Mario Kart 8

 Wii U
User Score
8.7

Generally favorable reviews- based on 2023 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 1,789 out of 2023
  2. Mixed: 86 out of 2023
  3. Negative: 148 out of 2023
Buy Now
Buy on

Review this game

  1. Your Score
    0 out of 10
    Rate this:
    • 10
    • 9
    • 8
    • 7
    • 6
    • 5
    • 4
    • 3
    • 2
    • 1
    • 0
    • 0
  1. Submit
  2. Check Spelling
view
per page
  1. serrano862004
    May 31, 2014
    10
    Best Mario Kart ever!!!! Game is nothing but fun. This is the reason that I bought a Wii U! If you have always been a fan this ga!e is for you, If you never played the game, Try it!!!!
  2. korncheto
    Jun 1, 2014
    10
    El MK8 es excelente en todos los sentidos, el primer dĂ­a lo juguĂ© casi patolĂ³gicamente al rededor de 14 horas que se fueron volando con los amigos.

    Solo tuve un problema de conexiĂ³n en lĂ­nea para jugar partidas que ya teniendo acceso a internet son increibles. Relato cĂ³mo solucionar el problema por si lo tienen. Lo que tienes que hacer es meterte a la pĂ¡g. de tu modem y cambiar la    El MK8 es excelente en todos los sentidos, el primer dĂ­a lo juguĂ© casi patolĂ³gicamente al rededor de 14 horas que se fueron volando con los amigos.

    Solo tuve un problema de conexiĂ³n en lĂ­nea para jugar partidas que ya teniendo acceso a internet son increibles. Relato cĂ³mo solucionar el problema por si lo tienen.

    Lo que tienes que hacer es meterte a la pĂ¡g. de tu modem y cambiar la configuraciĂ³n del DMZ y a mĂ­ me entra ya siempre a internet, si tienes infinitum (MĂ©xico) llĂ¡males a los asesores y ellos te van diciendo cĂ³mo...
    juego de ★★★★★    … Expand
  3. flax0174
    May 30, 2014
    9
    The track design in this game is second to none, the virtual scenery is jaw dropping, just beautiful. there are tons of items to use which are well implemented, you can trump the blue shell attack, which thus adds more refinement and balance to the gameplay. the controls are smooth and responsive as they should be, the online is a hoot to play as well. the battle arenas are no longer,The track design in this game is second to none, the virtual scenery is jaw dropping, just beautiful. there are tons of items to use which are well implemented, you can trump the blue shell attack, which thus adds more refinement and balance to the gameplay. the controls are smooth and responsive as they should be, the online is a hoot to play as well. the battle arenas are no longer, nintendo has been lazy in my opinion and just used 8 tracks from the grand prix. you can change your kart as well with different well...karts, wheels, gliders to tweak your stats to your liking. The anti-gravity elements are in my opinion not emphasized enough in gameplay, say when go upside down your camera realigns with the track so it looks like your driving normally so it's more like a underlining concept to keep the series and action ticking. Overall though a stunning game, filled to the brim with pure charm and nostalgic joy.… Expand
  4. PolisKanin
    Jun 7, 2014
    10
    Fun enjoyable gameplay. This is my favourite Mario Kart yet (previously it was Mario Kart 64). The gameplay is enjoyable alone, but best played with friends or being competitive online. The only flaws are the poor roster (full of babies, metal mario and the aweful pink gold peach) and in battle mode you can only play on race courses rather than courses specifically designed for it likeFun enjoyable gameplay. This is my favourite Mario Kart yet (previously it was Mario Kart 64). The gameplay is enjoyable alone, but best played with friends or being competitive online. The only flaws are the poor roster (full of babies, metal mario and the aweful pink gold peach) and in battle mode you can only play on race courses rather than courses specifically designed for it like previous installments in the series. This leads to you driving around trying to find someone for the whole match, and when you do it's someone on your team, but you're so happy that you have found someone so you throw an item anyway, but it harms them as items aren't on team. However, battle mode isn't the main feature in Mario Kart, and the roster can be forgiven by the fact you can play as Mii, which have almost endless customization possibilities. I give Mario Kart 8 a 99/100… Expand
  5. posahh
    May 30, 2014
    9
    After 3 hours of playing i'm stunned. amazing tracks, nice new weapons and karts, 1080p / 60 fps what else do you need?! this game is must buy if you have wii u or even planning on buying it and promotion free game is always welcome
  6. VIOLADOR
    Jun 10, 2014
    10
    SUPER JUEGAZO, POR ESO LE DOY UN 10+, ADEMAS TIENE UNA JUGABILIDAD MARAVILLOSA QUE NO SE HABIA PRESENTADO EN ALGUN MARIO KART PASADO; ADEMAS SE NOTA UNA MEJORA EN LA MOVILIDAD DEL JUEGO EN RELACION A LA OPCION MULTIPLAYER ONLINE QUE TIENE
  7. Cairnexus
    Jun 11, 2014
    10
    After putting some extensive hours into this game I have decided to pop on to review this real quick. First off the fact this game is finally out is just a breath of fresh air. I thought for sure I was going to have to sell my Wii U but this game really turned it around for me. The game itself is standard Mario Kart, with a small twist "anti gravity" while this didn't really break anyAfter putting some extensive hours into this game I have decided to pop on to review this real quick. First off the fact this game is finally out is just a breath of fresh air. I thought for sure I was going to have to sell my Wii U but this game really turned it around for me. The game itself is standard Mario Kart, with a small twist "anti gravity" while this didn't really break any grounds for me it was a cool feature and was a lot better alternative then flying as they had in sonic racing. The drift system is pretty cool I wish they would have added a 3rd boost option for drifting vs the 2 stages that currently exist. I have unlocked just about anything the ghosts were not too difficult to beat it was more of a "showing you all possible paths in a given course". I still have not accomplished 3 stars on all 150 cc mirror events but have completed regular 150cc and the rubber banding can be pretty ridiculous at times, but RNG is RNG. The online play is smooth for me I have not seen much lag or any kind of frustrating mechanics beyond the normal MK8 experience. I'm still waiting to get the 10k coins to unlock the last item. Overall the game is great! Fun with friends or with strangers and even with some of the same annoying mechanics regarding the rubber band feature its definitely not as strict as it's previous Wii release.… Expand
  8. el_nobre3127
    Jun 4, 2014
    10
    A great, gorgeous game despite the forgettable battle mode. The visuals are bright, colourful but still bringing some realism to them. Mario kart 8 might have impressive visuals but it is much more than that: the actual racing is great, new items feel fresh and balanced and anti-gravity is great. This one is going to keep me busy for a long time because of all the unlocks. Hoping for newA great, gorgeous game despite the forgettable battle mode. The visuals are bright, colourful but still bringing some realism to them. Mario kart 8 might have impressive visuals but it is much more than that: the actual racing is great, new items feel fresh and balanced and anti-gravity is great. This one is going to keep me busy for a long time because of all the unlocks. Hoping for new Karts and tracks for DLC… Expand
  9. bleublimpgaming
    Jun 17, 2014
    9
    Probably one of the best Wii U games to date, the new maps are great and the graphics are crisp and clear. The controls are hard to master on the game pad at first but with about 5 races it fells like an instant classic.
  10. tybyrd93
    Jun 19, 2014
    10
    The best Mario Kart yet. Great tracks, beautiful graphics, attention to detail, great new ideas (such as antigravity). Nintendo has done it again. If there were a few extra characters in there besides the koopalings, it would be perfect.
  11. dmelendez34
    Jun 24, 2014
    9
    If battle mode was better, this game would get a 10 from me. Not having special battle mode areas was the worst idea Nintendo had. I would have preferred they simply reused the areas from past games at least than having players race around tracks.

    The tracks are great = the new ones are beautiful and creative and the old ones are touched up to make them more enjoyable. Online play    If battle mode was better, this game would get a 10 from me. Not having special battle mode areas was the worst idea Nintendo had. I would have preferred they simply reused the areas from past games at least than having players race around tracks.

    The tracks are great = the new ones are beautiful and creative and the old ones are touched up to make them more enjoyable.

    Online play is seamless and I hope more games use the online play system used for this game.

    If you have played Mario kart in the past, you wont be disappointed by this game...unless you are a huge battle mode lover.    … Expand
  12. KuramaJP
    Jun 27, 2014
    9
    The reason i bought a Wii U and was not disappointed. Awesome. New times, weapons and characters add some much needed improvements needed after a very unsatisfying Wii release.
  13. London_Calling
    Jul 17, 2014
    9
    Perhaps the ultimate multiplayer game. Brilliant graphics, brilliant track design, brilliant fun. The video replays of races (especially) against mates in slow motion is a joy to behold. Too good.
  14. SylarHRG
    Jun 29, 2014
    8
    It's good. Definitely fun, lots of what you are used to. Graphics are good, the tracks are fun, but really it's the same formula as before. For anyone new to this series, I could see it being a 10/10 game for them. For anyone used to this series, 8/10 is a respectable score. A little bit more innovation would be nice, but it is what it is, a mario kart game. They stuck to the formulaIt's good. Definitely fun, lots of what you are used to. Graphics are good, the tracks are fun, but really it's the same formula as before. For anyone new to this series, I could see it being a 10/10 game for them. For anyone used to this series, 8/10 is a respectable score. A little bit more innovation would be nice, but it is what it is, a mario kart game. They stuck to the formula that has worked since day 1 for them.… Expand
  15. Gotohellcadz
    Jun 16, 2014
    8
    A solid game offering a fantastic graphics and controls. It's only shortcoming come from the butchered battle mode and last lustre multiplayer features and awkward roster additions/changes. As while the multiplayer in it has evolved and lost the majority of it's networking issues what happened to the community system from mk7? It worked great and they had every opportunity to work on thatA solid game offering a fantastic graphics and controls. It's only shortcoming come from the butchered battle mode and last lustre multiplayer features and awkward roster additions/changes. As while the multiplayer in it has evolved and lost the majority of it's networking issues what happened to the community system from mk7? It worked great and they had every opportunity to work on that but instead we're left with a tournament feature which while it does work for setting up game tournaments it doesn't for managing your community of players for game nights on the clock. I did also have a few nit picks with the item system this time around as while I'm glad they nerfed blue shells into the ground item pickups across different race placings is broken (5th place gets a bullet bill, 8th get's a single banana) focusing more on defensive drops rather than mario kart's previous offense with the majority of drops being shells. My last issue is that they removed a lot of the fan classic characters and tracks. We only get one snes track (donut plains 3) which is terrible when considering the other snes tracks and the retro and new tracks as a whole don't have many standouts. But you probably know all the pros with the game, like amazing graphics tight control etc. If you own a wii u this is a must buy. And if you don't I strongly recommend keeping your eye on the wii u now for more great releases now that mk8's been released.… Expand
  16. Slsr
    Jun 3, 2014
    8
    It's a fun game, prefer it over Mario Kart 7. It has some things I'd like to be different though, like not being able to hold two items like in past and boring baby characters no one cares a one cent. Also I'd wish there be more difficult mode in single player for those really experienced in these games as I know people who beat 150 way too easily. Other than that it is really great game,It's a fun game, prefer it over Mario Kart 7. It has some things I'd like to be different though, like not being able to hold two items like in past and boring baby characters no one cares a one cent. Also I'd wish there be more difficult mode in single player for those really experienced in these games as I know people who beat 150 way too easily. Other than that it is really great game, would give it 9 but as I feel there hasn't been all that great improvement in this series for awhile I will give it only 8.… Expand
  17. Yankeee007
    Jul 4, 2014
    8
    Mario kart 8 brings new feature to the series such as anti-gravity and the gliding and underwater feature from mario kart 7 .the graphics are the best I've seen on wiiU and it's absolutely breathtaking it's gorgeous everything it's detailed ,the music it's perfect I love every theme , the downside if this game are that most of the characters are a waste of space the babies are useless andMario kart 8 brings new feature to the series such as anti-gravity and the gliding and underwater feature from mario kart 7 .the graphics are the best I've seen on wiiU and it's absolutely breathtaking it's gorgeous everything it's detailed ,the music it's perfect I love every theme , the downside if this game are that most of the characters are a waste of space the babies are useless and pink gold peach it's a terrible idea of a character ,same like in mario kart wii the items are unbalanced and it's just by luck , you can now get hit in mid-air which it's frustrating and some characters are overpowered such as metal mario and waluigi .overall mario kart 8 is the best mario kart game since mario kart 64 and the tracks are well designed and beautiful the online it's amazing and now you can defend yourself against the blue shell , so buy it now… Expand
  18. PissedOffWookie
    Jul 12, 2014
    9
    This game could've deserved a full 10 if it had at least an actual battle mode with arenas intended for it. Because it doesn't, it really doesn't deserve more than a 9. Lazy developers.
  19. DestinationMarc
    Jun 30, 2014
    9
    I really enjoyed this game! Now, it does have its issues, but first, what's good about it; the controls are nearly similar to Mario Kart Wii, and while I was worried about this, the underwater/parasail segments from Mario Kart 7 were actually easilly controllable. The visuals? Amazing. It is SO enjoyable playing a Mario Kart game in beautiful HD! The new items were cool, though II really enjoyed this game! Now, it does have its issues, but first, what's good about it; the controls are nearly similar to Mario Kart Wii, and while I was worried about this, the underwater/parasail segments from Mario Kart 7 were actually easilly controllable. The visuals? Amazing. It is SO enjoyable playing a Mario Kart game in beautiful HD! The new items were cool, though I personally find the fireball item a bit useless; maybe it's just me, but unless you have good aim or just get lucky, it's pretty difficult to hit opponents with it. The new levels are just GLORIOUS; Electrodrome is my personal favorite track! I'd also like to mention that the online functionality is WAY more improved from MKWii's; I love the tournament option personally! The anti-gravity is a cool feature, but honestly, though not to this degree, I've seen the concept before in another racing game, Crash Nitro Kart, sideways tires and all! Now, on to the bad; first and foremost, the battle mode. Everyone's said this already, and my opinion's no exception, but I think it was a bad idea to implement actual racetracks as battle courses instead of arenas. Secondly, when you're first place in a race, you'll usually get coins as items, which can be real frustrating, especially when you're trying to defend yourself. Also, Rainbow Road? Not exactly a challenge, which is considered a nitpick, but c'mon; everyone knows Rainbow Road is the craziest course in any Mario Kart game! So, all-in-all, while I'd like to give this game a 10, personally, those major issues do hold the game back a bit. But regardless, this game is pretty neat, so if you have a Wii U, definitely get it!… Expand
  20. Rahsmoove
    Jul 24, 2014
    9
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Very great game. Normally I don't play Wii u games, but Mario's done it again. Customizable karts. From changing the wheels, switching up your parachute, to getting unique karts. They really raised the bar. If you think Mario Kart Wii raised the bar, buy a Wii U and experience the best Mario Kart there is.… Expand
  21. Pandamonium
    Jun 2, 2014
    10
    I really enjoyed this game it is my favourite game from the Mario Kart series and now that they have included an item the can counter that damn blue shell it is a lot more and fast paced...when your not playing 50cc But it is another Nintendo game that will test your friendship especially if you just make it first and then that damn blue shell icon appears but other then that so much funI really enjoyed this game it is my favourite game from the Mario Kart series and now that they have included an item the can counter that damn blue shell it is a lot more and fast paced...when your not playing 50cc But it is another Nintendo game that will test your friendship especially if you just make it first and then that damn blue shell icon appears but other then that so much fun and the characters and kart designs are just brilliant.… Expand
  22. muah_ha_ha
    Jun 4, 2014
    10
    Mario Kart 8 is simply fun. The new anti gravity feature is beautifully inserted into the old tracks and the game is friarly challenging (especially the online gameplay which is really fun). The gameplay itself runs smoothly along with the HD graphics. The tracks and characters are very charming. Very recommended.
  23. cwepahguy225
    Jul 5, 2014
    9
    Mario Kart 8 is awesome. The course design is great and creative. The character roster is the biggest yet, and has the Koopalings as playable characters (for the first time ever). However, there are too many baby characters (and what about Birdo, Diddy, Hammer Bro, and Dry Bones)? Even though anti gravity doesnt bring any massive changes, it's still fun and I love it. It was like "the glueMario Kart 8 is awesome. The course design is great and creative. The character roster is the biggest yet, and has the Koopalings as playable characters (for the first time ever). However, there are too many baby characters (and what about Birdo, Diddy, Hammer Bro, and Dry Bones)? Even though anti gravity doesnt bring any massive changes, it's still fun and I love it. It was like "the glue that connected hang gliding and underwater racing". Gamexplain said that. The tracks are incredibly detailed, making the game more like the real world. The music and graphics are both stunning. The game does have some cons though. You can't carry a backup item anymore, which sucks. Also, first place gets less items. The big downside is battle mode. Battle mode is ruined. It uses slightly modified courses instead of arenas. Also, the cpus are way too good, there aim w/ green shells is perfect. They need to be nerfed. The online play runs smoothly and is very fun. Summary: Mario Kart 8 is a fantastic, mind blowing game with great graphics, great gameplay and a great soundtrack. It has highly noticeable flaws, but it's still the best game in the series.… Expand
  24. masterlinkace
    Jul 7, 2014
    9
    This game is tons of fun, great for single player, multiplayer or online! the one and only issue I have with this game is they ruined battle mode...however when it comes to the racing, it's the best Mario Kart to date.
  25. GodOFGamers72
    Jul 17, 2014
    9
    This Game is just a masterpiece for Wii U owners everywhere and is a must Buy. My only problem is when you are battleing somebody it just seems very broken and out of place in the Game that needs to get fixed but for that it's still a must buy!!! 9/10
  26. emersonrwt
    Aug 6, 2014
    10
    Here we have a great example about how NINTENDO reach the top quality since foundation. Environment carefully drawn on each level, charismatic characters, calibrated controls, and unlimited fun.
    Only people without sense like to give to classic games like this a lower score just because they are fanboys...
  27. Zeldafan19
    Aug 16, 2014
    10
    Nintendo puts out their best Mario kart experience yet with Mario Kart 8. The graphics are stunning, the music is awesome, and the game has so much content. Online is as smooth as ever, and you can even set up tournaments. This is one of the best Wii u games to date, and anyone who loves Mario kart should buy this. Buy a Wii u just for this amazing game.
  28. foxmccloud
    Aug 24, 2014
    8
    Mario Kart 8 has never looked better in HD. The graphics in gameplay are really fun. But the main feature was the anti-gravity which made your car drive upside down. it was cool but not mind-blowing. I enjoyed the new items such as the Boomerang, Piranha Plant, and Horn. Another feature is Mario Kart TV which just lets you replay your Mario Kart races and lets you upload them to MiiverseMario Kart 8 has never looked better in HD. The graphics in gameplay are really fun. But the main feature was the anti-gravity which made your car drive upside down. it was cool but not mind-blowing. I enjoyed the new items such as the Boomerang, Piranha Plant, and Horn. Another feature is Mario Kart TV which just lets you replay your Mario Kart races and lets you upload them to Miiverse or YouTube. The thing I hated the most was battle mode. Its ruined. Instead of racing in an arena, you race on full racing tracks which really sucks. Mario Kart 8 is still a great racing title and you should definitely buy it now.… Expand
  29. DreamcastUser
    Oct 19, 2014
    9
    One of the best Mario Karts to date. The artstyle is gorgeous, I love Rosalina and the kooplings being added to the roster, and lots of cool new carts. However best of all is the DLC Finally we can race Link in Mario Kart.
  30. destinydoessuck
    Sep 9, 2014
    10
    Mario Kart 8 is the game WII U owners deserve, after the WII U'S bad start, mediocre 3rd party ports and long droughts it's amazing that one game can make everything right. The graphics are top notch and are on par with most released PS4 games. The game play is fun and addictive. There's excellent variety of tracks, vehicles, characters and customization. The online mode offers greatMario Kart 8 is the game WII U owners deserve, after the WII U'S bad start, mediocre 3rd party ports and long droughts it's amazing that one game can make everything right. The graphics are top notch and are on par with most released PS4 games. The game play is fun and addictive. There's excellent variety of tracks, vehicles, characters and customization. The online mode offers great competition and excellent replay value. Now for the downside, some tracks look muggy and there's an unnecessary use of the anti gravity in some tracks. The online mode lacks voice chat during the race, I would've enjoyed vocally taunting some players. The online mode does suffer from lag depending on the region you play in. Overall the game is the best game so far in 2014, PURE NINTENDO MAGIC… Expand
Page:

Awards & Rankings

4
#4 Best Wii U Game of 2014
2
#2 Most Discussed Wii U Game of 2014
4
#4 Most Shared Wii U Game of 2014

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
88

Generally favorable reviews - based on 82 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 80 out of 82
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 82
  3. Negative: 0 out of 82
  1. GameCritics
    Sep 18, 2014
    80
    Mario Kart 8 is pretty great in many ways, but undoubtedly moreso with a collection of friends to play with, or when facing off against other players online.
    Read full review
  2. CD-Action
    Aug 25, 2014
    85
    No revolution here, but still it’s an absolute must-have for every Wii U owner. [08/2014, p.68]
  3. Universo Nintendo
    Jul 31, 2014
    95
    A beautiful and fun racing game, which uses the possibilities offered by its host platform to emphasize and renew the truly universal appeal of the series.
    Read full review
See all critic reviews »