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
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  1. Artimus1000
    Jul 30, 2014
    10
    If you have played previous versions of Mario Kart, "It's BAAAAAAACK!" If this is your first taste of the series, never fear. In addition to all the new goodies and first time ever features in this newest Mario Kart release. You can also relive, or try for the first time various tracks from earlier game versions. All in all it is good clean single or multi player fun for the ENTIRE family,If you have played previous versions of Mario Kart, "It's BAAAAAAACK!" If this is your first taste of the series, never fear. In addition to all the new goodies and first time ever features in this newest Mario Kart release. You can also relive, or try for the first time various tracks from earlier game versions. All in all it is good clean single or multi player fun for the ENTIRE family, unlike most "new games" the game content is meant for ALL ages. loads of fun and challenging. I love playing with my young nieces and nephews. "When I bought this to play with them I think it was the first time my sister in law said something nice to and about me!" :P… Expand
  2. isasif826
    Aug 2, 2014
    8
    Oh Mario Kart, you will always be great fun no matter what medium you are experienced in.

    The New Mario Kart 8, is a very fun and exiting addition to the Wii U console. With more characters and cars to choose from, there is plenty of fun to be had. The new tracks feel fresh but perhaps not as memorable as previous tracks such as rainbow road from GC, or music park 3DS. The new Graphics    Oh Mario Kart, you will always be great fun no matter what medium you are experienced in.

    The New Mario Kart 8, is a very fun and exiting addition to the Wii U console. With more characters and cars to choose from, there is plenty of fun to be had. The new tracks feel fresh but perhaps not as memorable as previous tracks such as rainbow road from GC, or music park 3DS. The new Graphics are fantastic, and the New item system brings a different playing field in terms of strategy and difficulty, that has not been seen in previous installments. This game really makes you focus on how well you can race, as opposed to how lucky you get with items.

    Overall I will say this game is an 8, but only because it lacks a strong Battle system, which in my opinion, is one of the most fun features of a Mario Kart game. I would gladly sacrifice character and kart variation for some decent battle stages but that is just me. All in all, You will not be disappointed with Mario Kart 8.    … Expand
  3. AuroreZell
    Aug 7, 2014
    10
    This is by far the best Mario kart game released up to this point. My only real complaint about this game are some the of characters, and that's just nitpicking. The online feature works great and its a lot of fun to test your skills against other players. I would say that its worth getting a Wii U just to play this game, thats how much fun it is.
  4. Fruit-Dragon
    Aug 7, 2014
    10
    I really loved this game. Like, really. This is the kind of game that shows off how great the console truly is, and it does it beautifully as well. Although it doesn't goes as fast as it could (it still goes fast, though) it makes up with it for it's truly amazing graphics. This game shows off how powerful a Wii U is (it's even adding DLC to make better in the future, and an update isI really loved this game. Like, really. This is the kind of game that shows off how great the console truly is, and it does it beautifully as well. Although it doesn't goes as fast as it could (it still goes fast, though) it makes up with it for it's truly amazing graphics. This game shows off how powerful a Wii U is (it's even adding DLC to make better in the future, and an update is coming soon) and it does it in the best way possible. 10/10 would play again.… Expand
  5. JudeMattingly
    Aug 13, 2014
    8
    Wonderful level design, amazing color palate, but a less than average character roster. Loading screens for a Mario Kart is odd as well. Great game overall just not as good as Double Dash.
  6. Nickname
    Aug 20, 2014
    5
    It might be fun if you play it casually, but if you really wanna play the game seriously online and aim for 1st place it's horrible. But this game has it's bright sides, so I'll adress these first. The visuals are gorgeus, by far the best-looking Wii U game yet. They even managed to bring the Koopalings unique personalities just by their animations. The game also runs at 60 frames perIt might be fun if you play it casually, but if you really wanna play the game seriously online and aim for 1st place it's horrible. But this game has it's bright sides, so I'll adress these first. The visuals are gorgeus, by far the best-looking Wii U game yet. They even managed to bring the Koopalings unique personalities just by their animations. The game also runs at 60 frames per seconds unless you're driving in 3- or 4-Player mode, there's only 30 fps. The soundtrack is also great and memorable, especially the new renditions of the retro tracks' music are great. My only complaint is that the whistles on the remake of SNES Donut Plains 3 are missing except you're in 1st, but that's an extremely minor complaint. The Retro courses were remade really well and sometimes look like whole new courses. Only complaint is that few courses use the anti-gravity feature to its best. Memorable are only the Water Park loop, the spinning Mario Circuit and the few (often optional) sections where you drive on the walls while others stay on the ground, like in Thwomp Ruins or Toad's Turnpike, a returning track from Mario Kart 64. Also, all new tracks use Anti-Gravity atleast once and all Retro tracks use atleast one of Gliding, Diving and Anti-Gravity, new features introduced in Mario Kart 7 and 8. Rainbow Road is also a pretty huge letdown. Many expected a track that twists and turns all around the place like the Wario Colloseum track back on Mario Kart: Double Dash!!, but it's pretty linear and the coolest thing about it is where the track splits into two paths and you can jump from one to another to cut distance. But in the end, the track design is pretty solid and tracks like the disco stage Electrodrome and the adventurous and extremely diverse track Mount Wario are already fan favorites. The Single Player is what you'd expect from a Mario Kart game, GPs to unlock characters and vehicle parts ,returning from Mario Kart 7, Time Trials to compete for the best times on courses, VS races with custom rules and battle. Battle is the first big letdown since you battle on courses instead of arenas, but since I don't battle too often, it's not too big of a letdown for me. Offlien Multiplayer is one of the most fun parts of the game, since you can just drive casually with friends and family. Next is the roster, which has cut many fan favorite characters like Diddy Kong, King Boo or Dry Bones in favor of a golden reskin of Peach and a baby version of Rosalina, and all 7 Koopalings. While I miss Dry Bones, the Koopalings are more diverse then expected and fun to use. Online's features are neat but limited. Mario Kart TV leta you upload videos of your races to YouTube, but only 1 Minute highlights and you can't edit camera angles or anything. Tournaments are an evolution of MK7's communities, now you can edit the time where it goes, restrict characters etc. Only letdown is that tournaments can't be all day and have to pause for 1 hour daily. But now, for the online play. If you don't know what online play is, it's basically like offline racing, but you race against players from around the globe and gain "VR" for racing "BR" for battling. But unlike in Mario Kart Wii where it mostly showed a player's skill, in Mario Kart 8 it shows for how long you've been playing. Max VR is 9999 like in Mario Kart Wii, but you start at 1000 VR (you started at 5000 VR in Mario Kart Wii) and VR growth is slow... You don't lose about any VR on losing and gain not much, so it'll most likely take you a long time to gain VR. In Mario Kart Wii, however, you can lose your VR very fast. You mostly balance out at one number after enough races, and mostly keep it along with your skill level. But the biggest dread, the items. Maio Kart Wii was mostly criticised for rubber banding, but I think Mario Kart 8's item balance is even worse. Coin is mostly the most common item you get in 1st. This makes an incoming red shell as dangerous as a blue shell, especially since both slow you down about the same time. The most dangerous items? Shocks and Bananas. Why? Because Shells don't kick you around and put your speed at 0 anymore, while Bananas make you spin for an awfully long time. There are no invincibility frames after getting hit, so after a hitz prepare for many hits, since you can't do anything while flipping, but enemies still can hit you. THAT'S what kills all possible fun for me. You can't even be sure to get revenge after falling behind, since even in 10th Bananas or Triple Green Shells aren't too rare. The item system is horrible, and as someone that actually wants to do GOOD this doesn't help, neither does the fat you can only hold one item.

    So, while playing it for fun is good, you can get super frustrated if you try to really play the game for ding good. So if you're okay with getting hit for unfair reasons, go buy this game! If you wanna play a fair game, play Mario Kart Wii online via the Custom Server "Wiimmfi" instead.    … Expand
  7. Justin7387100
    Aug 25, 2014
    10
    This game is freaking amazing! One of the best games and best looking on the wii u. This game alone made the wii u jump start all over again! But anyways lets get on to the review! Mario Kart 8 is hands down the best game i have ever played. It has stunning graphics and great tracks and controls are great! The items are a little sad this time around. When you are in first you'll get a coinThis game is freaking amazing! One of the best games and best looking on the wii u. This game alone made the wii u jump start all over again! But anyways lets get on to the review! Mario Kart 8 is hands down the best game i have ever played. It has stunning graphics and great tracks and controls are great! The items are a little sad this time around. When you are in first you'll get a coin alot. Online play is amazing but just be prepared for the really good Japan players. Over all MK8 Is amazing and you should go get it your self.… Expand
  8. GamertronGamer
    Sep 5, 2014
    9
    Mario Kart 8 is a fun new game for the Nintendo WiiU. The Battle Mode has only Balloon Battle, and all physics and graphics were improved. I love the tracks dearly, and overall, it is a great game.
  9. BariothGuy
    Sep 9, 2014
    9
    This is the perfect Mario Kart game. There's a ton of new gameplay mechanics and content but it still feels like Mario Kart. Even after you do everything you can in the single player modes and your friends/siblings get bored and want something different, you still can go online and race other people. The average player could get around 50 hours of gameplay out of it, but with new contentThis is the perfect Mario Kart game. There's a ton of new gameplay mechanics and content but it still feels like Mario Kart. Even after you do everything you can in the single player modes and your friends/siblings get bored and want something different, you still can go online and race other people. The average player could get around 50 hours of gameplay out of it, but with new content on the way there's even more fun to be had. The only flaw are the battle mode tracks, but Nintendo will probably fix that too. A Wii U must have.… Expand
  10. Fboogey
    Sep 11, 2014
    10
    The best Mario Kart ever (maybe with the exception of the first Mario Kart that started it all) and the best carting game out there period and the most fun racer out there. The amazing graphics and background, the wide selection of characters (Yoshi is my favorite). Love the upside down tracks and the underwater. Improving the battle mode is the only way this could get better
  11. IrontreeStudios
    Sep 16, 2014
    7
    Mario Kart 8 is great! The inverted gravity mechanic that the developers added put a fun spin on the already fun game play. The creative track designs and seemingly never ending Kart upgrades keeps players wanting to stay in the game for more. As we all know, Nintendo needs to beef up their online play, which is the only reason I didn't score this game as a solid 10. I just wish I had moreMario Kart 8 is great! The inverted gravity mechanic that the developers added put a fun spin on the already fun game play. The creative track designs and seemingly never ending Kart upgrades keeps players wanting to stay in the game for more. As we all know, Nintendo needs to beef up their online play, which is the only reason I didn't score this game as a solid 10. I just wish I had more friends with a Wii U.… Expand
  12. tommyboy247
    Oct 15, 2014
    6
    Now I was a huge fan for Mario Kart Wii. It was intense, colourful and took great advantage of the Wii motion controllers, however its home console successor was a bit of a disappointment because in every tournament its really scripted and repetitive when the same a.i. end up in the same position every time, its really really frustrating hat the Wii U gamepad is really awkward to use as aNow I was a huge fan for Mario Kart Wii. It was intense, colourful and took great advantage of the Wii motion controllers, however its home console successor was a bit of a disappointment because in every tournament its really scripted and repetitive when the same a.i. end up in the same position every time, its really really frustrating hat the Wii U gamepad is really awkward to use as a motion controller so you just have to use the standard controller which is really boring, you can use the wii remote but anyone who didnt own a Wii before hand or didnt buy a remote with the system will have to stick with the boring gamepad, and the last problem is paid DLC. Now this game isnt all bad, it can still be fun because its georgus visuals, great soundtrack, fun online sessions, brillient level design and when its not repeditive its really thrilling.
    Thats my review for Mario Kart 8. I wish Nintendo did more for this game.    … Expand
  13. Linkruleshyrule
    Oct 3, 2014
    10
    This game is great graphics are out of this world Amazing! And the racing is as fun as ever the battle mode is disaponting and battling on tracks can make it hard to find other people. Hopefully this gets fixed and updated with arenas along with more modes in DLC down the track. Cant wait for the Zelda DLC coming in November and the Animal crossing one coming may next year. Buy a WII-U ifThis game is great graphics are out of this world Amazing! And the racing is as fun as ever the battle mode is disaponting and battling on tracks can make it hard to find other people. Hopefully this gets fixed and updated with arenas along with more modes in DLC down the track. Cant wait for the Zelda DLC coming in November and the Animal crossing one coming may next year. Buy a WII-U if you havent already as the good games keep coming.… Expand
  14. brzin
    Oct 13, 2014
    10
    MK 8 has all the epic features of its origins and adds beatiful online multiplayer and new features that brightens the game. This is a trully must have!
  15. Vinccce
    Oct 14, 2014
    9
    Luigi is MLG MASTER quickscoping your mom with his death stare. !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
  16. LoZ_Link
    Oct 24, 2014
    10
    I will say this much. Three games make the amazing Wii U worth owning: Hyrule Warriors, Bayonetta 2, and this.

    Great graphics, tracks, customization, and finally, a game that knows how to do DLC.
  17. REVIEWERWILL
    Oct 26, 2014
    9
    this game has a dlc that comes with link there shold be a nintendo kart that would be cool i do not have the dlc for this its very fun more than mario kart 7
  18. Red-Opposom-098
    Nov 20, 2014
    9
    Really fun game, the zero gravity is innovative and it's something fresh then just an average shooter (even though I enjoy playing them) I had a lot of fun playing
  19. JohnMasterL
    Jan 4, 2015
    10
    Simplemente fantástico y divertido, Mario Kart 8 es un juego divertido perfectamente hecho, el mejor juego de carreras del 2014 y una de las principales razones para comprar un wii u
  20. StrippuhGenes
    Nov 4, 2014
    10
    I was never really a fan of the Mario Kart series. I bought the Wii U for Zelda Wind Waker HD and for the future Smash Bros. I bought Mario Kart 8 because of the split screen and the hype around it. In all honesty, I was blown away by the game play. The silky smooth frame rate, the amazing graphics, and the game play caught me by surprise. I have over 40 hours racked up in the game and II was never really a fan of the Mario Kart series. I bought the Wii U for Zelda Wind Waker HD and for the future Smash Bros. I bought Mario Kart 8 because of the split screen and the hype around it. In all honesty, I was blown away by the game play. The silky smooth frame rate, the amazing graphics, and the game play caught me by surprise. I have over 40 hours racked up in the game and I will be playing a lot more and I can't wait for the release of the November DLC!… Expand
  21. dkxcalibur
    Nov 5, 2014
    10
    The best in the series for sure! One of the best games on the Wii U for sure! One of the best looking games on any system!

    The tracks are brilliantly designed and each one feels unique. The tracks are bright, colorful, and beautiful. The music that accompanies each track is perfect and you'll have them stuck in your head for days. I believe they are performed by an orchestra.    The best in the series for sure! One of the best games on the Wii U for sure! One of the best looking games on any system!

    The tracks are brilliantly designed and each one feels unique. The tracks are bright, colorful, and beautiful. The music that accompanies each track is perfect and you'll have them stuck in your head for days. I believe they are performed by an orchestra. Every character that you care about from the world of Mario are present. I could have done with less baby characters and a few more Mario enemies but they don't take away from anything. The controls are perfect. I prefer the classic style of control but the motion control is included and has been improved upon Mario Kart Wii's motion controls. The online features have also been improved and there are a lot more options when racing online then in past games from the series.

    Since release, it's been announced that DLC is on the way that will bring Link and Animal Crossing characters; and both additional track and karts to the game in the future.

    Stop questioning if the Wii U has games. Buy a Wii U and buy this game!    … Expand
  22. Kahisys
    Nov 10, 2014
    10
    Nintendo kept a good path and created another Mario Kart that'd remain a must-buy for its system. It holds to the series by making a hectic racing game with gorgeous and/or fun tracks to play through. We get what we ask for : sense of mess, speed and fun.

    Enhanced with the quicker reload of the item boxes, it is easier to get items to beat others with...or to be beat with. The new    Nintendo kept a good path and created another Mario Kart that'd remain a must-buy for its system. It holds to the series by making a hectic racing game with gorgeous and/or fun tracks to play through. We get what we ask for : sense of mess, speed and fun.

    Enhanced with the quicker reload of the item boxes, it is easier to get items to beat others with...or to be beat with. The new tracks are damn fun and very well put together, and the remakes of the old ones fit well the new gimmick of this opus, which is the anti-gravity racing. Said gimmick is also worth noticing as it allows a new point of view on racing, making you bump into other racers to get a speed boost instead of avoiding them as usual.

    The online is a big part of the game, and of course it's well organized, making it easy to join whenever you wish to get some challenge from across the world, either against strangers or your friends. Sadly I can't review on the quality of the connection since mine is naturally very bad.

    Some would complain about the lack of character diversity, which I could get behind, but it's not dramatic or that much of a bother. Also, the anti-gravity isn't that much noticeable since the camera always adapts to you. Those details are just a bit of nitpicking.

    2 DLCs are planned so far, for a price that is very correct seing it adds in total 4 more cups. Nintendo seems to know how to balance their prices on DLCs.    … Expand
  23. sanluis20
    Nov 10, 2014
    9
    Mario Kart makes it long awaited appearance in HD and this game doesn't disappoint. The game is extremely fun, however for the love of God could Nintendo get rid of the blue turtle? At least, disable it on the final lap. I don't know how many games I've lost because of it. I know Nintendo does it for the kids, but I wish you could disable it, and other annoying items so it would makeMario Kart makes it long awaited appearance in HD and this game doesn't disappoint. The game is extremely fun, however for the love of God could Nintendo get rid of the blue turtle? At least, disable it on the final lap. I don't know how many games I've lost because of it. I know Nintendo does it for the kids, but I wish you could disable it, and other annoying items so it would make the game slightly more skill based. Nevertheless this is still an excellent game for the Wii U.… Expand
  24. sonic4president
    Nov 11, 2014
    10
    Easily the best mario kart in the entire series, and the fact that dlc is very soon on the way makes it even better. Nintendo have once again made a fun multiplayer experience.
  25. micorial1
    Nov 12, 2014
    9
    This game provided countless hours of fun going through the grand prix and unlocking everything. This game is also very entertaining with many friends. the online was fun and it skill matched you with others of your caliber. The game pad was also well done being able to us it for many different things in the game gave many players different uses for it
  26. Mefiresu
    Nov 13, 2014
    5
    i'm not best fan of Mario. It's good racing. it's fun fine game levels from others games of Mario universe. But it's still not best game for Wii u system at all.
  27. rtheczar
    Nov 14, 2014
    10
    This is the best racing game I have ever played. It gets better and better the more I play. Having a blast playing the add on tracks. Stunning graphics, perfect gameplay. Huge variety of tracks and customizations.
  28. hornwes
    Nov 16, 2014
    10
    This is by far the best game that I have played in years, it even had my roommate debating whether to buy a Wii U for the purposes of playing one game. MK 8 combines impeccable controls and amazing graphics with the usual top-notch level design you come to expect from Nintendo.
  29. theodorethebear
    Nov 17, 2014
    9
    It's fun to play with friends. The tracks are created beautifully and creatively. Although there are glitches and un- fair-played NPC, this is a masterpiece.
  30. ShadowUchiha73
    Nov 20, 2014
    7
    Mario Kart 8 is a very good game, but is it really the best Mario Kart, let only best Wii U game; how about no. Mario Kart 8 has a few noticeable problems like coins being items, ruining Battle Mode, and a few problems with Mario Kart in general I always had: No Campaign, some luck involved with the items, Green shells being too slow, and the Leader Shell. Regardless, it's still a greatMario Kart 8 is a very good game, but is it really the best Mario Kart, let only best Wii U game; how about no. Mario Kart 8 has a few noticeable problems like coins being items, ruining Battle Mode, and a few problems with Mario Kart in general I always had: No Campaign, some luck involved with the items, Green shells being too slow, and the Leader Shell. Regardless, it's still a great game and I recommend it to any Mario kart fan but I still can't say I enjoyed that much.… Expand
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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

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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 »