Customer Ratings & Reviews

I've been playing Mario Kart since before Mario Kart was a thing. I've owned every single one of the 7 previous entries at one time or another, and I can tell you right here and now, that this is the best Mario Kart game in MANY YEARS, definitely since the N64 and one could argue is the greatest entry of all time. Let me explain why I feel the way that I do. For one, the gameplay is finally balanced to the point it's no longer a bashfest during races. There are now 12 racers instead of the traditional 8, so you'd logically think that would mean more items flying around, but that's not the case. Nintendo has eliminated the "item bullpen" so that players can now ONLY have one item in hand at any given time. This was how the original Mario Kart was balanced, and now, in the 8th iteration, we see a return to form. It's still crazy enough to be fun, but no so extreme that it ruins it for skill-based competition. Second, the game looks gorgeous. This is the first time Mario Kart has ever been seen in full high definition, and it doesn't disappoint. Idk what else to say- it looks great. The framerate is locked at 60fps (unless playing 3/4 player split screen- then it's locked at 30fps), so it's all very smooth play from start to finish. Third, let's get to the video replay integration. The game automatically stores recent races in the Mario Kart TV hub, allowing you to view, edit and upload to Miiverse and You Tube at any time. You can also view highlight reels after every race, as well as edit them by dictating which characters to focus on, what type of action, what kind of sound effects, and how long it should be. You can then post the video directly to the Mario Kart 8 community in Miiverse, as well as Youtube (requires a Google Plus Account). The Miiverse uploads will be displayed as embedded YouTube videos with the option of viewing in normal or high quality. Fourth, the characters, bikes, and customizations are terrific. The entirety of the Koopalings cast makes their first appearance, and adds quite a bit of spice to the roster. I find myself playing with Iggy, Roy and Ludwig almost every race, with a Bower kite as my glider parachute. They're colorul, they're fun, and they're one of THE greatest roster additions to Mario Kart I've ever seen. Just surprised it took 8 games to finally include them! Better late than never, I suppose. Fifth, the controller options are many. No matter how you like to kart, this game has you covered. Like traditional analogues but want the benefit of having a map off-screen to check? Gamepad has you covered. Want to play off-TV while in another room or while watching something else on TV? Gamepad has you covered. Want to feel immersed in the race with motion? Again, gamepad has you covered. Alternatively, you can use a Wiimote and pop it in a Wii Wheel. Like the lightweight feel of a normal controller? Pro Controller it is, then. Used to the standard Wii controls without motion? That's cool- just use a Wiimote and Nunchuk. Oh, you like normal controllers but don't own a Pro Controller? Not to worry- you can still use the Classic Controller Pro plugged into a Wiimote. What can I say- I LOVE the diverse controller options! Most importantly, the game is fun. And I do mean FUN. The tracks are spectacular with anti-gravity (not to mention just PACKED with detail), there's new mechanics like anti-gravity boosts, proper drifting for bikes and ATVs, stunt boosts make a return, and the drifting mechanics can vary widely depending on character, bike and wheels. The game is perfectly balanced in every way, and the courses are well designed with shortcuts and branching pathways. All in all, this is the finest Mario Kart game I've played since I was a young teenager. The ONLY reason I would perhaps not rate this over Mario Kart 64, is how impactful and innovative that game was for it's time. Compared side by side though, it's not even a competition. Mario Kart 8 wins hands down and blindfolded. It's just superior in every way. In every respect. Mario Kart 8 is not only good enough that I recommend buying the game (if you own a Wii U, there is ZERO reason to not have this game in your system right now), it's good enough that I daresay it's worth buying a Wii U for all on it's own. Well why is that, you ask? It's not that this is the first great Wii U game, because it's not (Pikmin 3, Super Mario 3D World, Wonderful 101, Donkey Kong Country Tropical Freeze, Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate, Wii Sports Club, etc...) It's just that this is the first great Wii U game that has indefinite replay value. I'll be playing this game for YEARS to come. YEARS. I may even still be playing it when the next generation of consoles come around. Such is the longevity of Mario Kart. Buy this game.

I've always been a huge fan of Mario Kart games and have to say this is one of the best out there. Really fun to play only real issue is that the Battle Mode is not nearly as good as other versions because it solely takes place on the race tracks rather than on Battle tracks.

The game is not like the older version there are some new things that make the game fun but the game play feel better on the wii mario kart.

This game is a must have if you own a wii u. One of the best mario karts ever. Anti-gravity and MK TV are great, seamless additions. And if you purchase before July 31st, you get a free game, can't beat that!

Great game play and in game options, I like the different power ups and bombs. also the ability to watch and record your play is really cool

Best Mario Kart game to date and best racing game in my opinion. The game has tons of replay value. The only thing that is not so great is not being able to select your teams in team races and that you cannot communicate during the race not even with your teammates.

Mario Kart 8 could possibly be the greatest Mario Kart game of all time. The selection of characters is outstanding. And with DLC coming out to play with characters not in the Mario World, i'm looking forward to the future hours I am going to spend with this game.

I bought this game for my son and he loves it alot me being a long time Mario fan myself I love the graphics and think Mario himself have came a very long way since the NES days.If you have kids or want to relive your earlier Mario days this is the game for you.

Definitely the reason for owning the system. So much fun. I also bought wii pro controllers to have a full complement for all my friends. I also bought the recently announced expansions to be released in the near future. Just great value for a great game.

Mario Kart 8 is another great title from Nintendo. I'm glad they brought back the coin system and got rid of wheelies for bikes. It would have been nice though for them to bring back Automatic because now my wife doesn't have as much fun with the game.

Great family game that even the little kids can play. if you liked Mario kart seven you will like this even more. It is nice that Nintendo still has options of family-friendly games unlike some other consoles that seem to be mostly shoot them up games.

My kids love this video game. They play it much longer and more often than I would like BUT it is a fun G rated video game.

This game is so much fun with the family, alot ofnlevels to beat and alot of characters and custom vehicles to try out to see what fits your needs base from the course you're racing. Good game, my daughter wont stop aaking me to play with her.

My wife, daughter and I all play this game and it's a blast! And if you addit additional controllers, its great for when my daughter has her friends from middle school come over and they race 4 at a time! It's great family fun.

Overall a pretty good game. Kids seem to enjoy it. Even though it is the 8th edition, kids seem to still have fun with it.

Mario Kart is just as fun in this version as it has been in past versions. My wife and I have been waiting on this game to be released for months. It was the main reason we bought a Wii U and it didn't disappoint. Great game and lots of fun.

We play this game on the weekends. It's a lot of fun when you play with four people. We love the team battles.

This game really surprised me as to how much I would like it. The courses were very well put together and most are challenging. The computers in the race are tough to beat on the hardest difficulty. Get this game. You won't regret it.

I've been waiting since the WiiU launch date for this game. Totally worth the wait. My fav game on WiiU now. My only complaint is battle mode isn't like the old days, you aren't in an arena, you are on tracks...which is silly to me.

A simple fun puzzle game. It can get a little tedious. Better for shorter sessions or just to relax. It feels like a game that belongs on a hand-held.