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Mario Kart World has arrived, and after just a few hours of gameplay, it’s clear that the new last-one-standing race mode, dubbed the Knockout Tour, steals the spotlight. This mode injects an exhilarating level of tension into the chaotic kart racing experience we all know and love. However, it’s perplexing that Nintendo has chosen to emphasize the game’s open world as the main attraction. While the concept of an unrestricted Mario Kart universe has long been desired by fans, my recent experience in this free-roam setting left much to be desired. Allow me to elaborate.
Comparing open worlds: Mario Kart World vs. Forza Horizon
When envisioning an open-world racing game, it’s impossible not to draw comparisons with the acclaimed Forza Horizon series. Playground Games has perfected this subgenre, crafting richly detailed worlds that balance challenge and fun, earning accolades like IGN’s Game of the Year. However, after spending around thirty minutes racing through Mario Kart World’s expansive map, I found it largely lacking in charm and excitement. The environment felt sparse, devoid of engaging activities that typically make open worlds captivating.
Much of my time was spent speeding along vast stretches of grassland, desert, and choppy seas, searching for something to engage in. There are challenges scattered throughout the map, yet they often felt repetitive and trivial, primarily consisting of P Switch tasks that spawned short time trials. Initially, these tasks were enjoyable, but I quickly realized they mostly revolved around collecting coins or racing through checkpoints within tight time limits. With most challenges lasting a mere 10 to 15 seconds, the novelty faded rapidly. It’s disheartening to walk away from a demo feeling as if I’ve already tapped out the game’s side activities. While I hope a deeper exploration reveals hidden delights, I’m left questioning the overall engagement of the open world.
Unlockables and progression: A missed opportunity?
The rewards for completing P Switch challenges consist of shiny stickers for your kart, yet these seem to be the extent of unlockables available. It feels odd that progression remains tied to the series’ traditional Grand Prix mode, especially when an open world presents the perfect canvas to hide new characters and karts in secret spots. Some outfits can be found by driving through Yoshi-themed restaurants, but these are just as, if not more, accessible during races.
In the Forza Horizon series, one of my favorite activities is embarking on ‘barn finds’—exploratory missions to uncover hidden vehicles. It feels like a missed opportunity if Mario Kart World doesn’t incorporate similar elements. The thrill of discovery, often found in 3D Mario platformers, seems absent here. The most intriguing find during my demo was a large green warp pipe that merely propelled me a short distance down the road. Why not have these lead to concealed areas with their own challenges?
Collectibles and gameplay mechanics
While there are Peach Medallions to collect, which offer a fun challenge requiring skill with new mechanics like rail grinding and wall riding, they only unlock stickers. This isn’t inherently problematic since Nintendo often emphasizes fun for its own sake, but I still yearn for more substantial rewards—something akin to how excess moons can be traded for cosmetics in Super Mario Odyssey.
Perhaps I’m just a jaded adult struggling to find joy in gaming now that I’ve hit my thirties. Nevertheless, I can’t deny that players of all ages will likely find joy roaming this colorful paradise, zipping through its vibrant environments. One memorable moment involved commandeering a massive truck and rampaging through other vehicles and fragile coin-filled bricks, reminiscent of Nintendo’s unique creativity. Yet, beyond this moment, the dynamic weather system, day/night cycles, and adaptive soundtrack felt more like decorative touches rather than enhancements to gameplay.
The significance of the open world in Mario Kart World
Despite its shortcomings, the open world plays a vital role in Mario Kart World beyond the free-roam mode. The clever design of these spaces connecting tracks allows for more varied racing experiences. The Knockout Tour, in particular, benefits from this expansive environment, weaving through diverse landscapes that would be less exciting if confined to repetitive laps on a single track. While exploration might not yield the thrills I hoped for, the racing itself remains the highlight, particularly with the introduction of this new mode.
When regarded as a playful sandbox rather than a vast open world like Forza Horizon or Burnout Paradise, there’s a certain charm to Free Roam. However, it’s essential to temper expectations regarding the depth of exploration—especially considering the $80 price tag. The racing retains its charm, and the new Knockout Mode injects a refreshing excitement into the gameplay. It’s a feature that truly deserves to take center stage, rather than being overshadowed by an open world that feels underwhelming.