Nintendo is upping the ante with Mario Kart World, the flagship launch title for its much-anticipated Switch 2 console. A spiritual successor to Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, this latest installment introduces an ambitious blend of traditional circuit racing with open-world exploration, aiming to deliver the most immersive Mario Kart experience yet.
An Expansive New World
One of the standout innovations is the Forza Horizon-style open world, a first for the series. While the core racing mechanics remain faithful to the franchise’s heritage, the game doubles down on scale: 24 racers per match, 60 characters, more items, and tracks that span across elaborate, interconnected environments. The once-restrictive circuit tracks now feel more like winding journeys through wildly diverse biomes—from haunted cinemas to prehistoric jungles.
Familiar Gameplay, Flawless Performance
Having spent hands-on time with the game, it’s clear that Mario Kart World delivers the level of polish fans have come to expect. The game runs flawlessly, even amid explosive chaos. The controls are intuitive for seasoned players, though skidding has been made slightly less agile, likely to accommodate the broader tracks. Weapon use appears more prominent, shifting the competitive edge from racing precision to strategic item use.
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In traditional Grand Prix mode, tracks unfold across a sprawling world map rather than repeating closed loops. Each course is rich with alternate paths and visual easter eggs. Playing as the Moo Moo Meadows cow—now a fan-favourite meme—I couldn’t resist choosing the Big Horn tractor kart. The whimsical chaos remains deeply satisfying.
A Crown for the Cow
Winning my first race with the cow-tractor combo felt like a victorious nod to Mario Kart veterans. There’s a ceremonial crown for each win, a new touch that adds flair to multiplayer bragging rights.
Knockout Tour Mode: Battle Royale Comes to Mario Kart
The second major addition, Knockout Tour mode, introduces a high-stakes battle royale format. With 24 racers barreling through sprawling maps, checkpoints serve as elimination zones—each one culling the four slowest players. This continues until the final stretch, where the last quartet vies for podium glory.
I made the rookie mistake of choosing Wiggler in a pink cruiser for this session—humorous, but not exactly competitive. The race was a lesson in chaos management: weapons rained down, positions flipped wildly, and just one red shell could spell doom.
High Stakes, Big Rewards
Knockout mode is fast, frantic, and utterly thrilling. Unlike the predictable routines of previous titles, this mode forces you to adapt constantly. It’s a mode that makes even the most seasoned racers feel vulnerable. Golden mushrooms, bullet bills, and star powers were essential—not optional.
The mode’s intensity may cause palpitations, but it’s a reinvention that feels fresh. Expect heart-stopping last-minute eliminations and unexpected comebacks to be the new norm.
Final Thoughts: Mario Kart Evolves Without Losing Its Charm
From the visuals to the chaotic fun, Mario Kart World feels like the next logical evolution for the franchise. While some veterans may miss the tightly packed track tension of earlier entries, the open-world and Knockout Tour inject new life into a beloved series. Is it worth the £75 price tag? If you’re a die-hard fan or a newcomer looking to jump in, the answer is likely yes.
In true Mario Kart fashion, the game isn’t trying to fix what isn’t broken—it’s just adding more layers of fun. And if early impressions are anything to go by, Mario Kart World could dominate the racing genre all over again.
