Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Review: All the Right Turns

Mario Kart will forever be one of the greatest racing games of all time. It clearly not just about the vehicle you drive or the upgrades available, but rather the glorious time you share with family or even the competitive competition with those online. Now on the Nintendo Switch it continues to not miss a beat.

Mario Kart 8 is back with the exclusive Deluxe version for the on the go platform with the same beautiful graphics and gameplay. The main menu allows you to choose from single player, multiplayer, online and local wireless play.

As for the modes available Mario Kart 8 delivers more way to play than imaginable. Aside from Grand Prix and Time Trials, you can also play in a normal versus mode which is similar to Grand Prix but allows you choose each individual race track.

Then there are custom battles that can be solo or team based: Balloon Battle where each balloon attached to your vehicle plays as your lifeline on the track as you try to avoid being attacked. Renegade Roundup where you play a game of cops vs bandits, either catching everyone on the opposing team or staying free until the clock runs out.

Bob-omb Blast which is practically Bomber-man on wheels, attempting to blow up as many people as possible as the clock runs down.  Coin Runner is about having the most coins before the clock expires. Last is Shine Thief, where you must hold on to the precious emblem the longest to claim victory.

Mario kart 8 Deluxe introduces a few new tracks and characters such as Inkling Boy and Girl, new vehicles and the best option ever, gaming on the go. For those that are new to Mario Kart and a fail safe to Switch players, Smart Steering has been set in place to protect you from falling off ledges. While personally enjoying this feature, it does take away from the genuine aspect of the game, trial and error.

Mario TV captures the very best of gameplay, including a slow-motion option to create some of the greatest screenshots to show off to friends. And through the 48 courses there’s plenty to capture.