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. rodericrinehart
    Feb 7, 2015
    10
    One of my favorite game series of all time gets some amazing new twists and HD graphics, and keeps the tight controls and great multiplayer. This is a system seller if there ever was one.
  2. Jecht_342
    Jun 3, 2014
    10
    The first thing you'll notice about this game is that it's beautiful. I've liked the look of past Mario Kart games, but this one is beyond compare. Even the remade maps from past systems look amazing. The second important thing about it is that they've made some new innovations, and they all work pretty well. Driving underwater and on walls and gliding are all fun mechanics that areThe first thing you'll notice about this game is that it's beautiful. I've liked the look of past Mario Kart games, but this one is beyond compare. Even the remade maps from past systems look amazing. The second important thing about it is that they've made some new innovations, and they all work pretty well. Driving underwater and on walls and gliding are all fun mechanics that are similar enough to fit in, but different enough to make the game seem fresh.
    Overall, I would say this is the best Mario Kart game I've ever played.    … Expand
  3. Eliut
    Oct 3, 2014
    10
    At first I had my doubts about the new "Anti-Gravity" option, but after I play it goes a little unnoticed and only on some tracks is useful for shortcuts.

    The game play is still of great quality as past Mario Karts and fun like the others. The mode to customize your car is fine, but manipulate their characteristics, can have been omitted. I would definitely missed more tracks and    At first I had my doubts about the new "Anti-Gravity" option, but after I play it goes a little unnoticed and only on some tracks is useful for shortcuts.

    The game play is still of great quality as past Mario Karts and fun like the others. The mode to customize your car is fine, but manipulate their characteristics, can have been omitted.

    I would definitely missed more tracks and more variety of characters, I find no difference in using a 5 babies.

    The announced DLC makes me have mixed feelings, Nintendo has fallen into the low trick to charge for a track and extra characters and that makes me sad.    … Expand
  4. PsPeet
    May 31, 2014
    10
    The insanely high standards established by Nintendo games have been lifted even higher. The game is simply FLAWLESS. Brings back the feeling of being able to enjoy a freshly released game straight from the box. Perfect. Handles great, offers a load of swearing-inducing challenge, and FINALLY you can fend off the effing blue shell. Absolutely lovely. God I love it.
  5. Fred1712
    May 30, 2014
    10
    I have to say, I almost lost faith in Nintendo. Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze was good, but didn't make me feel that childhood wonder like the past Nintendo games have. I haven't felt this good about a Nintendo game since Super Mario Galaxy 2. This is, especially for a Nintendo fan, a MUST BUY. The gameplay is super fun, the graphics are phenomenal, the music is very catchy, andI have to say, I almost lost faith in Nintendo. Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze was good, but didn't make me feel that childhood wonder like the past Nintendo games have. I haven't felt this good about a Nintendo game since Super Mario Galaxy 2. This is, especially for a Nintendo fan, a MUST BUY. The gameplay is super fun, the graphics are phenomenal, the music is very catchy, and there is a lot to do. I've only played single-player so far, but I'm very much looking forward to couch and online multiplayer!… Expand
  6. Makaveli
    Oct 7, 2014
    10
    I don't have a Wii U but played this at a buddies house and I had a lot of fun.. To be honest I haven't played a Mario Kart game since Mario Kart 64 and that was fun times. This brought back a lot of memories and I have an itch to buy a Wii U now to go alongside my gaming rig and my PS4.

    There isn't much to review of this game, it's a karting game, and a great one at that. It's just    I don't have a Wii U but played this at a buddies house and I had a lot of fun.. To be honest I haven't played a Mario Kart game since Mario Kart 64 and that was fun times. This brought back a lot of memories and I have an itch to buy a Wii U now to go alongside my gaming rig and my PS4.

    There isn't much to review of this game, it's a karting game, and a great one at that. It's just jolly fun and I'm happy that Nintendo is doing well with the Wii U now... Next pay I get I'll be an owner of a new Nintendo system that I haven't had since Nintendo 64.. I feel like a kid again...    … Expand
  7. danrenfroe2016
    Oct 26, 2014
    10
    Summary

    Best Entry in the Mario Kart Series. Even Beats my personal favorites Mario Kart 64 and Mario Kart DS. Presentation Absolutely perfect, you are greeted with excellently crafted in game models of favorite Nintendo characters, super visuals and great menus and online capability. Gameplay AAA gameplay in both the single player player and multi-player modes. I will not    Summary

    Best Entry in the Mario Kart Series. Even Beats my personal favorites Mario Kart 64 and Mario Kart DS.

    Presentation

    Absolutely perfect, you are greeted with excellently crafted in game models of favorite Nintendo characters, super visuals and great menus and online capability.

    Gameplay

    AAA gameplay in both the single player player and multi-player modes. I will not go into much detail as other reviews have detailed this completely. The addition of the glider, propeller and hovercraft mechanic is great and feels so much like Mario Kart even though it is new to the series. the Level design is absolutely top notch except for I would have liked more shortcuts. Also the mushroom powerup has been de-rated way to much for my liking. The other outstanding accomplishment is that the realism has been kicked up several notches (Don't worry its still Mario kart physics). All the Karts and bikes now have working suspension and wonderful cartoon like animations. Never have I felt that Wario and all the other playable characters were more alive. Their distinct personalities and traits really poke me with joy as I race the different characters.

    DLC: a welcome addition as they are adding different characters and Zelda for the first time is racing... And 16 additional tracks are incoming as well...

    Disappointment: Battle arenas are gone?!? I really hope Nintendo adds them back in within a game update as this is not cool...

    Graphics

    Stunning... Stunning... Stunning. This showcases the Wii U capabilities with special effects, great multi-layered textures and stunning lighting. Its amazing the difference in areas like moo-moo farm when comparing the Wii U and the Wii version. Runs at a steady 60fps for single and two player, and 30fps for 3 or 4 player.

    Sound

    Great sound, good Jazz music and effects. However I am disappointed with the 6.1 mix again...

    Personal Comments

    Great game, sunk more than 50 hours so far into this game.    … Expand
  8. yesdrama
    Jun 1, 2014
    10
    Thanks for renewing my respect for the video game industry Nintendo. By far, best game of the year for so many reasons and a choice of Pimkin 3, Zelda Windwalker, Mario U or WIIU party - FOR FREE - for registering MK8. Oh Yeah, not available for the "Drop a $1,000 just to play video game" x box 1. oh, but you do get dud of the year titan fall.
  9. battleTerror
    Sep 28, 2014
    10
    Amazing game! Far more fun than any 'real driving' simulator and the best multi player game for a long time. Great job Nintendo and reason enough for owning a Wii U.
  10. Velsuan
    Jun 19, 2014
    10
    What can I say? Absolutely fantastic game from start to finish! I'm an old fan of MKart! My 10 is a love affair... I don't pretend to be impartial here. Find the kid in yourself, and it will be it. Enjoy Nintendo games. They know how to keep the games in the masterpiece zone!
  11. EFYevan
    May 30, 2014
    10
    Simply fantastic! Ladies and gentlemen, GO BUY A WII U FOR THIS GAME. Highly recommended for a fun gaming experience. Nothing on PS4 or XB1 comes close. 10/10
  12. 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
  13. dharma
    Jul 19, 2015
    10
    One of the best racer out there, and along with DLC Pack 1 & 2, provides player with the most content ever in a Mario Kart game. It's incredibly well balanced, with vehicle handling finally tuned to perfection. No more pandering to the casuals...but surprisingly, still easy for newbie to pick up. The Nintendo magic once agan at play.
  14. BasilZero
    May 15, 2015
    10
    Game: Mario Kart 8
    Genre: Racing
    Developer: Nintendo/EAD System: WiiU Total Score: 96/100 Value Score: 9.6/10 • Story: */10 • Characters: 10/10 • GamePlay: 10/10 • Graphics: 10/10 • Sound: 10/10 • Music: 10/10 • Length: 7/10 • Replay Value: 10/10 • Player Value: 9/10 Pros +Biggest cast of characters in the series with non-Mario Kart first time characters such as    Game: Mario Kart 8
    Genre: Racing
    Developer: Nintendo/EAD
    System: WiiU
    Total Score: 96/100
    Value Score: 9.6/10

    • Story: */10
    • Characters: 10/10
    • GamePlay: 10/10
    • Graphics: 10/10
    • Sound: 10/10
    • Music: 10/10
    • Length: 7/10
    • Replay Value: 10/10
    • Player Value: 9/10

    Pros
    +Biggest cast of characters in the series with non-Mario Kart first time characters such as Animal Crossing's Villager and Legend of Zelda's Link
    +Customizable car feature from Mario Kart 7 is in.
    +Different single player modes that were in MK7 are in this game as well along with some new inclusions never seen in the series before such as 200cc
    +Online Multiplayer is great and active
    +Coins unlock further parts for karts like in MK7
    +MarioKartTV is a new feature where it allows you to see replays of your races and even upload on youtube
    +Bikes have returned
    +Two DLC packs increases the number of karts, racers and cups/stages

    Cons
    -MarioKartTV only saves portions of video clips of races - not enough options in editing for YouTube
    -Blue Shell annoying as hell even to this day
    -Game is too short and can be too easy    … Expand
  15. lucaskegler
    Oct 13, 2014
    10
    MK 8 é um jogo excelente, divertido, com ótimos gráficos, jogabilidade fácil mesmo havendo inúmeros desafios. Tem tudo que a franquia merecia ter de volta. Realmente indispensável a todos game-maníacos. A Nintendo fez justiça ao jogo e caprichou nos mínimos detalhes, até mesmo nas expressões dos personagens. Parabéns à Nintendo.
  16. Kirisoul
    Aug 5, 2014
    10
    You may have heard that this game doesn't have a good battle mode... That the item balance is still a bit off... Or maybe that it has a strange character roster featuring a few too many koopalings... And all of it is true.

    But the gameplay itself in MK8 is so ridiculously polished and amazing that for me, all of that was overshadowed. Sure, Nintendo didn't include as many bells and    You may have heard that this game doesn't have a good battle mode... That the item balance is still a bit off... Or maybe that it has a strange character roster featuring a few too many koopalings... And all of it is true.

    But the gameplay itself in MK8 is so ridiculously polished and amazing that for me, all of that was overshadowed. Sure, Nintendo didn't include as many bells and whistles in MK8 as in other titles, but as a game itself, it can't be faulted. Presentation and graphics are all top notch, and the music is absolutely stellar with its unique orchestration and various styles. There's also a lot of nuance to the courses with anti-gravity, air, and sea travel finally implemented on a console MK. Its a game that entertains without fail, even long after all the tracks have worked themselves into your memory (which they will!)

    Can't recommend this game more, definitely a definitive title on the Wii U.    … Expand
  17. yayoman
    Jun 27, 2014
    10
    This game is perfect as nintendo always do for playing with friends at the same room but this time it also have a great online multiplayer! so for me this game it's a 10 come on lan guy dude, lan partys are on the past!
  18. Carlitoxic
    Jun 7, 2014
    10
    El mejor Mario kart de la saga. Su modo online es endiabladamente divertido y los circuitos y pilotos lucen fenomenal con la nueva potencia HD de wii u. Pero lo mejor es que los años le sientan genial y sigue siendo igual de divertido o mas...
  19. mattnotley2004
    Jun 15, 2014
    10
    Mario Kart with stunning HD graphics + full orchestrated music + new game mechanics (driving up walls, etc) = Awesomeness! For me, the only let down is the inability to see on screen positions without the use of the Gamepad. I'm hoping this gets patched in a future update.
  20. Tal_Kalon
    May 30, 2014
    10
    Gorgeous! It's like Mario Kart in heaven. I can feeeeel the 60 fps. If you were on the fence about getting a Wii U, please do yourself the favor and pick one up!
  21. Mork02
    May 30, 2014
    10
    Simplesmente Genial!!! Superou todas as minhas expectativas. Uma verdadeira obra prima da nova geração. O gameplay, os gráficos, as pistas, os personagens, modalidades online, tudo foi aprimorado pra uma das melhores experiencias de jogos de corrida que já tive.
    Totalmente recomendado! 10/10
  22. Hayato
    Aug 29, 2014
    10
    The best, everything i thought it was going to be. Want more games this good. Fantastic game with an abundance of gorgeous looking courses and awesome music, It will providehundreds of hours of fun whether you are playing alone or with friends
  23. VonSeux
    May 30, 2014
    10
    This game does so many things righ, I'm barely scratching it but the excitement is 10/10. Pack yourself a group to play online and locally. The bundle is totally worthy if you don't have a Wii-U yet.
  24. ekolite82
    May 31, 2014
    10
    I've never had so much intense fun with a racing game in my life! Very easy on the eyes and tantalizing at that. Sound effects are there and the music, but as good as everything is in the game, I think the sound is it's weakest link. No biggie. The new tracks are wonderful and a nice careful selection of remastered tracks. Worth buying a new Wii U for? You bet your last pair of cleanI've never had so much intense fun with a racing game in my life! Very easy on the eyes and tantalizing at that. Sound effects are there and the music, but as good as everything is in the game, I think the sound is it's weakest link. No biggie. The new tracks are wonderful and a nice careful selection of remastered tracks. Worth buying a new Wii U for? You bet your last pair of clean socks it is!!… Expand
  25. kingofgames
    Sep 18, 2016
    10
    Simply fantastic! Ladies and gentlemen, GO BUY A WII U FOR THIS GAME. Highly recommended for a fun gaming experience. Best Mario Kart game yet! This game fixes every disappointment from Mario Kart 7 because this game has bikes, flying and underwater driving, and even anti-gravity! Mario Kart 8 has DLC characters and tracks. The DLC tracks are new courses and retro courses from previous games.
  26. Wanderlei
    May 31, 2014
    10
    The best Mario Kart ever made! It has so much more depth than Mario Kart Wii. It is only slightly harder to pick up and play but it is a much much deeper game, it will take time to master all the intricacies in the course, cars, moves and characters to get to acquire top level of driving skill.

    Nintendo proves once again they are consistently the best world at making games.
  27. DutchDagger
    May 30, 2014
    10
    Another Nintendo masterpiece. .
  28. entropy86
    May 31, 2014
    10
    Balanced, competitive, inspired visual and audio design, this is the genre defining kart racing game. This is reason enough to own wii u. Will be my go to game for a long time.
  29. TheMitch
    Jun 7, 2014
    10
    Here's the thing. Nintendo have this gift; a gift of magical prowess. They know how to make games that attract all kinds of people, no matter their personality. It's a gift that is so rare nowadays, yet never goes under-appreciated. Mario Kart 8 is the prime example of this. It delivers with such poise that it makes you wonder if the Wii U was ever on struggle street. Titles like MarioHere's the thing. Nintendo have this gift; a gift of magical prowess. They know how to make games that attract all kinds of people, no matter their personality. It's a gift that is so rare nowadays, yet never goes under-appreciated. Mario Kart 8 is the prime example of this. It delivers with such poise that it makes you wonder if the Wii U was ever on struggle street. Titles like Mario Kart 8 are what bring supposedly doomed consoles back to life. Every game has its issues, and Mario Kart 8 is no exception. But when the magic of Nintendo shines through, there isn't anything that makes you feel let down. For over 30 years, Nintendo have been the kings of game development, and Mario Kart 8 shines brightly with every other classic gem they've ever made. Kudos to you, Nintendo. Pats on back for a job well done.… Expand
  30. tiho
    Aug 31, 2014
    10
    It's everything you can ask from a Mario Kart game: accessible but deep enough driving gameplay, varied tracks, great gaphics... and lots of fun in multiplayer (local or online). An awesome game all Wii U owners should get!
prev
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 »