I knew, scoring my Mario Kart review that I’d be on the lower end of the scores. I loved the hell out of the game, but it’s hard to not see Mario Kart 8 as being iterative – even if Nintendo has made the best damned Mario Kart game to date. It’s a blast anyway though, and a feather in the Wii U’s cap. If you own a Wii U, you should own Mario Kart 8. It’s that simple. Here’s what other critics think of the game.
Eurogamer – 10/10
Video game players are familiar with the law of diminishing returns. Even as new entries in a series tirelessly improve upon their predecessors, our interest nevertheless wanes; with games, improved is somehow less exciting than new. Mario Kart 8 is a rare thing, then: the best entry in a series and the most exciting yet
Joystiq – 4.5/5
Despite an unfortunate change to its battle mode, MK8 is a solid extra lap on a series with a great foundation. The gravity-shifting sections spliced into existing and new tracks feel like a natural extension of the series rather than a gameplay-changing revelation, but it’s a strong compliment to an already enjoyable experience. The social features are surprisingly solid and may even outlive the total course selection, but it helps that the new tracks feel as worthy of a revisit as the series’ standouts.
Polygon – 9/10
“You might only be able to have tons of fun for a month or two” is the closest thing to a complaint I could level against Mario Kart 8. It doesn’t bring massive innovations to the formula, but it’s overflowing in that Nintendo magic that makes it so easy to forget about minor shortcomings. Its gorgeous looks and tightly developed sense of speed ensured that I was never left unhappy after a race, even when I blew it and came in near the end. What more could I ask for than a game that keeps me smiling even when I lose?
IGN – 9/10
Mario Kart 8 is the best kart racing game Nintendo has made in a long time. It strikes a careful balance between refining old ideas while introducing fresh new ones. Admittedly, its gorgeous graphics and jazzy orchestrated soundtrack bolster its presentation, but you’re getting a lot more than just looks with this one – although I spent an awful lot of time gawking at the details in slow-motion, the fast and furious pace of racing with friends both locally and online is what really kept me coming back.
Gamespot – 8/10
Nintendo has done an admirable job of keeping Mario Kart relevant. How many franchises can you think of that have remained in top form for more than two decades? Not too many. I do admit that my first impression of Mario Kart 8 was pretty close to a yawn. Mario Kart is one of my favorite franchises, but it’s hard to get excited for the same old thing. But the more I played, the more I appreciated the many small changes, and grew to love my time in the Mushroom Kingdom. And now that yawn has changed to a shout of joy. It’s more Mario Kart! I’m happy Nintendo still understands what makes this series so darn fun.
Shacknews – 8/10
Although Mario Kart is on its eighth game across 22 years and eight consoles, this entry doesn’t feel like it’s content to retread old ground. Instead, it shows how Nintendo can put its experience, even with some dips in quality, to use making a standout game. With the addition of new visual capabilities, stellar track design, and a continued slow march toward modern online functionality, this is the best the series has been since the GameCube era. If Mario Kart 8 is showing its age, it’s a spry octogenarian if I ever saw one
Lazygamer – 8/10
What it lacks in raw innovation it more than makes up for in pure joy. Mario Kart 8’s bare-bones presentation is offset by its solid core racing, and is an essential purchase for every Wii U owner who appreciates fun.
Last Updated: May 15, 2014
veggiesaurus ZA
May 15, 2014 at 11:14
Excellent 🙂 A great game for a decent price, not to mention the bonus free game…
caponeil
May 15, 2014 at 11:23
Here is Trivia for LG..How many games featured Mario? If you are wondering, I don’t know!
RinceBroken
May 15, 2014 at 11:25
How many games are Nintendo? Tehehe 😉
caponeil
May 15, 2014 at 11:30
Wiki Says 262!!!!
Norm
May 15, 2014 at 11:42
42?
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phrases_from_The_Hitchhiker%27s_Guide_to_the_Galaxy#Answer_to_the_Ultimate_Question_of_Life.2C_the_Universe.2C_and_Everything_.2842.29
caponeil
May 15, 2014 at 11:45
Strangely enough it is on 42 different platforms!
oVg Errorist
May 15, 2014 at 12:30
No day one patch required.