortunately have to trudge through the GP at least once.

 

[RandomFool]

Originally posted by: BD2003
Its funny that I'm about to say this after the various tirades, but the game actually might be worth something after all.

In vs. mode, in the corner of the screen, there is a "rules" button - we thought this was literally an explanation of how to play, but after clicking it, we just discovered that yes, you can actually control the frequency of the power items, even turn off items altogether, amongst other options. This doesnt exist in single player GP or online, but does in single player "Vs." We're about to fire it up and give it a go to see how well it plays on "basic", I have a feeling it is going to be MUCH better and hopefully a blast instead of the clusterfuck it was before. I suppose this is what happens when you don't have a manual.

Still, it doesnt appear you can unlock anything in vs. mode, so you'll unfortunately have to trudge through the GP at least once.

My hope has been restored.

 

[BD2003]

Originally posted by: RandomFool

Originally posted by: BD2003
Its funny that I'm about to say this after the various tirades, but the game actually might be worth something after all.

In vs. mode, in the corner of the screen, there is a "rules" button - we thought this was literally an explanation of how to play, but after clicking it, we just discovered that yes, you can actually control the frequency of the power items, even turn off items altogether, amongst other options. This doesnt exist in single player GP or online, but does in single player "Vs." We're about to fire it up and give it a go to see how well it plays on "basic", I have a feeling it is going to be MUCH better and hopefully a blast instead of the clusterfuck it was before. I suppose this is what happens when you don't have a manual.

Still, it doesnt appear you can unlock anything in vs. mode, so you'll unfortunately have to trudge through the GP at least once.

My hope has been restored.

And rightfully so, for the game is officially a blast when the items are toned down.

We're actually putting together a pool for the poor bastard who is willing to suffer through unlocking everything in GP mode. Right now between the 4 of us, no one is volunteering, despite the $10 on the table. At least we got all the tracks. Anyone know if theres a place to grab save files online?

 

[Crafty35a]

Originally posted by: BD2003
Its funny that I'm about to say this after the various tirades, but the game actually might be worth something after all.

In vs. mode, in the corner of the screen, there is a "rules" button - we thought this was literally an explanation of how to play, but after clicking it, we just discovered that yes, you can actually control the frequency of the power items, even turn off items altogether, amongst other options. This doesnt exist in single player GP or online, but does in single player "Vs." We're about to fire it up and give it a go to see how well it plays on "basic", I have a feeling it is going to be MUCH better and hopefully a blast instead of the clusterfuck it was before. I suppose this is what happens when you don't have a manual.

Still, it doesnt appear you can unlock anything in vs. mode, so you'll unfortunately have to trudge through the GP at least once.

Good god man. I was legitimately a little sad today after reading your earlier posts. But I'm really glad to hear that the item frequency can be modified. The 27th can't come soon enough!

 

[RandomFool]

My one question which I didn't see answered yet:
Is the battlemode as bad as I've heard?

 

[BD2003]

Originally posted by: RandomFool
My one question which I didn't see answered yet:
Is the battlemode as bad as I've heard?

Its not bad per se, but its really missing that special something because its timed only. You can't completely take anyone out, only score higher by the end, so its really not much of a battle. And no free for all makes it even more meh.

But I can at least definitely say for sure that as long as you turn the items down to "basic", its definitely the best mario kart I've played in years. It *really* tones it down - someone has to be really, really bringing up the rear in order to even have a chance at getting something like a bullet bill or lightning bolt. Even blue shells are very rare, seems like its one every four races or so, instead of four every race. The game changes from a nonsense random waste of time into a really competitive racer where the most important thing by far is your driving skills, you really have to earn that win.

Its a shame that this mode doesnt exist for worldwide online, but I'm pretty sure you have the option during friend play.

 

[purbeast0]

The First 10 Minutes

 

[BD2003]

Originally posted by: purbeast0
The First 10 Minutes

Its too bad they only showed what was apparently 50cc. The item raping is much more intense on 100cc and especially 150cc.

 

[randomlinh]

Originally posted by: BD2003
Anyone know if theres a place to grab save files online?

can you actually copy off the save game? because nintendo gimped it for SSBB and pissed me off. I wanted to be able to take the unlocked stuff to a friend's place. They have the game, but just aren't as avid to unlock it all, but I wanted to use some of those characters.

 

[warcrow]

Originally posted by: purbeast0
The First 10 Minutes

Boner inducing confirmed!

 

[RandomFool]

Originally posted by: randomlinh

Originally posted by: BD2003
Anyone know if theres a place to grab save files online?

can you actually copy off the save game? because nintendo gimped it for SSBB and pissed me off. I wanted to be able to take the unlocked stuff to a friend's place. They have the game, but just aren't as avid to unlock it all, but I wanted to use some of those characters.

Good question. Locking saves is a terrible idea. Games like smash bros and mario kart are about 10x more fun in group with everything unlocked.

 

[AbAbber2k]

Edit: I'M AN IDIOT

 

[ed21x]

Originally posted by: purbeast0

Originally posted by: BD2003

Originally posted by: Xylitol

60
Edge Magazine
Having sacrificed racing integrity in "Double Dash" to side with social silliness, Nintendo has turned 180 degrees into an awkward halfway house. [May 2008, p.86]

Are they stupid? There's always been silliness in mario kart and Nintendo has never been serious with their games (kids don't really find straight-out racing as fun)

If theyre stupid, then I'm stupid too. The game has crossed the line from being a somewhat silly racer to mario party on wheels. I even hesitate to call it a racer because you're simply not going to win by actually racing. Seriously, I really wish I didnt have to say that about the game, but its most definitely crossed a threshold where how you play the game almost completely doesnt matter. There will be a lot of OHHH!! moments when victory is stolen from the leader at the last moment, but that will happen so often its far more of an annoyance and a detraction from the fun of the game than anything else. No one expects gran turismo, but if the randomness of all the other mario karts was a 5, this one is a 9. Why would anyone want to continue to play a game that rewards bad playing and punishes skill?

Having somehow managed to nearly grab a gold medal in one of the final cups, within sight of the goal line I was unceremoniously blue shelled, then lightning bolted, then red shelled in succession. Finished in last. Not that such an occurrence had surprised me after playing for a while, but having it happen then and there made me want to throw the controller against the wall. Its very, very, very rare that a game frustrates me to that point, but MK has managed to do it several times. You'll be lucky to drive for 20 seconds without getting hammered by one thing or another.

I know I'm beating a dead horse here, but I'm really upset that they completely ruined the game by overdoing the items, and not giving you *any* leeway to change it. Seriously, thats all they'd have had to do, and this would easily be the best MK ever, rather than the worst.

i know you all think i hate my wii just cause i hate it, but i wanna comment on something you said here.

i was not a fan of mario kart 64, and i was not a fan of DD, but Super Mario Kart on SNES is my favorite game ever. when I played the N64 version, they basically started to noobify the system, and like you said, that is when it started to make the gap from "really good players" and "noobs" start to narrow.

what really REALLY ticked me off that I heard about Mario Kart Wii was when Nintendo THEMSELF said "we're including a wheel with Mario Kart Wii so that novices can compete with Veterans."

now something about that right there just rubs me the wrong way. first of all, playing with a wheel, in general in games, makes the game tougher than a standard controller. second, no matter WHAT game it is, novices should NOT be competing with Veterans and SHOULD be getting slaughtered by them. if they are that much better and have put that much more time into it, there is no reason a veteran should be worried about a novice beating them.

and from the descriptions i'm hearing from you, that is exactly whats happening. on SNES, the veterans in that game stood out tremendously. i would take routes and found shortcuts that most people had no clue about. it just saddens me to see my favorite game of all time ran into the ground.

for once, you actually said something that wasn't just blatantly/covertly flaming the wii and it's supporters. I agree with you here that the SNES version is still the most balanced and most skill-defining game in the series. I was hoping that they would bring back a revamped SNES style battlemode because the screenshot indicated that the battlestage I once spent countless hours on against my friends is making a comeback. Unfortunately this 'timed mode' all but ruined it. Hopefully an FZero Wii edition (building off GX) will bring a solid racer on to the wii console.

 

[BD2003]

Originally posted by: ed21x

for once, you actually said something that wasn't just blatantly/covertly flaming the wii and it's supporters. I agree with you here that the SNES version is still the most balanced and most skill-defining game in the series. I was hoping that they would bring back a revamped SNES style battlemode because the screenshot indicated that the battlestage I once spent countless hours on against my friends is making a comeback. Unfortunately this 'timed mode' all but ruined it. Hopefully an FZero Wii edition (building off GX) will bring a solid racer on to the wii console.

Well, the battle mode is pretty much a waste, but the game is most definitely a *very* solid skill based racer with items toned down. In fact, I might go as far as to say "basic" is toned down almost too much, theres barely any super items appearing at all, its incredibly difficult to steal a victory away from the leader while youre in last. Still better than getting raped around every corner though.

Its really grown on me, I havent enjoyed mario kart this much since SNES.

I also gave the GC controller a try, and it worked as well as you'd expect. Still, I prefer the wiimote, even though dodging items can be a little more difficult, I prefer the finesse of the tilt, but this is really more a matter of personal preference than a requirement to compete like SSBB.

 

[DivideBYZero]

Just picked it up today as it's UK launch day.

 

[warcrow]

Originally posted by: DivideBYZero
Just picked it up today as it's UK launch day.

Dont forget to post your impressions.

 

[Blayze]

Originally posted by: RandomFool

Originally posted by: randomlinh

Originally posted by: BD2003
Anyone know if theres a place to grab save files online?

can you actually copy off the save game? because nintendo gimped it for SSBB and pissed me off. I wanted to be able to take the unlocked stuff to a friend's place. They have the game, but just aren't as avid to unlock it all, but I wanted to use some of those characters.

Good question. Locking saves is a terrible idea. Games like smash bros and mario kart are about 10x more fun in group with everything unlocked.

I'm wondering this as well. I hate the locked saves, as it makes it impossible to keep a backup of your game on a SD card.

 

[fustercluck]

Coming out in the 11th in UK? Crazy. They deserve a 1st release though

Hope it's a winner. I've liked all the Mario Kart games so far, my favorite being by far Super Mario Kart. I'll be interested to see if they can actually make a good battle mode for once since the first one. Battle mode sucked bad in 64 and Double Dash. It was a blast on SNES though.

 

[batmang]

I need to reserve it.

 

[Indolent]

Originally posted by: BD2003

Originally posted by: ed21x

for once, you actually said something that wasn't just blatantly/covertly flaming the wii and it's supporters. I agree with you here that the SNES version is still the most balanced and most skill-defining game in the series. I was hoping that they would bring back a revamped SNES style battlemode because the screenshot indicated that the battlestage I once spent countless hours on against my friends is making a comeback. Unfortunately this 'timed mode' all but ruined it. Hopefully an FZero Wii edition (building off GX) will bring a solid racer on to the wii console.

Well, the battle mode is pretty much a waste, but the game is most definitely a *very* solid skill based racer with items toned down. In fact, I might go as far as to say "basic" is toned down almost too much, theres barely any super items appearing at all, its incredibly difficult to steal a victory away from the leader while youre in last. Still better than getting raped around every corner though.

Its really grown on me, I havent enjoyed mario kart this much since SNES.

I also gave the GC controller a try, and it worked as well as you'd expect. Still, I prefer the wiimote, even though dodging items can be a little more difficult, I prefer the finesse of the tilt, but this is really more a matter of personal preference than a requirement to compete like SSBB.

Sounds like there is some hope after all.

What are the actuall options for the item levels. Is it just the default level and basic level, or are there other options inbetween?

 

[DivideBYZero]

Originally posted by: BD2003

Originally posted by: Auryg
Dang, it sounds like this Mario Kart suffers the same flaws as Double Dash. That was 50 dollars wasted, for sure. Too many items zipping around, and no skill in using them or driving. At least you could miss with red shells in 64 - in DD it was impossible. They moved like blue shells did - right in the middle of the track until they hit the person. Is it the same in the new one?

Dodging red shells is very difficult, they're like homing missles more than ever. You have to cut a corner *really* hard or time your banana drop juuuust right. I've dodged maybe 10-20%. But the red shells arent the issue, its the overabundance of items that affect everyone but the user.

Dodging rewd shells is no more difficult than any other iteration. In fact there are new ways to avoid them, just use your imagination.

Pow blocks are like timed red shells that will hit everyone unless you time a jump just right, and even if you do, you'll still pin out and lose control, but at least you'll maintain your speed. They seem to occur fairly often.

And?

The blue shell is like a megaton bomb now, the explosion takes up nearly the entire width of the track, even on the larger tracks. The bomb-omb is also like a mini nuke that you can toss. I've yet to see a race where there wasnt at least 2-3 blue shells flying.

Always was big. Go back and play the other versions again.

The lightning bolt is as devastating as ever, and you see it quite often.

Again, big deal

The ink squirt also nails everyone but you, but it's still pretty easy to drive with the screen inked.

Dependent on the track IMHO

The star and super mushroom are basically the same thing, super speed, super control, and destroys everyone in your path.

No at all. There is clearly less control with the super mushroom

The bullet bill is like a chain chomp on crack, its HUGE, and will take you from last to first or near most of the time, obliterating everyone in it's path.

I can avoid a BB coming from behind me. Use the rear view and maybe listen to the alert locator?

Bananas and green shells are pretty much the same.

On top of all of that, bumping another car really knocks them around, like several kart widths. Its more than enough to nail someone off a track or into an obstacle if used at the right time.

Have you noticed that Karts have weight ratings??

I'd personally be *very* impressed if someone could actually manage to stay in 1st an entire race, no matter how good a driver they are.

I'm not saying you are a whining crybaby or that you are a sore loser, but I just had add my experience to the above. I have all the MK series bar the GBA version and IMHO this is a great addition to the legacy.

 

[DivideBYZero]

OK, so after reading the slamming BD2003 gave it from his illegal copy I'd like, in addition to my above post, to add my impressions:

It's Mario Kart. It's intense, it's fun and the textures have been updated, but this is essentially back to the old school after DD. The single player seems pretty easy to me, but it's fun and you can use it to scope tracks for secrets, shortcuts and new techniques. This is essential for the online game.

The online component pleases from the get go with the introduction of each player with their Mii and their location. Myself and the GF have been playing all weekend in the 2P online mode, so races of 12 players have been the norm. As the weekend progressed more players turned up and games were quick to enter. Sometimes you get put into a group that is already racing, but you can watch it TV style and cameras/players can be chosen while you wait. Here is the thing:

THE RACING IS INTENSE, THERE ARE LOTS OF ITEMS, IT IS A BLAST!

If you want realistic racing pack up the Wii and fire up GT5. It's a cartoon racing game. You CAN avoid a multitude of the attacks and all other players are under the same conditions, so if you cannot deal with it this is not the game for you. End of.

The frame rate was a little slower in 2P online games that single player, but not so you would care when you are boosting around the track.

Drifting and boosting. This has Auto and manual drift mode. The Automatic mode is in no way a noob replacement for the manual. A noob will NOT be as fast Auto as a seasoned veteran with manual. Do not believe the hype that a n00b can rock up and own you all. Not going to happen. This game has the same tricks and techniques hidden away in there to give you a little edge, you just need to adjust to the new game.

All in, I love it. The new tracks are great and the classics are in there from all systems including the DS.

Ask away.

One last thing I'll say is; Remember, if you receive something of value for free it will have no value.

 

[CasioTech]

According to the guys at Gametrailes, Wii Kart will have slightly worse graphics than Double Dash because of the additional players on the screen.

This sucks seeing how MP3, Galaxy, SSBB pwn the GC counterparts.

 

[DivideBYZero]

In single player it smooth as silk so I dunno. Two player online is a lower FR than single player. I've not fired up DD after MKW to do a comparo yet, but I would be surprised if DD was faster.

 

[CraKaJaX]

I'll be picking getting home from school on the 30th, so it should be at my house waiting for me. That kind of sucks that battle mode isn't the same, that was a blast on SNES and 64.

Edit::

How is the online play like in terms of lag? SSMB was pretty bad in the beginning, but things settled down after a while and it was pretty tolerable. How does this compare?