Mario Kart Wii Underhyped?

[heybtbm]

I think most gamer's attention has been diverted to another franchise releasing two days later. I know mine has. Realistically though, I just don't see much of a difference between MK-DD and this new Wii version. I realize you could make a list of specific differences, but those are all minor tweeks and improvements IMO. It's still the same core gameplay mechanic, not to mention the graphics are almost identical.

Regardless, I'll still probably buy this game eventually. Mario Kart is one of the few console games my wife actually has an interest in sitting down and playing. The splitscreen races have always been a lot of fun. Also, Nintendo gets another gold star for adding multi-controller functionality (i.e. GC/Wavebird controllers). Simply put, I wouldn't have bought this if I was forced to use the ridiculous Wii-mote or wheel accessory.

[NE146]

Whatever the case is.. I only have control over my own buying habits. (and I barely buy Wii games).

However I will be there that first week sometime to pick up my copy of Mari Kart with plastic wheel

[ms89]

I think most gamer's attention has been diverted to another franchise releasing two days later. I know mine has. Realistically though, I just don't see much of a difference between MK-DD and this new Wii version. I realize you could make a list of specific differences, but those are all minor tweeks and improvements IMO. It's still the same core gameplay mechanic, not to mention the graphics are almost identical.

I agree with this bloke right here. The Mario Kart series just doesn't offer enough game for my buck these days. Certainly not enough to choose it over GTAIV.

[blissfulnoise]

I agree with this bloke right here. The Mario Kart series just doesn't offer enough game for my buck these days. Certainly not enough to choose it over GTAIV.

Truth.

After Mario Kart Double-Dash and Mario Kart DS, for my dollar, I'm completely done with the series.

[mailman187666]

I think a lot of it has to do with how much they hyped Brawl before its release and I think they probably want people to continue to keep buying that game rather than make people lose the attention that game still has. Instead they'd rather give it as much hype as any other regular nintendo release and it should sell itself. I will buy Mario Kart because its a fun game still and some of my friends aren't into a game like Brawl as much as they are MK. I know some of my female friends to even really wanna touch Brawl and would go right for MK any day.

[Juskin]

I was very hyped for this game...until trying to play multiplayer with Brawl No way I'm buying this game now.

Huh...it's not exactly being made by the same team, y'know.

MK Wii is supposed to have an online that kills Smash from what I've read. In fact it has its own channel dedicated to MK online, you'll be able to see who's playing without inserting the disk via the channel.

Damn, I'm seriously the only one supporting this game?

[diskoboy]

To the OP.... Check around for my feelings on the Nintendo "Kart" series.

We'll see a new one in 4 months, anyway.

I could care less about the series, in general. Nintendo has run it into the ground.

[Frankie_Says_Relax]

Huh...it's not exactly being made by the same team, y'know.

MK Wii is supposed to have an online that kills Smash from what I've read. In fact it has its own channel dedicated to MK online, you'll be able to see who's playing without inserting the disk via the channel.

Damn, I'm seriously the only one supporting this game?

Um, do you honestly think that you're alone in your enthusiasm and support of a Mario Kart title?

Yes, some of us are a bit jaded when it comes to the entirety of the series ... but come on, it's a Nintendo 1st party title, it has MARIO in it's title, and it's something new for the Wii that's not shovel-ware garbage.

It's going to sell millions even without a bigger marketing push that it already has.

I wouldn't worry about "nobody supporting it". It's got plenty of support built in ... BUT it IS entry number SIX in a non-story-based game series that hasn't exactly "evolved" much over the years.

If anything I think your expectations of consumer enthusiasm for this title may just be a few clicks too high.

[Juskin]

To the OP.... Check around for my feelings on the Nintendo "Kart" series.

We'll see a new one in 4 months, anyway.

I could care less about the series, in general. Nintendo has run it into the ground.

I just think people are really fed up with Double Dash.

I'm an MK fan, and I will admit Double Dash was just double dull. As for MKDS, I liked the game to a degree, but snaking being so accessible ruined the experience a bit.

This game seems to have the superior racing feel of MKDS, without the annoying snaking. And not to mention tracks that actually improve a lot on MKDS's.

This game seems to be the the first mario kart to really fix everything wrong in the series, and that's really why I don't see why it's getting crapped on.

[williewonka2k1]

Simple. Gamers are still BUSTING THE SAME NUT from when Brawl came out. True story.

[kainemaxwell]

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?

I think the Mario Kart Wii tour to promote the game and steering wheel will say otherwise.

[jajaja]

I've seen a commercial on TV for Mario Kart Wii here in Europe (i think the game is officially out today (11th April) here in Europe. I dont watch that much TV so i dont know how much this commecrial is aired though. But i do agree that i havnt seen too much hype for this game, atleast not on the forums that i'm on.

EDIT: I found the commercial on Youtube if anyone wants to see:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iwvutlPjmRQ (i dont think the "N-Club" logo was in the begining of the commercial though).

Alittle off-topic: i was at my parents' house when i saw the commercial and my mom said Mario Kart Wii looked like fun My sister has a Wii and i have a feeling that she will buy Mario Kart Wii, so i guess i will try it at her place some day

[boatofcar]

Bottom line is, everyone who has a Wii who isn't burned out on the MK franchise will get the game. No one has to worry about it being a flop, that's for sure.

[Richter Belmount]

Damn, I'm seriously the only one supporting this game?

Yes you are

[RadiantSvgun]

I think Mario Kart Wii seems underhyped because the Wii doesn't seem to need any marketing, the continued word of mouth demand for the system pretty much guarentees a sale.

"Alright, congratulations, you found a Wii! the new Mario Kart just came out, can I interest you in a copy?"

Copy practically sold, with the hardcore fans buying them as well.

Yeah, I agree.

[TonyTheTiger]

The problem with the Mario Kart series is that it peaked at Mario Kart 64 and ever since Super Circuit proved to be rather lame Nintendo's been making incremental improvements to bring it back to the level of Mario Kart 64. Problem is, how many times can you say "close but not quite" before it gets old? The only thing that's been better than 64 is the frame rate.

Double Dash was better than Super Circuit but still worse than 64.
DS was better than Double Dash but still worse than 64.
Wii will be better than DS but are we going to play it and just like the others think "Yeah, let's play 64 again"?

And Mario Kart 64 wasn't even this perfect game that can't be touched. It had quite a few problems.

[Rob2600]

until I hear some glowing reviews, I'll pass.

So far, Mario Kart Wii is receiving great reviews. Check them out:

Metacritic.com - Mario Kart Wii reviews

It's still the same core gameplay mechanic, not to mention the graphics are almost identical.

You're describing the Grand Theft Auto series, right?

[Juskin]

So far, Mario Kart Wii is receiving great reviews. Check them out:

Metacritic.com - Mario Kart Wii reviews




You're describing the Grand Theft Auto series, right?

Just read IGN UK's reviews, so far it's been getting rave reviews at the review sites I trust. Sure EDGE gave it a 6, but does anyone care what they think? There's no doubt in my mind that this game will be awesome.

It's been a bumpy road for MK, albeit a fun one, but I think Nintendo finally struck gold with this one. It could have been perfect though, if they didn't screw up battle mode.

[Roufuss]

The only reason I'm getting is because its the only game my fiancee will play.

If she didn't care, I'd probably pass.

Yea, Brawl online and MK online are two seperate teams, but every Nintendo title to date that I can think of had shitty onlien when it's first released, because Nintendo can't handle the enormous strain of everyone in the US trying to connect at the same time. It happened to Strikers, but not as bad as it happened to Brawl, and I predict for the first week MK Online will be unplayable.

I'm not too excited about Mario Kart, it just seems like the same old, same old but with now with new motorcycles, which just seems kind of silly and unneeded for a game about karts.

To me, Mario Kart still feels like that same game way back on the SNES, just with more characters, items, and levels.. but Nintendo will NEVER change the formula or revamp it, simply because it sells like hotcakes. Even Zelda and Smash Bros this gen offered something new which changed the core dynamic of the game.. I don't think motorcycles are going to change MK that much.

I have to lol at "Nintendo finally striking gold with this one"... they could just have the game be Mario and Luigi and two tracks and it would still be a million seller.

[Juskin]

The only reason I'm getting is because its the only game my fiancee will play.

If she didn't care, I'd probably pass.

Yea, Brawl online and MK online are two seperate teams, but every Nintendo title to date that I can think of had shitty onlien when it's first released, because Nintendo can't handle the enormous strain of everyone in the US trying to connect at the same time. It happened to Strikers, but not as bad as it happened to Brawl, and I predict for the first week MK Online will be unplayable.

I'm not too excited about Mario Kart, it just seems like the same old, same old but with now with new motorcycles, which just seems kind of silly and unneeded for a game about karts.

To me, Mario Kart still feels like that same game way back on the SNES, just with more characters, items, and levels.. but Nintendo will NEVER change the formula or revamp it, simply because it sells like hotcakes. Even Zelda and Smash Bros this gen offered something new which changed the core dynamic of the game.. I don't think motorcycles are going to change MK that much.

I have to lol at "Nintendo finally striking gold with this one"... they could just have the game be Mario and Luigi and two tracks and it would still be a million seller.

Well, all I can say to you is simply give the game an honest chance like I will. Once you've done that, I'd really enjoy hearing what you have to say about this game.