Mario Kart Wii Underhyped?

[TurboGenesis]

Mario Kart Wii Underhyped?

I say so…

This thread does not get mention of the midnight launch?

Well I get it at midnight to little fan fare…

The line was small. About ¼ the length of the line for Super Smash Bros Brawl. My friends and myself go to get it and we go to my home and enjoy 2 hours of 4 player racing! I have much to learn. But the game is good. I hope to have time to playing this solo for this week.

[Streetball 21]

I got it at midnight too. Not many people over here as well, maybe about 8-10 people.

Got home and did some time trials to get the hang of it. Didn't like the steering wheel much, it seems like you have to set the drifting to automatic with wheel, unless I'm missing something. So ended up playing with the GC controller, which felt much better, I prefer manaual drifting. I will more than likely use the wheel every now and then.

Played a few matches online, no lag at all, very smooth racing.

[c0ldb33r]

I use the wheel and have it set to automatic drifting, it seems fine.

[mills]

A solid business tactic is to under hype and over deliver. Maybe that was the case here.

[Frankie_Says_Relax]

I must say ... whoever is responsible for the online mode in this game should have been responsible for the online mode in Smash Brothers Brawl instead.

I am downright blown away with the silky smooth online operation. Haven't experienced any lag or game crashing so far...

...anybody had any of that on their end??

Overall seems like a solid Mario Kart game. I haven't really played any since the N64 version, and while nothing really stands out with any "wow" factor so far (especially the graphics - chunky low poly-count hands??) ... everything seems to be in order for a Mario Kart game.

I'd say worth it for the online mode alone!

[Bojay1997]

Why is no one hyping this game? It find it a bit odd, it seems as though it's even more promising than the DS version, which really reminded us about what Mario Kart really is about.

Now it's got better online than Brawl, no snaking, unique control schemes, cool tricks system, balanced cars, creative tracks, and oh did I mention it's Mario Kart and it's coming out this month already?

So, why no hype?

Let's see, cover of Nintendo Power, major stories in every major remaining print videogame magazine, coverage on G4, reviews and previews on every major videogame website, the featured game in every major retailer flyer this weekend...I hardly think this was underhyped, particularly since the game isn't evolutionary in any sense. Having said that, it's still a great game with a great on-line component. This game has had as much hype as any major release with the possible exceptions of Halo 3 and GTAIV.

[c0ldb33r]

Haven't experienced any lag or game crashing so far... ...anybody had any of that on their end??
Nope, been very smooth. I have had two little glitches, once I got kicked off wifi (might have just been my connection) and the other time I think my wifi froze (or just some idiot took forever choosing his level, I'm not sure). 99% silky smooth though :D


...nothing really stands out with any "wow" factor so far (especially the graphics - chunky low poly-count hands??) ... everything seems to be in order for a Mario Kart game.
Really? I thought the graphics were quite good! Is there a side-by-side comparison of the Wii versus Gamecube versions of this game?

[Frankie_Says_Relax]

Nope, been very smooth. I have had two little glitches, once I got kicked off wifi (might have just been my connection) and the other time I think my wifi froze (or just some idiot took forever choosing his level, I'm not sure). 99% silky smooth though :D


Really? I thought the graphics were quite good! Is there a side-by-side comparison of the Wii versus Gamecube versions of this game?

I never really played Double Dash ... is MK Wii a huge leap forward from that graphically? Enough to make you go "WOW!!" ?

[NEOFREAK9189]

Nope, been very smooth. I have had two little glitches, once I got kicked off wifi (might have just been my connection) and the other time I think my wifi froze (or just some idiot took forever choosing his level, I'm not sure). 99% silky smooth though :D


Really? I thought the graphics were quite good! Is there a side-by-side comparison of the Wii versus Gamecube versions of this game?

me 2
also I hope nintendo make F-Zero Wii

[p_b]

I never really played Double Dash ... is MK Wii a huge leap forward from that graphically? Enough to make you go "WOW!!" ?

No, I don't think so. But then again, while good graphics are important in a "realistic" driving game, I couldn't care less with Mario Kart. The graphics are better than in Double Dash, but it's definitely not a WOW-moment.

[Frankie_Says_Relax]

No, I don't think so. But then again, while good graphics are important in a "realistic" driving game, I couldn't care less with Mario Kart. The graphics are better than in Double Dash, but it's definitely not a WOW-moment.

Yeah, I figured as much.

Don't get me wrong, I think the graphics are nice overall - and like I said (and meant) I think they're absolutely "in order" (or appropriate) for a Mario Kart game.

However, while they certainly don't detract from the quality of the product ... I WAS a bit shocked to see things like character body parts with such low poly counts in a Wii game. (Check out Peach's hands in her Kart mode ... those look like N64 era polygons)

[NEOFREAK9189]

anyone play the arcade vesion Mario Kart

[swlovinist]

Played it, Rented it(free coupon), Loved it. Awsome online mode. Great title, and yes this game seems to have been in the shadows of Brawl a little. I know that Nintendo fans arent used to getting A+ games back to back like this. A must buy.

[boatofcar]

Besides the online play, is there anything else in this game that makes it stand head and shoulders above Double Dash?

[graciano1337]

I must say ... whoever is responsible for the online mode in this game should have been responsible for the online mode in Smash Brothers Brawl instead.

I am downright blown away with the silky smooth online operation. Haven't experienced any lag or game crashing so far...

...anybody had any of that on their end??

Overall seems like a solid Mario Kart game. I haven't really played any since the N64 version, and while nothing really stands out with any "wow" factor so far (especially the graphics - chunky low poly-count hands??) ... everything seems to be in order for a Mario Kart game.

I'd say worth it for the online mode alone!

I agree. The online is amazing! Looks like the learned from Brawl (which is still terrible BTW.)

[p_b]

Besides the online play, is there anything else in this game that makes it stand head and shoulders above Double Dash?

Uhm....maybe bikes? And I immensly enjoy the wii-waving-control-mechanism :)
Although the game's IMHO easier when using a wavebird, I just think it's fun. On the negative side, Double Dash let you unlock things while playing together, whereas here you have to unlock most (?) things in the single-player mode.

[jjgames]

I think it is a bit underhyped for the "typical gamer". There probably weren't tons of people at midnight launches.

But all of my casual gamer friends who own Wii's bought Mario Kart on Sunday. They didn't want Smash Bros. at all but Mario Kart for sure. I think Mario Kart will sell really well, just maybe not as many as Smash did right away.

[c0ldb33r]

Uhm....maybe bikes? And I immensly enjoy the wii-waving-control-mechanism :)
Whats the deal with the bikes anyway? I don't get it. I've been playing with carts only (just finished 50cc on all 8 courses). How are they controlled?

[slip81]

Whats the deal with the bikes anyway? I don't get it. I've been playing with carts only (just finished 50cc on all 8 courses). How are they controlled?

bikes corner a *bit* better, and they have the ability to pop a wheelie for an instant turbo boost, other than that, not much really.


I'm loving the game so far, played a few online matches and was very impressed. Overall the only complaint I have is that when in first place you seem to be CONSTANTLY bombarded with weapons. I mean earlier today I was racing and got hit with a pow, lightening, red shell and blue shell all one right after the other.

[Frankie_Says_Relax]

I must say ... even though Nintendo is re-treading (no pun intended) familiar ground with Mario Kart and Smash Brothers, they're doing a GREAT job of reminding me how good they are at making solid 1st party software, and why I enjoyed those franchises in their earliest iterations.

I'll be adding my Mario Kart info to the code thread before the weekend (I want to give it a bit more time for people to get their copies) ... we need to have a big ol' DP race sometime soon.

[udisi]

Overall the only complaint I have is that when in first place you seem to be CONSTANTLY bombarded with weapons. I mean earlier today I was racing and got hit with a pow, lightening, red shell and blue shell all one right after the other.

Welcome to Mario Kart :)

[p_b]

bikes corner a *bit* better, and they have the ability to pop a wheelie for an instant turbo boost, other than that, not much really.


And the stunts in mid-air look great!

[sisko]

They FINALLY included SNES Battle Course 4. That level makes the game worth every penny.

[boatofcar]

Welcome to Mario Kart :)

:(

Would it have been too much to ask to include an option to randomize items? That's the one thing about the original Mario Kart that I wish they'd bring back.

Well, that and the feather :)

[slip81]

Welcome to Mario Kart :)

well yeah, I know, but it seems to be at it's worst in this version. I don't remember there being a constant onslaught in the GCN or N64 versions, at least not in the 50cc circuit.

Though it's not really a huge complaint, as it's not something that detracts from the fun, or has cause me to loose any races, it's just an annoyance.

Also I'm a bit mad at the loss of snaking, but that's only because I was just starting to get good at it thanks to MK DS.

[sirhansirhan]

I have to say, I actually really like the goofy wheel Wiimote attachment. Granted, it doesn't seem precise enough to really win many hardcore races with, but for my purposes (playing it sometimes with friends), it adds to the quality of the already fun game. I'm thinking about ordering a second one while they are still $9.99 on Amazon.

[robotriot]

Didn't like the steering wheel much, it seems like you have to set the drifting to automatic with wheel, unless I'm missing something. So ended up playing with the GC controller, which felt much better, I prefer manaual drifting.

You can use drifting with the manual setting and the wheel, just press B to drift.

[Avatard]

Besides the online play, is there anything else in this game that makes it stand head and shoulders above Double Dash?


Double Dash to me wasn't much fun. This new one is incredible. Its the BEST controlling MK so far (I use wiimote/nunchuck). The courses feel really different and innovative and I haven't been able to say that about a MK game in a while. The power slides were finally done right. Drifting is easy to controll with every kart. The trick system doesn't sound like much but its adds a lot to the game. Thats where the wow factor is for me. Especially online battle in Funky Park. People don't seem to just drop out on you like on the DS version.

Its all the little things that really adds up. Things like when you start a game online it shows the globe and where everyone lives that you are playing agaisnt and you see their mii.

The big downside is there seems to be a tad too many "all karts get hit" items that show up. Annoying, but rarely makes a difference.

[acey]

I have to agree on a lot of points that have been made. I loved Mario Kart 64 - only Goldeneye & Perfect Dark got more playtime on my N64. Double Dash was a slap in the face to me...I didn't enjoy it at all...the fun was lost for me. Finally opened Mario Kart Wii yesterday, popped the Wiimote into the wheel and had an absolute blast. Decided I had to beat Miyamoto's ghost on the Luigi Circuit and finally did so after about 30 minutes of practice. Had my wife try it and she had a lot of fun too. I was surprised how much I liked the wheel...I tried Wiimote + nunchuk but it wasn't nearly as fun and trying with just the Wiimote is an exercise in futility...neither the 1 or B button is as easy to press while driving as the B button through the wheel shell. Haven't even tried online but I had a lot of fun early on with MK DS so I'm sure I'll love it if it's as great as everyone says. I think it's a must-get for all those who loved MK64 and couldn't get hooked on MK:DD.

[Leo_A]

I'm using a WaveBird, does anyone ever notice when using manual when you try to power slide that the kart occasionally continually hops rather than doing what its supposed to be? Is that part of the game, or am I having interferance with the WaveBird or controller issues?

[BydoEmpire]

Double Dash was a slap in the face to me...I didn't enjoy it at all...the fun was lost for me. Finally opened Mario Kart Wii yesterday, popped the Wiimote into the wheel and had an absolute blast.That's good to hear. I held off on MK: Wii because 1) I was too busy at work to have time, 2) I felt burned by SSB:Brawl's broken online so I wanted to wait on MK:Wii to see if it was usable and 3) I didn't like Double Dash very much. Comments like these give me some hope, I'll have to pick it up.

[Lord Helmet]

I'm about 3/4 the way through with solo mode. I'm actually really enjoying this one. Online play is great (thought friend codes still suck). I thought I would hate using the wheel, but after getting used to the sensitivity level, it works GREAT and makes the game twice as fun as using a standard controller.

[Leo_A]

I take it no one has then? Guess I better switch channels and run a long Daytona or Talladega race in Dirt to Daytona and see if I see any strangeness with the right trigger there...

Anyone know if WaveBirds use the same buttons and triggers as the wired controllers? Bought this new last fall, its too early to die and I don't want to pay the price to buy a replacement online. I'd rather just switch buttons if there is indeed a problem with it.

[Lord Helmet]

Anyone know if WaveBirds use the same buttons and triggers as the wired controllers? Bought this new last fall, its too early to die and I don't want to pay the price to buy a replacement online. I'f rather just switch buttons if it is indeed a problem with it.

I'm almost certain that the buttons are the same on the wavebirds as the wired GCN controllers.

[Mayhem]

I'm using a WaveBird, does anyone ever notice when using manual when you try to power slide that the kart occasionally continually hops rather than doing what its supposed to be? Is that part of the game, or am I having interferance with the WaveBird or controller issues?

Occasionally happens to me as well, so perhaps it's a game issue not an interference thing... who knows. My brother switched to a wired controller as he was getting affected bad at times...

[Leo_A]

That's good to know. :)

I didn't like the thought that my nearly brand new WaveBird was possibly broken. I wish Nintendo would rerelease these in white already, seems to be enough demand out there.