Mario Kart Wii-Some

[BreakABone]

IGN has posted the first online review of the game. (yay for having to be up at 6 am :( )

The online portion of the game for the most part sounds to be the most fleshed out online game for the Wii yet. Between this and Smash, Nintendo needs to create some type of unified online interface or channel.

But we will. The solid framerate is an obvious first, and it's followed by a quick and charming interface. Once online you can check for friends (small icons will instantly tell you if they're on before even going into the "friends" section), but can also get with 11 other racers in worldwide or regional play almost instantly. When in-game, a wheel icon displays for any racers using Nintendo's shell, but a golden wheel, the first step of Kart obsession, we might add, will show up if you've played the majority of your Wii experience with tilt control. Also in-game are star icons if you've earned higher than an A on every cup at every skill level in single player, with star, double star, and triple star being the possible "bragging rights" options out there. Then there's the point system that works with racing and battling separately, basically acting like a reverse ranking where the goal is to win races and drive up your total score from the starting 5,000 to well beyond 10k, which basically replaces the conventional GP scoring in single player mode, and acts as the system for matchmaking like-leveled players.


Online is even better than off. This one raises the bar for Wi-Fi on Wii.
It sounds like we're just listing features, but these are all high points to the online experience. Friend codes or no friend codes, Nintendo has taken a huge leap into the world of online with Mario Kart Wii, and has rivaled what Xbox Live does in a few simple ways. Coming late to a game will let you view the racers in progress like a live replay, and the Mario Kart Channel (usable without having the disc in) will let you view online friends, with a click of their Mii sending you on-deck into the match, automatically teaming you with them if there are spots available, and if it's indeed a team-based online match. Snaking is also out of the game, which already makes it a much better interactive world, and Nintendo even boots you from games if you attempt to drive in reverse and screw up other racers. We'll complain about the company's "big brother" attitude with friend codes and the like, but it's sure nice to have a fast, fun online experience without the drama that comes with going live.

The final score is a 8.5
Looks like Penguin will be getting his driver's license once again in the Mario World. :cool:

http://wii.ign.com/articles/868/868012p3.html

[Angrist]

Not bad, considering they were pretty sceptical of the offline game. :)

I've never been a Kart fan, so I'm not getting this.

[-alpha-]

Wow....it may just be me, but this hasn't generated NEARLY the same amount of hype that double dash did. This is actually the first time I've heard of it. If I had a wii, I'd definately pick it up.

[Bond]

The score doesn't really seem to match the text of the review. After reading the review I thought it'd get at least a 9.0.

[thatmariolover]

The score doesn't really seem to match the text of the review. After reading the review I thought it'd get at least a 9.0.

It's not worth a 9. I would probably give it a 7.5 or 8.0. I've got the PAL import and it's definitely not all that. It's good, don't get me wrong, but it's a pale reflection of the DS game.

[Dyne]

Is the 8.5 just because IGN felt bad about giving 7.9 to the last one?

I still do believe the Gamecube one only deserves 7.9 so if they truly rated this higher then I might as well look into it.

[Typhoid]

Game ratings piss me off.
Everything is a B or an A.

[BreakABone]

Is the 8.5 just because IGN felt bad about giving 7.9 to the last one?

I still do believe the Gamecube one only deserves 7.9 so if they truly rated this higher then I might as well look into it.

I love Double Dash.
And if they felt that was only worth a 7.9 and this an 8.5
Well then this game shall be heavenly for me.
I doubt it though since removed some of DD's better features IMO.

[GameMaster]

I can't say any Mario Kart game ever succeeded the joy brought to me by Mario Kart 64.

It could be I'm older. It could be that it was my very first N64 game and the graphics were so amazing. It could be the fond memories of battle mode at birthday parties and sleep overs.

I'll never know for sure.

And while I hate to be the cynic, I'm certain this won't hold the same wide-eyed wonder over me that the beloved N64 incarnation did.

I've got a Target gift card that needs spending though so I'll give it a whirl most likely.

P.S. Are you any of you guys still playing Smash? I never see any of you online.

[Jason1]

P.S. Are you any of you guys still playing Smash? I never see any of you online.


I will be playing it alot more once I get done with school in 3 weeks. We had some internet problems recently and I had to disconnect my wireless router. Hopefully I'll hook it back up again soon though.

[Dyne]

I never really play Smash online. I always get laggy people. And I know it's not my fault. But I guess I'd be willing to try again in the future.

[Jason1]

I never really play Smash online. I always get laggy people. And I know it's not my fault. But I guess I'd be willing to try again in the future.

Yea, I think everyone is having that problem. I wonder how much it is peoples connections...I wonder if its more server issues on Nintendo's side.

That being said the few times I have played with friends I have had much more luck.

[Yoda9864]

I will most definitely be getting Mario Kart. It's one of me and my friends' biggest party games.

[BreakABone]

Game ratings piss me off.
Everything is a B or an A.

Maybe everything is really an A or B.....

Anyhow 1up reviewed Mario Kart its a B + :p

http://www.gamevideos.com/video/id/18573

[manasecret]

http://www.penny-arcade.com/images/2008/20080425.jpg

[Angrist]

Haha, awesome.

[ulala06]

I can't say any Mario Kart game ever succeeded the joy brought to me by Mario Kart 64.

AMEN! I love Mario Kart 64 with all of my being. DS was damn good though, so i expect great things from Wii.

[Dyne]

Pff, it's all about the SNES version.

I honestly loved Diddy Kong Racing more than MK64. My girlfriend thinks that's weird though.

[Null]

that is weird. ditty kong racing sucked. :P

this one has gotten 8's because its single player ai isnt the greatest. (which i dont care about, only gunna use single player to unlock everything) and because they think its snuffed down to be more noob friendly. which it kinda is...

however the noob friendly part is only for now... just as people started taking advantage of power slides in the other mk's, they will find something to replace it in this. most likely the trick system will be abused and will replace 'snaking' so the skill will get back into the game. all competitive games find a way to be more skillful.

DS version is the best so far... and this one seems to be a pretty major step in the online area. with the speed of double dash and the competitiveness of the ds's online play, and what many reviews are saying some of the best tracks ever.... this one could get pretty damn addictive. :)

[Renwood]

Pff, it's all about the SNES version.
http://brodeo.us/images/glad.gif

[Zen]

I just got this game, dont wanna look up the friend code thingie right now but someone else better have this for next weekend for me to play against.

[Dylflon]

Been playing a few hours and I like it a bunch. I'll have my friend code up in a few minutes.

[Zen]

ok, quick feedback on the game after a few hours play, seems pretty fun, i HATE the fact that the mini turbos have been noobified, I think they should have set them to the way they used to be on 64 instead of this "just powerslide for a while method", played some online matches, did ok...uh... what else, i think i like bikes better so far (i dont know if they are better but i seem to have to do more with them, doing wheelies and crap)

[Dyne]

I played it and love it. I'm glad I bought it. I like bikes just as much as karts.

I can't wait to see what courses/characters I can unlock.

[Null]

ok, quick feedback on the game after a few hours play, seems pretty fun, i HATE the fact that the mini turbos have been noobified, I think they should have set them to the way they used to be on 64 instead of this "just powerslide for a while method", played some online matches, did ok...uh... what else, i think i like bikes better so far (i dont know if they are better but i seem to have to do more with them, doing wheelies and crap)


noobified at first glance yes... get into it more. i can almost snake again just like in DS. and more you get into it the more you find little places to do a trick and turbo more.

the turbo skill is still in there. just gunna have to find all the right areas to abuse it.


i really dont mind the longer the powerslide the more turbo you get method. doesnt seem THAT different. and in the right places you can get a crazy good speed burst from it.

[GameMaster]

I got a brief taste of this game at my friend's house during our break from class.

My initial impressions:

For casual fun, the steering wheel is fine, but I think I would probably prefer a Gamecube controller. I've only used the steering wheel so far though. The precision just seems way too loose for 'serious' gameplay.

It seemed kind of slow but I didn't get to check and see if we were racing at 50CCs or 100 or 150 so...

Again, these statements are made after only around 15 minutes of play time. I'll be renting this to reassess my opinion.

[Null]

best controls are actually remote and nunchuck. dont have to take your thumb off the steering to do tricks then. just a little wiggle of the remote does them.

[BreakABone]

best controls are actually remote and nunchuck. dont have to take your thumb off the steering to do tricks then. just a little wiggle of the remote does them.

Yeah think this is gonna be my setup as well. Though oddly I would have placed the C button as weapons. But that's just me.

I really like this game so far. I think the stuff they added (not the weapons mind you) are pretty cool.

1) The tricks are a nice bonus and while random do give nice effects and a boost.
2) I like the fact that you can invite friends from your Wii system to play Kart (saves you from finding more friend codes)
3) I actually enjoyed what little I played of Battle Mode. Funky Stadium is pretty sweet.

[Zen]

My main setup had been the nunchuck, but ive been giving the wheel a chance and it needed some getting used to but i think i can do just as good with it now (but it is more work for the same results still)

[BreakABone]

My main setup had been the nunchuck, but ive been giving the wheel a chance and it needed some getting used to but i think i can do just as good with it now (but it is more work for the same results still)

did you get my friend invite?
Want to make sure the feature works.

[Dylflon]

So, your wii will just hook you up to people on your wii friends list?

Holy balls. I have to make sure we're all friends on my wii.

[Dyne]

Yeah, I have an assload of people on my Wii friend list. It's a feature I'll definitely be using.

[BreakABone]

Yeah, I have an assload of people on my Wii friend list. It's a feature I'll definitely be using.

Up to the 30 people you are allowed to have per profile.

Dumb dumb move by Nintendo.

For anyone not on my Wii system.

Mario Kart Friend Code
1891 1638 8876

[Dyne]

Man it's fun online. I'm 7-1 wih BaB. :D

I guess I did kind of have a 122-3 record on MKDS. :sneaky: MKDS was MY game. :cool:

[BreakABone]

Man it's fun online. I'm 7-1 wih BaB. :D

I guess I did kind of have a 122-3 record on MKDS. :sneaky: MKDS was MY game. :cool:

Would like to point out that it is 7-3 bube.

Granted, you disconnected on 2 of them but it counts. ;)

[Dyne]

Nemesis' friend code: 2363-6043-9346

[Bube]

Would like to point out that it is 7-3 bube.

Granted, you disconnected on 2 of them but it counts. ;)
Umm.. why is my name in there? :)

[GameMaster]

I think he meant 'bub' (pronounced b-uh-b) which is slang. It's just a substitute for someone's name. Like, "Hey fella," or "hey dude".

I wonder what UrbanDictionary would say about this:

http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=bub

[Bube]

lol :) I know what bub is, but I never thought that it might be bub.

[Aladuf]

:O

Guys, GUYS!!!

I want to join in on the fun too! I just bought it tonight and I want to do some online too. I'll post my friend code when I play it next.

So far the game is really fun, all I've used is the steering wheel set up which is pretty easy to use but I figure I'll give the Wiimote/Nunchuck duo a try next time to compare.

[Dyne]

Yessssss!

Skip the wiimote nunchuk setup and stick with the wheel. Don't even TRY gamecube on it.

[flunkie44]

So you got that Wii that you were talking about getting yesterday?

Your third one?

I need MK Wii. And I need to add you guys to my friends.

[Aladuf]

haha no, I had it yesterday. I got it on Wednesday.

>_< Yes, it's my third and (hopefully) last one.

You do need to get it, and I also need to finally add you guys to my friends list.

[flunkie44]

Oh, well you were talking about it yesterday.. maybe I wasn't paying attention, but I don't remember you saying you actually got one - just you mentioning that you wanted one.

[Aladuf]

Nah, I think somewhere in there I mentioned how easy it was for me to get all 3 Wii's even though they are so hard to get for like, everyone else. You probably missed it because you were balls-deep in Condemned 2 all night. :lolz:

[flunkie44]

I saw that part, but I thought you meant that you had three Wiis before. :lolz:

But yeah, Condemned was my main focus last night.

Tonight? Me and Uber have been playing Haze all night. What a fucking awesome game.

[Aladuf]

lol only 2 Wiis before that. This most recent one is #3.

I've been on the PS3 tonight so I saw that you two have been playing it pretty nonstop. The demo was fun as shit so I had decent expectations for the actual game. Hopefully I can pick it up sometime.

[flunkie44]

I'll just say this:

Being a Rebel >>>>>>>>>> Being a Mantel soldier

Iron sights in Haze are awesome.

And me and Uber were cracking up at some of the dialogue. It's so corny, yet hilarious, and it fits into the game's style really well. I find the story actually kind of interesting. :lolz:

[BreakABone]

*Reads thread*

*Urge to kill at an all time high*

[Bube]

My friend code is 1418 7642 4359

Isn't there a list of these? All the friend codes seem to be scattered around the site..

[BreakABone]

I saw that part, but I thought you meant that you had three Wiis before. :lolz:

But yeah, Condemned was my main focus last night.

Tonight? Me and Uber have been playing Haze all night. What a fucking awesome game.
Argh even though I don't like you much.
This is the type of stuff you should start a blog for.
Not saying it as a negative.
Figured since you are new may be afraid to start one.

My friend code is 1418 7642 4359

Isn't there a list of these? All the friend codes seem to be scattered around the site..

I need to work on that. Stupid Nintendo and their friend codes.
We will get a central Wii Number Thread.
Should it be organized by person or game?

[GameMaster]

I need to work on that. Stupid Nintendo and their friend codes.
We will get a central Wii Number Thread.
Should it be organized by person or game?

By person would be the superior choice in my opinion.

[Angrist]

You could do both...

[flunkie44]

I just picked up Mario Kart Wii today!

Now I just need to add all you guys and get to playin'.

[Bube]

I just picked up Mario Kart Wii today!

Now I just need to add all you guys and get to playin'.
And, of course, give us your own friend code :)

[BreakABone]

Well, it seems there is no way to quit out an online game.

Just tried to exit with Dyne to join Aladuf and Flunkie had to restart console.

[flunkie44]

Well, it seems there is no way to quit out an online game.

Just tried to exit with Dyne to join Aladuf and Flunkie had to restart console.

Yeah, seriously.. what's up with that?

My MK Wii FC: 1848-2809-4292

[Dyne]

Great matches tonight guys! :) Let's do it again soon.

[Aladuf]

You're pretty damn good at MK Dyne! I beat you in ONE race! :p

[Dyne]

Hahah, thanks. You're pretty good too!

Are you guys playing manual or automatic?

[flunkie44]

Even though I sucked (first time ever playing MK Wii, haven't even touched the single player yet), I had a lot of fun! We must get more people to get Mario Kart.

I turned on Manual on the last group of races while still playing with the wheel. Not such a great idea.. Manual + Wheel = Jumbled Mess. With manual enabled, though, it definitely brought back old Mario Kart 64 memories. :)

Did you see me doing doughnuts in the last race? :p

Best thing about Mario Kart's online?

...No lag! :lolz:

[Dyne]

Hahaha, yeah, I was wondering. My girlfriend gets lost in that 8 loop sometimes. Rainbow Road is DEFINITELY not the best for newbies.

And the Wii Wheel on manual takes a lot of work, but it's a ton of fun once you learn it.

[Aladuf]

I play on automatic.. I didn't wanna try manual :(

Oh, and Rainbow Road is a bitch.. but it is pretty!

[Bube]

I can't believe you guys played without me! Dyne, what's your FC, I can't find it anywhere?

And BaB, are we playing friday?

[BreakABone]

I can't believe you guys played without me! Dyne, what's your FC, I can't find it anywhere?

And BaB, are we playing friday?

Dyne has yet to actually post his friend code. I added him from my Wii and the other two added him from the game lobby. :lolz:

And as for Friday, I guess it depends.

[Dyne]

BaB, you'll have to post mine. I keep forgetting. :lolz:

[flunkie44]

I can't believe you guys played without me! Dyne, what's your FC, I can't find it anywhere?

And BaB, are we playing friday?

I added you, by the way.

[Bube]

I added you, by the way.
kk :)

I'm waiting for those who haven't posted their codes yet *coughdynecough*

[BreakABone]

Dyne's friend code

4897 6372 4094

[Bube]

I've been meaning to ask this for quite some time. Does anybody play the challenges in the Mario Kart Channel? They're almost more fun than time trials and wi-fi gaming!

[BreakABone]

I've been meaning to ask this for quite some time. Does anybody play the challenges in the Mario Kart Channel? They're almost more fun than time trials and wi-fi gaming!

I dod.
I was so pissed apparently I missed the most recent one.
And it was a boss battle from Galaxy!

[Bube]

I dod.
I was so pissed apparently I missed the most recent one.
And it was a boss battle from Galaxy!
I think you can still play it. I though it ended on the 10th?

It's a Topman Tribe game. And it's great :)

[flunkie44]

I'm starting to get good with manual and the wheel..

..on 50cc. :p

[Aladuf]

:lolz:

Edit: me too... I haven't tried manual yet like I mentioned to you but I think I want to bump up from 50cc to 150cc because I've played and beat Mario Karts before on 150 plus I love the way the motorcycles handle when we're all playing multiplayer.

[Dyne]

I loved the challenges on the DS version - I still have to check these challenges out.

And I want to slap anyone who reviewed this game and called it dumbed down or "streamlined". Damn. It's been a few weeks now and I'm still loving it.

[Aladuf]

And I want to slap anyone who reviewed this game and called it dumbed down or "streamlined". Damn. It's been a few weeks now and I'm still loving it.

Same, I've only had it for over a week but it's fucking awesome. I didn't get a chance to play last night because about 4 hours of Turok occupied me :p but hopefully some of us can get on for some more matches tonight. But more Turok would be VERY welcome again tonight too! :D

[Bube]

:lolz:

Edit: me too... I haven't tried manual yet like I mentioned to you but I think I want to bump up from 50cc to 150cc because I've played and beat Mario Karts before on 150 plus I love the way the motorcycles handle when we're all playing multiplayer.
I never could play with auto drift. I switched to manual on my 3rd or 4th race. With the wheel. Try it, you'll find it to be pretty easy.

And I don't think you should try 150cc. Once I get all gold on 150cc, I'm never touching it again. The computer cheats so much it's not even funny. I'm actually cursing with words I'd never heard of before. Have you ever been hit by a red shell from behind..in 12th place?

[Aladuf]

Have you ever been hit by a red shell from behind..in 12th place?

:lolz: Are you serious?!

[Bube]

:lolz: Are you serious?!
I think so.. I was in 12th and it looked like it came from behind. Probably my mistake though, I'm sure it wouldn't cheat that much. :)

But I know that Baby Peach is heavier than Bowser. She manages to bump me off bridges. Every single time.

And I'm not counting the double red shell + blooper + blue shell + bump-from-behind-just-as-you're-accelerating combo I get about twice every race.. At the finish line. In the last lap.

Anyway, if there's anybody available, how about a game right now?

[Aladuf]

Count me in, I'll be right there.

[Angrist]

A few weeks ago I got my first tastes of Mario Kart DS. I like it. Challenges were fun. Didn't try online (lack of wireless internet at my family's).

[Bube]

Ok then.. It's 22.59 right now here. Game starts at..23.20. Anybody care to join?

I'd be happy if one of you hosted though, my upload speed isn't that good, it'd probably cause trouble..

[Aladuf]

I'll host it. I added you the other day, but you've still not added me. I think my FC maybe posted in here.

[Bube]

No, I added you. Aren't you Matt? I can see you..

[Aladuf]

Yeah, I'm Matt.. you show up for me too.

OH SON OF A BITCH!

I'm retarded, don't worry about what I said. You're not online.. that's all. Like an idiot I mistook that for you not accepting me yet!

[Bube]

lol :D

I think it's just going to be us? We should probably decide on a number of games. Two cups maybe? It'll probably get boring with just 2 people? Especially because I'm so good :p :D

[Aladuf]

Yeah, seems that It'll just be us. We can just do a couple of cups.

[Dyne]

I wish I could play, but I'm in the office today. :( Sux x 10.

Have fun though guys!

[Bube]

Talk about luck.. I got a disc read error and 2 disconnections.

But I think the main problem is our stupid ISP.

[Aladuf]

Damn! It did start to get rough there at the end. You disconnected about 3 straight times :(

[Bube]

The 3rd one was a disc read error. And I found out that my connection isn't enough to play much :(

However, it's interesting that we could play 4 matches without a problem, but start to have trouble in the 5th match.

I'm sorry if I caused any frustration :(

[Aladuf]

Yeah the beginning was fine we had no problems.

Don't worry! No frustrations, I'm glad we got to play some, we're pretty evenly matched really. Good times. :)

[Bube]

I actually had no problems playing ranked matches with 12 people, 8 or 9 of them from the US. I don't know why it acted so stupid tonight.. I think it may be because my cousin using the computer, doing something over msn I think. I'll have a cleaner connection next time - if you want a next time, of course :)

I agree on us being evenly matched. And it was fun when you always won the first 2 and I won the last 2 :D

But I hate the stupid item lottery. I'm in 2nd place, you're ahead almost 1/3 of the course in length and I get..3 bananas.. :D

And the mega-mushroom-run-over-over-mushroom-gorge was great :D Congrats :)

[Aladuf]

I definetly want a "next time" I love this game online, so much fun! And the fact that we're so close is awesome, it makes for pretty intense races that could go either way each time.

That item lottery can be a mess sometimes, you'd be leading and I'd get like, a single green shell... no fun :(

And the mega-mushroom-run-over-over-mushroom-gorge was great :D Congrats :)
:lolz: that was so awesome, I was laughing so hard!

[Bube]

I had just gotten triple reds, and I was thinking "I'll probably win this race", and just then, you flattened me. I immediately knew I had lost it :D

[BreakABone]

I wish I could play, but I'm in the office today. :( Sux x 10.

Have fun though guys!

Sooner or later, they had to get you in there. :p

[Bube]

Where've you been BaB?! Wasn't today our play-date? :D

[Aladuf]

I had just gotten triple reds, and I was thinking "I'll probably win this race", and just then, you flattened me. I immediately knew I had lost it :D

:lolz: I was nervous too because I saw that you had the 3 red shells, I got very lucky with that one!

[Bube]

:lolz: I was nervous too because I saw that you had the 3 red shells, I got very lucky with that one!
I would've been swearing all night if the computer had done that, but since I know you're not cheating, it was just funny :)

Thanks again for playing :)

[Aladuf]

Yep, no problem! Can't wait to play again. :)

[flunkie44]

What control setup are you guys using?

Aladuf: Time to shut off again, lol.

[Dyne]

What control setup are you guys using?

Aladuf: Time to shut off again, lol.

It should tell you beside their name. Right?

[Aladuf]

What control setup are you guys using?

Aladuf: Time to shut off again, lol.

Tell the tornados to fuck off!

And I'm using the Wheel setup, it works really well so I've had no problem using it. I haven't even tried any other setups.

[flunkie44]

I meant:

What control setup are you using and are you using manual or automatic?

[Aladuf]

ohh! Wheel/automatic

Only because I haven't taken the time to try manual yet.

[Aladuf]

:lolz: I feel bad for you guys because you had to listen to my loud ass on Skype when we were just playing MK. Racing games are mah first gaming love and I get fucking INTO these races. :D

[flunkie44]

Aladuf
Johnny F'n Drama
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Virginia Beach
Posts: 994

[Aladuf]

:lolz: it's true, I kinda started to realize how possibly annoying I could have been getting later on in there.

BTW, internet connection fucking up ftl! I was winning that race and was about to cross the finish line. :(

[flunkie44]

Suuuuure you were.

Actually, I was wondering how the heck I got third instead of fourth when the race ended. :lolz:

[BreakABone]

Just a head's up.
Apparently the next Mario Kart challenge starts on June 15th.

A 3-lap Mushroom Gorge race backwards. No bikes allowed.

http://www.nintendo.co.jp/wii/rmcj/tournament/index.html

[Bube]

Just a head's up.
Apparently the next Mario Kart challenge starts on June 15th.

A 3-lap Mushroom Gorge race backwards. No bikes allowed.

http://www.nintendo.co.jp/wii/rmcj/tournament/index.html
Bah. I'm not much of a racing competition fan. The Japanese always own those. At least I had a chance with the last one..

The Japs owned that one as well though :D

[Bube]

Aaaaaarrrghh!!! Why is this damn game so ***king hard!! I can't finish the last retro cup on 150 cc! They cheat so much!! I was just about to finish first in the 3rd race, DK Mountain or whatever, and Luigi came out of nowhere and bumped me off the bridge with his lighter vehicle, on the last lap!! I finished 12th. If I had finished first I would've got gold!! This game sucks, just because of the AI!