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Iconic tracks are a key part of the Mario Kart formula. That isn’t stopping Nintendo from taking a big gamble with the tracks in Mario Kart 2. No, there won’t be roving Goombas in every lane. Instead, we’re getting a day/night cycle, dynamic weather, and off-roading. That’s right: not only will inclement weather be an issue for racers, but ditching the track altogether is now a thing. How this will affect the fun remains to be seen. That said, Nintendo has a strong track record with Mario Kart, and World is nothing if not ambitious.
Wild Weather in Mario Kart World
Switching up the weather and adding a day/night circle are major changes for Mario Kart. Though the series boasts some legendary tracks, we’ve never seen any of them like this before. Imagining Rainbow Road or another classic track blotted out by thunderstorms or hail is pretty wild, but Nintendo hasn’t shared many details yet. It would make sense for the rain and other elements to affect track conditions, but how much isn’t really clear. Can we expect snow to turn tight corners into a slippery mess? What about lightning striking without a Mystery Cube to call it down?
Given how zany and vibrant Mario Kart tracks are, hiding them under oppressive darkness wouldn’t make much sense. Of course, that’s not the direction Nintendo plans to go. Even in the dark, tracks’ notable structures and major routes should still be easily navigable. That’s a must, given the franchise’s popularity with kids and families. Adding immersion is great, but not if it comes at the sacrifice of accessibility. From the early look we got at Nintendo Direct, it looks like Nintendo understands the assignment with Mario Kart World.
Can Nintendo Off-Road Its Way to Greatness?
Nintendo’s sprawling cast of racers will also be going off-road in Mario Kart World. Whether those changes will help World become a franchise favorite is another story. Despite short cuts both official and glitched, tracks have always had limits in the past. You might be able to dodge a Green Shell by darting behind a wall, but you couldn’t just take Baby Bowser on a cruise across the country. In Mario Kart World, you actually can. In addition to the classic Grand Prix races and other familiar modes, World will be setting players loose beyond the confines of the track.
Fun, handcrafted tracks are a big part of what makes Mario Kart so special. Letting players race beyond the confines of those predetermined routes? In theory, it could lead to races that feel more aimless than enjoyable. That said, everything Nintendo’s revealed about the set-up so far says one thing: the company believes in the bet it’s making. Looking at what was teased at Nintendo Direct, it’s easy to see why. Luigi and his fellow Kart racers have been waiting for a chance like this for years. We’ll see whether Nintendo’s big bet pays off when Mario Kart World and the Nintendo Switch 2 release on June 5.
