Mario Kart Wii Comments by Oli Welsh

I'm confident that I've already gotten more fun out of Smelly in this thread than I probably would from anything with mario in. I think the best is "FPS games were good.. on the PC around the Quake era. They've been irrelevant for about 10 years now as they're all the same with prettier pixels and longer more boring stories.. ". I lol'd.

why thank you.

Dont know why you find it funny though. I find the lack of progression on fps games more depressing than your trolling

smelly's a fucking cunt with a 14inch Alba CRT television (and a 14mm cock), that's why he doesn't like HD games. End of.

glowing review then 8/10?

smelly's a fucking cunt with a 14inch Alba CRT television (and a 14mm cock), that's why he doesn't like HD games. End of.

I've seen pictures of those so called genuine she-males who have a small penis where their clitoris should be; I've never seen a cunt with a 14" television, though it might be worth looking into.

The DS version is pretty much the definitive version in my eyes, and that's coming from someone who fell in love with gaming playing SNES MK.

This sounds brilliant fun although I have some reservations that I hope are addressed once the full package has been reviewed (i.e. the online component fully road-tested).

Re: Double Dash was slow.

Regardez vous: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-tbP-BVeT9M

Compared to the cramp inducing but loved by all MKDS: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_pkyTqOh95I

I bite my thumb at thee J.C

Can't remember where I slandered MKDS for not being able to dodge blue shells but anyway:

After some youtube research just discovered you can dodge blue shells (without an item) in MKDS. So I stand corrected, apologies MKDS:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kvfhIiCXFaY

Still think it looks better on the GC though... although I am a gay Double Dash fanboy:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hkhMp9-Ot...

I'll pick this up just for the multiplayer

Double Dash!! on the Cube was *not* slow, IIRC it was faster than the DS version. I really don't get the hatred poured onto the GC version - it was ace, and is the best multiplayer MK other than the DS. Save the MK hate for Super Circuit and 64 - both terrible.

"FPS games were good.. on the PC around the Quake era. They've been irrelevant for about 10 years now as they're all the same with prettier pixels and longer more boring stories.. I dont need to carry on with this as you all know where it's going :-) "
Unless they're on a Nintendo platform, when it's the case we call it "Action Adventure FPS", and everything's fine...

"Unless they're on a Nintendo platform, when it's the case we call it "Action Adventure FPS", and everything's fine..."


Ah you see.. that's called "doing something original with the genre" (albeit by re-using gameplay from old)... That's what stops it from becoming dull and repetitive like every other game. Obviously apart from when it's done very very well (such as in COD4 & half life 2) at which point you can forgive the genericness "seen it all before" nature of said game and just sit back and have fun.

See.. If it wasnt for all the grey and brown fps games blighting the games market - I wouldn't be interested in Mario Kart (or smash bros for that matter). Seen it, played it.. bought the t-shirt. But when you've not had anything like smash bros for something like four years. And there hasnt been any really decent kart games for approx 4 years either.. And all you've had is endless brown and grey games.. it's hard not to get excited.

That said. I'm not too bothered about online play - so i'm not sure what this offers me over double dash.. So i'm still not convinced i'll buy this yet.

>smelly's a fucking c***

dunno who said that as they're obviously on my ignore.

But it's obviously good to see well reasoned arguments by trolls who obviously (from that comment) are coming into here for no other reason than to troll.. then get fairly upset (judging by the vulgar insults in the above post) when someone points out that they're being a bit sad.

>Re: Double Dash was slow.

You only played the 50cc races didnt you?

The one thing that bothers me is how the tracks seems to be getting wider and wider with each (console) version and I am still not that keen on the motorbikes and the tricks implementation in all the videos on EGTV.

Apart from that, I'm pleased with the review and I shall be buying the game when it is released.

My guess is they were forced to make tracks wider thanks to the new steering wheel...

You know what? I havent actually ever owned a copy of mario kart..

And im not convinced i really can be bothered to purchase this.

I might get double dash if i see it cheap though

"...or is there more chance of me pissing in the Queen's handbag?"

That depends - are you a member of fathers for justice?

Guys,

We've been talking to Nintendo today and it's come to light that we made a mistake in the original text regarding multiplayer GPs. We've added a correction to page three and a note at the end of the review to draw people's attention to it, and I'm publicising it here and in the forum. Here's the wording of the correction:

"Since this review was published, Nintendo has informed Eurogamer that it is possible to play sequences of four races with friends both offline and online. Offline, you can choose to select a race each time, randomise, or play in order - effectively allowing you to play through a regular GP if you select the usual first track. Online, racing with Friends, each player can select a track from those available on their save file. This clearly contradicts our observations of the review code and we apologise for the error. After discussion we feel the score below still fits the game."

Further to that, I wanted to make it clear here that Nintendo's been extremely helpful with this and hasn't thrown its toys out of the pram or anything like that. We talked about the score at length and ultimately decided not to change it. We still think Mario Kart Wii is terrific and 8/10 should not be construed as a bad mark!

Tom.

YAY!!

Of course it's still "trustworthy". A mistake was made - but this was very likely due to the way that the multiplayer modes' UI is designed, rather than it being something obvious that was glossed over.

/breathes sigh of relief.

"1) You don't want to be seen upwardly revising your review score after one of your spurious reasons for "knocking off a point" was proven to be inaccurate.

2) It was always only ever worth an 8, in which case you shouldn't have said it was worth a 9 but for a couple of "game breaking" design decisions which in the grand scheme of things are complete irrelevancies. "



That is of course presuming that whether it's an 8 or a 9 really does influence your decision as to whether or not to buy it - And if it did.. then maybe you should get out more?

Guys, this is my bad. I can only apologise for the confusion. I feel terrible about it (although as a Mario Kart fan I'm also really happy the multiplayer GP option is in there after all).

To clarify, I was playing a finished version of the game, but I was restricted to playing it offline and on my own, so the best I could do was look around in the menus to gauge the options available. Clearly I just didn't look hard enough.

I thought long and hard with Tom over whether this should change the score, but we decided against it. I'm still disappointed by the lack of free-for-all in Battle Mode, and the structure of the singleplayer game - and I just felt the game was an 8 right from the start.

But I also want to make it absolutely clear that I really, really enjoyed it and 8/10 should in no way be considered an insult. It's a great score for a great game.

By way of further apology - and because someone asked for it up there - here, exclusively for you, is the list of classic tracks in the game:

SHELL CUP
GCN Peach Beach
DS Yoshi Fall
SNES Ghost Valley 2 (yay!)
N64 Mario Raceway

BANANA CUP
N64 Sherbet Land
GBA Shy Guy Beach
DS Delfino Square
GCN Waluigi Stadium

LEAF CUP
DS Desert Hills
GBA Bowser Castle 3
N64 DK's Jungle Parkway
GCN Mario Circuit

LIGHTNING CUP
SNES Mario Circuit 3
DS Peach Gardens
GCN DK Mountain
N64 Bowser's Castle

They're all beautifully done, too.

I really liked Double Dash. It wasn't as good as N64, but still a fun game. Besides, the DS game is easily the best version, the fact this is very similar is definitely a good thing. And for those calling Double Dash slow, did you try not playing the game on 50cc?

I've been looking forward to this, but I have to call into question the decision to remove multiplayer grand prix. The most fun thing I found to do in Double Dash was replaying the grand prix over and over with a friend. Every so often, we'd just wipe the data and start clean, unlocking everything as we go. It was a lot of fun, and even if we can still create our own matches in versus it's really just not the same. This has to be one of the worst decisions Nintendo have ever made. It's the equivelant of removing co-op play from Halo, "because there's multiplayer modes anyway".

I'll still get the game, and probably still enjoy it a lot, but this is just a very stupid move.

(edit : pressed submit before finished post)

@WinterSnowblind (or anyone really): I didnt like the ds version. Found it too easy/short/lack of tracks/etc.

In fact the only mario kart i've played apart from the ds version was the original snes version.

How different is this (or double dash) from the ds game?

Geesus.

Talk about getting your knickers in a twist.. it's only a number.

"To clarify, I was playing a finished version of the game, but I was restricted to playing it offline and on my own, so the best I could do was look around in the menus to gauge the options available."

Hold on. You wrote a review of Mario Kart without having played the multiplayer? How could you have given it a fair mark without having extensively tested the mode that the game is most famous for?

I had to sign up just to comment on this review.

The review seemed glowing, but then I read about not having 4 player multiplayer offline tournaments. Well, they HAD NOT 4 player multiplayer in the earlier versions, and on SNES and N64 that was because the system didn't have enough power to provide championship for 4 players. So it was not a removal, and I read the text as it was a removal from the earlier games, which is not true. So basically, if they did not have 4 player offline multi, it would just be as good the old games, and N64 4 player action is still one of my fondest gaming memories of all time. But then it turns out Nintendo has actually improved over the old ones and DO have 4 player cups!

Do you guys not realize this improvement is a rather splendid one, and the review sounded almost like this was removed from the older games, which now when Nintendo pointed it out to Eurogamer, turned out to be the exact opposite. Just that sheer addition of FUN, should be pointed out in the review as one of the greatest additions to the game. Now it was written as the opposite.

I realized more when reading the review. The reviewer in not an avid Mario Kart player it seems, since I found out one error. Maybe I am wrong but did the reviewer not say that the powerslide have been along since SNES? Well, that is not correct, since the slide came with N64, so not so much research seem have been put into the review.

Also, another thing struck me, which could be the strangest yet. This is my most important point so please read:

The most lovely and awe inspiring part of the Mario Kart series have to me been the 2 or 4 player multiplayer madness. I am not sure anything could top the 4 player battles on Wario stadium, with minute lightnings, shortcut mishaps, and the last 100 metres before the end when (if the players are equal) when the battle for first place could turn everything over due to a correctly guided green shell on the leader metres before the finish line. That is pure adrenaline. Single player have for me never been that exciting, and NOW I READ in the comments the reviewer not even having played and tried out the part of the series that actually mattered, so I can not even see how one could rate a game which one have not yet tried. Believe me, you can not play single player and visualize how 4 player action fest with your friends a friday evening will turn out, without actually trying the multiplayer. What about online play, is that reviewed? I am not sure myself, since then the championship option ought to be spotted I think.

So is this a review of single player Mario Kart? That is a great point then, when the most beloved part has been omitted.

Atleast kudos for having admitted the error, I know man is a proud being, so it is hard for people admitting errors. I can though imagine the havoc this caused the head quarters over in Japan, knowing the fact that all the errors and incorrect facts in this review will make Nintendo lose many many millions euros in lost income.

Well, I must point out though, that almost always eurogamer do have high quality reviews, so I guess this was just a slip to be able to be the first to write a review and score high on the visit-rating, and that in turn leading to higher incomes for the ads. But this just proves greed is a sin that will be punished in due time ;-) Maybe they learn a lesson, and stick the high quality reviews they are known for.

Any comments on this? And I can take negative feedback =)

"How different is this (or double dash) from the ds game?"

Double Dash is very different. The biggest (and most controversial) difference is the removal of the hop, which in turn places an emphasis squarely on snaking. (And the snaking is a lot more versatile in DD as a result, allowing you to dodge things a lot quicker, eg bananas on the road, or shells coming in behind you). But it's very different to every other MK game that's been before. Much more about racing (battle sucks), I think it's easily the fastest MK when everyone is snaking properly, and also the most fun 4 player races.

But I'm a MKDD fanboy, as is well known... check out the video that I posted above of the Blue Shell dodging to see what makes it so fun... (but turn the volume down, the rapping is all kinds of wrong):P

I don't want to jump on the angry bandwagon but I also think only reviewing the one player game is rather schoolboy. I never had time to play the one player cube game much, I'd much rather play an FPS to be honest, that's just the way I work.

Multiplayer it was the stuff of legend and I spent many happy hours on there with my family/missus/friends. To submit a review without having played what for many (I'm pretty sure the vast majority) of people is the reason to buy it in the first place seems a bit daft.

I'm not arguing the score, I seem to remember ever since the SNES version the critical acclaim has been a touch muted and I wasn't surprised at the 8 which may turn out to be in line with everyone else (which just to recap is a very fine score), but you need to tell us if the multiplayer game is as good as it's always been, as to most of us the multiplayer is Mariokart.

Surely for all you know they could have turned it into a horrible random mess (I remember Reggie saying how first timers could win instantly which worried me a bit. It's always been a bit random that's what's made it good, but I don't want it totally random.)

Good effort on the quick review but surely you've been caught with your pants down a bit. If someone reviewed Halo 'offline and on my own' and gave it a mark based on the single player there'd be chaos, and what you've done doesn't seem much different.

^
|

Fair comment. Hard to justify reviewing any game on your own/offline these days, especially a game on a party/social console like the Wii. Bad Oli.

How does EG punish errant reviewers these days anyway?

Yeah, just agreeing with the above. It does seem a bit silly that the game was reviewed without a lot of multiplayer games having been played. Heck, most of the comments in this article have been about people complaining about the options available for the multiplayer games- just showing how much of an important part it is for mario kart. It seems as bad (I assume, having played neither) as if Halo 3 or SMSB had been reviewed without any multiplayer testing.

Ah well. I'm even more keen to get this game now. Although I'm a bit shocked at nintendo-nut smelly never having owned a mario kart game- and to dismiss mario kart ds as 'easy', just sounds like the talk of someone who hasn't played it much, and would never be able to complete the challenges/races to the highest level. & it had 32 tracks (I think?), which as far as I can recall is maybe the most that mario kart has had- and so how it could be described as 'short'? Makes no sense!

Re: single player reviewing. Sometimes there is no option. It is often the case these days that the only access we have to a game before release is under controlled circumstances and solo. Multiplayer modes - especially online ones - are often impossible to test before the game is out. Of course we would prefer to, and do so when at all possible. And we wish it wasn't how things are.

In certain cases we will recognise this makes a proper review impossible and do a separate, later review for the multiplayer mode. In the case of Mario Kart - while of course we know the huge importance of multiplayer - it's possible for a reviewer to work out a judgement of it based on the single player game, a good understanding of multiplayer game design, and a good knowledge of the series. Where the tracks and gameplay design are identical between single player and multiplayer, as they are in Mario Kart, you can do this. I'm totally confident that, in terms of the on-track experience, everything in my review goes for playing Mario Kart Wii in multiplayer too.

The one thing that can go wrong with this approach is a full understanding of the options available, based as it is on simply going through the menus. That's what happened in this case, and as I've said, I can only apologise. We all make mistakes. It wasn't that I didn't check, it's that I did, but I messed up somehow.

Agrippah - the speed boost from the powerslide was introduced in the N64 version, yes, but powersliding (hop and slide) as the main cornering mechanic has been a central part of Mario Kart ever since the SNES.

>Maybe they learn a lesson, and stick the high quality reviews they are known for.

*cough*

sensible soccer/halo 3..

Oli, I understand perfectly regarding online multiplayer, but I assume the multiplayer was tested offline? Otherwise I have disagree that a sensible decision regarding the review/score reached. Same goes for Smash Bros. Unless you played a game designed primarily for multiplayer with another person offline or online, then I don't really see the point.

Whether it's online or not is irrelevant for whether the multiplayer is any good, IMO - Unless that is the only multiplayer method available.

@Zero_Cool: As previously stated.. This is the 4th console mario kart in 16 years.

Thats 1 mario kart every 4 years.

Now do the same math to your beloved halo, and fuck off and stop trolling.

Ta.

I cant see what all the fuss here is about. This is not a game that will have its sales affected by reviews. It will sell every copy that Nintendo can make. The review was well written and contained a small mistake that was clearly corrected.

@Lutherian:

Because gamer kids dont use reviews to decide whether to buy a game or not.

They use review scores to go "hahaha.. my game console has got more 10/10 games than your game console"

@smelly

Halo isn't a good example to use here, there have only been three main games in the series and no more are planned in the near future, besides the two spin-offs which are currently being worked on, one of which will never see the light of day. Bungie have been very careful to make sure the series doesn't become a joke by being milked for all it's worth.

It's true there haven't been that many Mario Kart games, but considering they themselves are a spin-off from Mario? But I still agree that it's very silly for those complaining about Nintendo making more of these, who doesn't love Mario Kart? And the DS game has easily been the best in the series so far, making more is in no way a bad thing. My only complaint is with how quickly this has clearly been rushed out. More content would have been nice, having less than a DS game is slightly embarrassing.. and thus far I see no reason to buy this over DS, I would have expected far more from a console version.

I got an email yesterday from GAME saying my pre-order for Mario Kart Wii was being processed and today I received another saying it had been sent!!! Wow, I didn't think this game was out while the 11th? :O

Me too Darren.

replacing excite truck on my shelves for overall insanity i hope...

Halo isn't a good example to use here

Actually it's a great example. They're working on spinoffs now and as soon as those are out they will most likely start on the next game in the main series, while working on sequels to the spinoff series.

"Look buddy, if you don't like some else's opinion and they don't share your ideology on gaming as YOU, it doesn't mean to say their a troll. "

I'm not your buddy, guy.

You're Right.. Of COURSE you're not a troll.. That's why you go into the threads of EVERY wii game and tell us all how crap said game is/said console is.

Lets see recent posts from you shall we?


"Man, this is why i hate the fucking Wii."
"Mario Kart Wii...give me a fucking break, man. When are Nintendo going to stop milking the shit out they're IP and start creating new content/IP."


I only use swear words as i feel i have to bring myself down to your level of intellect (as all your posts seem to contain the word "fucking".

So now, i suggest you do actually FUCK OFF and go read the definition of "sad lonely fat gormless friendless geeky fucking troll" in the dictionary.. i'm sure you'll find a picture of yourself next to it.

This is on the PS3 homepage.

Apparently the offline multiplayer is pretty weak because the tracks have been made so wide and the AI cheats like a bastard, but the online multiplayer is amazing.

6/10 on Edge. Whilst this seems uncannily low there's quite a few rumblings of discontent that they've butchered the local multiplayer.

As I was buying it almost purely for thisto play with my family, if they've buggered it this I'd be tempted to give it a miss. I realise everyone will be playing tomorrow so it would be nice to see what people think. In my head, even though the new tracks are pony surely all the old classics are still as playable as ever. Where's that update you promised us Eurogamer about the online and local multiplayer?

Wow... a lot of anger here.

I honestly don't think that a review score is really going to worry nintendo about the amount of copies of this game they will sell. It is Mario Kart for god's sake.

If people want to let someone else's opinion to control their actions then that is their choice. I guess its all a matter of dont dis til you try it.

Hmmm not too sure about this.... It feels wierd - the power sliding doesnt feel right boostwise - Well thats with the wheel anyway, maybe Im just too used to the old games but I guess well have to see. Its still early days. Im thinking I may end up going back to the GC controller. Looks very pretty though and havent had any multiplayer yet. I still dont think the original has been beaten to be honest. Though the DS is great as was GBA. Bring back the coins I say!

Pretty disappointing so far. The new tracks are a mixed bag, and in my opinion, have too many obstacles and stuff getting in the way of the racing. As for the wheel, it works fine, just not quite as tight as a pad. And those bloody blue shells...