gam3s101: Diving Deep into Mario Kart World on Nintendo Switch 2!

 

Welcome to the latest entry on gam3s101! Today, we’re exploring Mario Kart World, the newest game in the iconic racing series and an important launch title for the Nintendo Switch 2. This game has generated a lot of conversation among critics and fans, so let’s discuss everything you need to know about its exciting features, public feedback, and the clear pros and cons.

What is Mario Kart World? Released on June 5, 2025, Mario Kart World is the first game in the series to completely change its long-standing formula. Instead of the usual linear Grand Prix cups, this game offers an open-world design. Players can explore a large, interconnected map with various environments, from busy city streets to wide oceans. This open world serves as a hub for races, challenges, and collectibles, providing players a new way to enjoy the Mushroom Kingdom.

The game also includes several new mechanics. One is "Wall Riding," which allows players to drive up certain walls for shortcuts and speed boosts. Another is the new "Knockout Tour" mode, a battle royale-style race where players are eliminated at checkpoints until only one player remains.

What Do the Critics Think?  

Mario Kart World has received mostly positive reviews from critics, earning a solid score of 86 out of 100 on Metacritic. Many reviewers call it an excellent showcase of the Switch 2's hardware, pointing out its polished graphics, stunning visuals, and rich, vibrant colors.

Gameplay: Critics celebrate the core racing experience, noting that it remains as chaotic and fun as ever. The new mechanics, like Wall Riding, bring a fresh element that keeps the racing exciting.

Soundtrack: The music also gets high marks, described as celebratory and perfectly blending classic songs with new compositions.

Knockout Tour: The new Knockout Tour mode stands out as a thrilling and addictive addition, giving the series a new competitive edge.

However, some critics believe that the open-world element, while ambitious, feels more like a side feature rather than a fully developed one. They suggest it does not quite reach its full potential.

What Do the Fans Think? 

Fan reactions have been mixed, with much debate about the game’s new direction and price. While many fans agree with the critics on the quality of the racing and the enjoyment of the new modes, some key issues have surfaced:

Price: The $80 USD price has sparked controversy among players who feel that the amount of content, especially in the open world, does not justify the cost.

Free Roam Mode: Opinions are divided on the open world’s "Free Roam" mode. Some players enjoy the relaxed exploration, while others find it empty and incomplete, with collectibles like stickers feeling like unsatisfactory rewards.

Unlocking Content: The method to unlock some new characters has drawn criticism for being overly challenging and relying too much on luck, making it hard for players to get their favorite racers.

Despite these concerns, many fans on platforms like Reddit agree that the core racing is solid, and the new mechanics, once mastered, are very satisfying.

The Upsides and Downsides of Mario Kart World  

Here's a quick summary of the main pros and cons based on public reception:

Upsides:

- Hectic and Polished Racing: The core gameplay remains exceptional, featuring responsive controls and exciting new racing techniques.

- A Fresh Take on the Series: The open-world concept is a bold change that offers a new way to play and explore.

- Outstanding Visuals: The graphics are a major improvement, showcasing the power of the new console.

- New Modes: Knockout Tour is popular with both critics and players, providing a great alternative to the classic Grand Prix.

Downsides:

- High Price Tag: The game's cost is a significant barrier for some players.

- Barren Open World: The "Free Roam" mode, though visually impressive, is criticized for lacking meaningful activities and having a poor tracking system for collectibles.

- Gated Content: Unlocking certain characters is seen as frustratingly difficult, requiring players to depend on a specific in-game item that has a low drop rate.

- Some Mechanics are Hard to Master: While innovative, features like Wall Riding can be challenging to execute consistently, putting some players at a disadvantage

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Ultimately, Mario Kart World is an ambitious and fun game that strongly supports the Nintendo Switch

 It takes a big risk with its open-world design. While it may not resonate with everyone, it offers a solid foundation for what could be an exciting new era for the beloved series. This is THE GAMER signing off until next time.

Want to read about Nintendo Switch 2. Read here:  Is Nintendo Switch 2 Worth Buying…