Mario Kart Wii

 Wii
User Score
8.5

Generally favorable reviews- based on 1245 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 1,039 out of 1245
  2. Mixed: 155 out of 1245
  3. Negative: 51 out of 1245
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  1. cycodamo
    Aug 3, 2008
    10
    Simply the best game I've played on the Wii so far. At first I thought it was a bit too easy and kind of a stripped down Mario Kart to appeal to a wider audience, but in fact it retains all of its challenge and unrelenting fun from previous iterations - finding the perfect line to powerslide around a corner before hitting a jump and executing a trick to try and catch up or leave the Simply the best game I've played on the Wii so far. At first I thought it was a bit too easy and kind of a stripped down Mario Kart to appeal to a wider audience, but in fact it retains all of its challenge and unrelenting fun from previous iterations - finding the perfect line to powerslide around a corner before hitting a jump and executing a trick to try and catch up or leave the rest behind is terrific fun. Single player is a great challenge, and people who complain about being taken out by items obviously haven't been paying attention - that's what Mario Kart is all about! Besides, if you're good enough you can avoid them (ie don't stay in the middle of the road, you know that's where Bullet Bill travels). Online is where the game really shows off: it's completely lag free and there's nearly always a maximum 11 opponents to race against. You will quite easily race 50 times in a row without realising how much time you've spent online in this game - it's just so damn addicting and fun. Lastly, the wheel device is marvellously realised, very accurate and does increase your enjoyment of the game. Can't say enough good things about Mario Kart Wii, 10/10.… Expand
  2. joecracker
    Jul 30, 2008
    6
    This game is pretty good,but i have to admit that 150cc in waay too hard! one time i had stayed in 1'st place during a cup for a while,but then made one mistake and all the computers trampled me! this game is barely about skill anymore it's all plain luck to win.
  3. Daniel
    Jul 13, 2008
    9
    This is a strangely underrated game, at least critically. It's my favorite Mario Kart, and I've been playing them since the series originated on Super Nintendo. It's true that the steering wheel & bikes are small additions to the series, but overall this has everything I want from Mario Kart plus some nice extras. The new levels are some of the best of the series, and the This is a strangely underrated game, at least critically. It's my favorite Mario Kart, and I've been playing them since the series originated on Super Nintendo. It's true that the steering wheel & bikes are small additions to the series, but overall this has everything I want from Mario Kart plus some nice extras. The new levels are some of the best of the series, and the controls seem nicely streamlined (with 2 different controller options aside from the wheel). As for the games "flaws", I never cared much for battle mode, and having victory snatched from your hands at the last minute, seemingly "unfairly", has always been the nature of Mario Kart. This is a great game to play with friends and non-gamers as well as a great one to play on your own and against "pros" online.… Expand
  4. AndrewAdam
    Jun 30, 2008
    9
    The game has a great multiplayer, online works awesome, the ghost challenges are great, and the rankings system online is actually good. The only gripe with the game is that you can no longer do the main mode two players. It is a must buy for anyone who owns a Wii.
  5. DavidC
    Jun 12, 2008
    1
    worst mario kart ever! worth the extra money to get a ds and the ds version. that is how much it stinks the 150cc is almost impossible to win but the 50cc and 100cc are ok the balloon battle is just gay as you keep respawning with balloons and the scoring on it is messed up and coin runners....wow how gay and a star rating how are you supposed to get that it is nearly impossible if you worst mario kart ever! worth the extra money to get a ds and the ds version. that is how much it stinks the 150cc is almost impossible to win but the 50cc and 100cc are ok the balloon battle is just gay as you keep respawning with balloons and the scoring on it is messed up and coin runners....wow how gay and a star rating how are you supposed to get that it is nearly impossible if you are looking for a good mario kart DONT get the Wii version! get the ds version and a ds as it is worth the money to get a ds also… Expand
  6. ManoelQ
    Jun 11, 2008
    5
    A game at the edge of horrible. It entertains you for quite a time: the tracks are really well done (New and old), the characters are incredible and the Mario Kart Channel and the Wi-Fi Connection options are great. However... "Mario Kart Wii" gets a bad score due the cheating: the CPUs always get items before you (Even if they are in a better position), those are better items, they A game at the edge of horrible. It entertains you for quite a time: the tracks are really well done (New and old), the characters are incredible and the Mario Kart Channel and the Wi-Fi Connection options are great. However... "Mario Kart Wii" gets a bad score due the cheating: the CPUs always get items before you (Even if they are in a better position), those are better items, they become really fast if you're far away from them on the Second Lap and the "Spiny Shell" is always haunting you on every Final Lap.… Expand
  7. paulm
    Jun 11, 2008
    7
    Mario kart is a good fun game a very good fun family oriented game game but it is not a good racing anyone that likes serious racing should stay a mile away from this as although the powers are fun they can be infurating when in first place you can easily lose your place by being shot and in the end actual racing skills dont matter.
  8. BrianB
    Jun 9, 2008
    9
    I thought the loss of a double team was a disapontment, but the gameplay got me back. Even though I agree wayne g about the CPU in 1500cc and Mirror, online is way better than Brawl's, the bikes is a wonderful addition to the game. Also, the trick system is also a good improvement to the formula. But, what also kinda, not that much, dissaponited me was that not all the tracks were I thought the loss of a double team was a disapontment, but the gameplay got me back. Even though I agree wayne g about the CPU in 1500cc and Mirror, online is way better than Brawl's, the bikes is a wonderful addition to the game. Also, the trick system is also a good improvement to the formula. But, what also kinda, not that much, dissaponited me was that not all the tracks were new. Still, it is a good game for vets and newbies.… Expand
  9. ShaneS
    Jun 6, 2008
    5
    I agree with Wayne... Playing against the CPU is a frustrating and not very fun experience. Am pretty much fed up with being knocked from first to fifth at the end of every other 150cc race. I do feel very lucky when I manage to finish in first place. Online play can be a lot of fun. Only complaint is that some people like to pick the same races over and over.
  10. DougL
    May 23, 2008
    10
    Lots of fun no complaints so far. I prefer using the Wiimote and nunchuk to the wheel my fiancee prefers the wheel see what you like. Good if you are new to the series even better if you already have some races under your belt. Nothing radically new just good tracks and good fun.
  11. Anonymous
    May 21, 2008
    7
    This is certainly a strange one. Despite a fantastic online multiplayer and a wealth of modes, this is perhaps the least satisfying entry in the beloved Mario Kart series, because (in order to fit in with Nintendo
  12. AnonymousMC
    May 20, 2008
    10
    Well first Id like to say I've never owned any other Mario Kart game before. I have however played 64 and double dash at my friend's houses. A lot of people are complaining about how bad it is compared to the others...it's a shitload of fun, and personally I think its better than the others! The graphics aren't AMAZING but they are still really good, even split-screen.Well first Id like to say I've never owned any other Mario Kart game before. I have however played 64 and double dash at my friend's houses. A lot of people are complaining about how bad it is compared to the others...it's a shitload of fun, and personally I think its better than the others! The graphics aren't AMAZING but they are still really good, even split-screen. The AI problems that others talk about are bad, but after a while you get used to them, and ther is a way to avoid EVERYTHING, including blue shells, except lightning. So even though the computers seem to have advantages, if you're good enough it won't matter. The multiplayer rules. Online has no lag at all, no waiting. This is my favorite wwii game, even over brawl.… Expand
  13. ElJ
    May 19, 2008
    7
    Mario Kart Wii is a collection of every Mario Kart ever made all packed into one and ready to go for online game play. This instalment boasts more then ever before, with plenty of challenges, unlockable characters, karts and new features, along with 32 tracks, half of which are taken from all its predecessors. The only short coming of this game is that regardless of how skilled you may Mario Kart Wii is a collection of every Mario Kart ever made all packed into one and ready to go for online game play. This instalment boasts more then ever before, with plenty of challenges, unlockable characters, karts and new features, along with 32 tracks, half of which are taken from all its predecessors. The only short coming of this game is that regardless of how skilled you may be, victory is often dominated by luck, due to an excessive amount of unstoppable weapons that tend to annihilate whoever is in first place, and all too often, the game has a nasty habit of bringing it all down on you at once right before the end of a race, however, in the online gaming world, this gives less skilled players a bit more of an advantage, making it more difficult for someone to endlessly dominate and dishearten new players. I… Expand
  14. DPX08
    May 15, 2008
    6
    Good game for kids not for core gamers whatsoever.Ai is after the best racer and the power ups do not favor the player in the lead. Ever get any good power ups in first place? All i got where bananas single green shells and single mushrooms. Lame game for people who know how to play good game for 5yo nuf said Mediocre aggravating game.
  15. MattB
    May 13, 2008
    7
    Call me a 360 fanboy, although I loved Twilight Princess, Smash Bros, and Mario Galaxy.....I have to say Wii's Mario Kart is a new low for Nintendo. First off, the wheel is not very responsive (I used it for about an hour before giving up and using the gamecube remote). There are plenty of options and a few additions, but this might as well have been extra content for the gamecube Call me a 360 fanboy, although I loved Twilight Princess, Smash Bros, and Mario Galaxy.....I have to say Wii's Mario Kart is a new low for Nintendo. First off, the wheel is not very responsive (I used it for about an hour before giving up and using the gamecube remote). There are plenty of options and a few additions, but this might as well have been extra content for the gamecube mario kart. With such a great franchise, it's a shame this is only an "update" instead of a whole new experience.… Expand
  16. DrewB
    May 13, 2008
    3
    Annoying AI, average graphics, nothing new. This game is fun online, fun time trials, but nothing special. They would have been better off adding a multiplayer to the existing double dash game. DD was as good as this game is bad.
  17. CulleyS
    May 12, 2008
    4
    I agree with the Game Chronicles review of this game completely. There are too many random events, likely conceived as challenges to make the game more entertaining, which too often serve to detract from the game. For instance, blue flying shells can knock a player out of first place, or any player near the racer in first place. Bullet Bills can bring a player in last place (or close to I agree with the Game Chronicles review of this game completely. There are too many random events, likely conceived as challenges to make the game more entertaining, which too often serve to detract from the game. For instance, blue flying shells can knock a player out of first place, or any player near the racer in first place. Bullet Bills can bring a player in last place (or close to last) flying through the field all the way up to first place. I simply cannot recommend this game. It could have been really fun, but the lack of skill involved (or, more accurately, the lack of being rewarded for skill or penalized for making poor choices) damages the game. Furthermore, I bought this game to play in multi-player mode. The lack of features for 2 or more players is the main reason I've scored Mario Kart Wii so low. No features can be unlocked, no trophies for your license, and really only three types of races can be run in multi-player mode.… Expand
  18. KateT
    May 11, 2008
    5
    Being a huge fan of the Mario Kart series, I was definitely excited when I first bought this game. However, after playing it for awhile now, I realize that this game is definitely the weakest in the series. I had quite a few problems with the game, some of them being: -The items: It seems this time around, the items are used all too frequently, and it's very annoying when you're Being a huge fan of the Mario Kart series, I was definitely excited when I first bought this game. However, after playing it for awhile now, I realize that this game is definitely the weakest in the series. I had quite a few problems with the game, some of them being: -The items: It seems this time around, the items are used all too frequently, and it's very annoying when you're playing. For instance, getting hit by red shells non-stop, and those damn flying shells that hit you when you're in first place. Also, the favouritsm with the items is appaulling, if you're doing well (ie. the top three..) then you get horrible items like bananas and green shells. When you're in last, you get awesome items. It just isn't fair. -The Music: I remember when each Mario Kart level used to have distinct music that I would love to hear when I was playing the game. (Rainbow Road, anyone?) But it all seems a bit lost in translation here. Instead, we get o hear characters make annoying noises, such as "WHOO HOO!" and "Yeahhhhhh!" It's just plain irritating, and makes gameplay all the more difficult. And last, but not least, my last complaint is that the game seems to rely too much on a gimmick (the steering with the Wiimote) and, in turn the levels are just not that fun. Some levels are loaded with things that can hit you, you can fall off of, while others are just so boring you'll want to fall asleep while playing them. I also wanted to enjoy the Retro levels, but it seems like they just haaaaaad to update those too. Overall, I find myself not really wanting to go back and play this game, but rather whip out my Gamecube or Nintendo 64 to play some real Mario Kart. So, if you're a fan of the series check this game out, if not, just don't bother with it.… Expand
  19. RoaldM
    May 9, 2008
    8
    It's a very good and addicting game, and the new online mode makes is even more awesome! But the grand prix is a bit annoying, 11 enemies which keep throwing powerups at you, getting a blue shield+pow block+lightning in your face just before the finish line sucks. Also I like that you can see your ranking, so you can see if you're good in the game or not.
  20. JamesO.
    May 9, 2008
    7
    The new characters and updated retro levels make this a great addition to the Mario Kart lineup. However, the somewhat watered down battle mode and over dependence of items keeps it from being at the top of the best of 2008.
  21. LucoT
    May 8, 2008
    8
    It feels like Mario kart:Collector's edition. 16 new tracks, 16 old ones, honestly I prefer racing on the new tracks. It's a good thing the racing is so fun, because they've really hashed the battle mode. This would have been an easy 10/10, but battle mode is integral to Mario Kart and it just don't feel right playing in teams all the time.
  22. CallumM
    May 7, 2008
    10
    I am a fan of most Nintendo products and mario kart Wii being one of the better games. As if you use the Wii wheel it add some more realism into the game instead of using the joy stick. And it is a game you can play with most age groups. and i like how in incorporates most of the courses from the older games. this is a must have game for Wii gamers.
  23. OwenM
    May 6, 2008
    6
    This game feels like it has no soul anymore. Winning races against CPU feels like luck. Online is kinda shoddy. It only works sometimes and can be fun but framerate suffers often.The feeling of speed is nowhere near Double Dash and the game overall feels like it was made to cater to new players, which is fine, but it won't be impressing any Mario Kart veterans.
  24. wayneg
    May 6, 2008
    2
    The CPU cheats when it comes to items. There are too many items that take out every other player. I have been in the lead by more than half a lap on lap 3 and ended up taking 9th place because the computer got all the perfect items to stop me from winning; and it happens far too often. Double dash had better graphics. Steering wheel and bikes add nothing to the game.
  25. DanielN
    May 5, 2008
    10
    This game is an excellent source of fun for you and your whole family. It is an excellent game to come in and pick up and play.
  26. JesseS.
    May 5, 2008
    9
    It's a lot of fun. It would have gotten a 10 if the network connections were a bit more stable. It really sucks to get disconnected from a game and lose a lot of rankings when there's really nothing you can do to prevent it.
  27. am
    May 5, 2008
    10
    This is the funnest Mario kart yet. The game play is definitely better than any past Mario kart. Some people are unhappy about the lack of options but this becomes insignificant once you play the game for enough hours, and you'll honestly find the funnest game that has been released on the wii so far!
  28. Mauriced.
    May 5, 2008
    6
    If you're looking for a comment that is without unfair bias and unnecessary hatred toward the game for no reason, look no further. First of all, let me say I've been playing Mario Kart since it came out for SNES, although I admit the only other one I played was Mario Kart 64 (which to me, remains the best). The most annoying thing about Mario Kart Wii, by far, are the If you're looking for a comment that is without unfair bias and unnecessary hatred toward the game for no reason, look no further. First of all, let me say I've been playing Mario Kart since it came out for SNES, although I admit the only other one I played was Mario Kart 64 (which to me, remains the best). The most annoying thing about Mario Kart Wii, by far, are the babyish/childish voices. Good lord, they are annoying. Not only are they excessive, high-pitched, and embarrassing, they are not natural in the least bit. Just about the only characters who have remained true to what they're supposed to sound like are Mario, Luigi, and Koopa Troopa, with Peach and Bowser being "acceptable". All the other characters, including Yoshi, Donkey Kong, Diddy Kong, Toad, etc sound odd and very childish. Why couldn't Nintendo included an option to turn off voice SFX and/or music like the previous Mario Karts? As for control, it can be somewhat difficult at times, as others have stated, but I believe with enough time spent in front of the TV, you'll eventually figure it out. The graphics are not as bad as many make it out to be - this is, after all, Nintendo. The items are fairly fun to use but can become very excessive - which leads me to my next point... The A.I., as others have stated before me, can be very unfair in the sense that you will be punished whether you are winning or not. This can happen via a blue shell as you're approaching the finish line in lap 3, or the fact that if ou lag behind far enough, pretty much no power-up (or series of power-ups) will save you. Couple this, with the fact that you can no longer "retry" races, and you've got yourself a hell of a hard time in getting gold cups in 100 and 150cc. Overall, a fun game, crippled with many, in my opinion, stupid oversights by Nintendo's part, with overzealousness in areas that should have stayed timid.… Expand
  29. FredE.
    May 5, 2008
    9
    Excellent Game, Online Play with Friends is FUN :)
  30. UweP.l
    May 5, 2008
    9
    This Mario Kart has the best racing mechanics in the series yet, and the online mode is just superb, bar the lack of customization that is available in offline multiplayer, such as the option to select how big a part the items will play. It would've been sweet to be able to get rid of that blue shell online. But in spite of the frustration that this can cause, the game is still This Mario Kart has the best racing mechanics in the series yet, and the online mode is just superb, bar the lack of customization that is available in offline multiplayer, such as the option to select how big a part the items will play. It would've been sweet to be able to get rid of that blue shell online. But in spite of the frustration that this can cause, the game is still bloody superb online and with friends, and a great, not to mention fair, challenge in the time trials.… Expand
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Awards & Rankings

18
#18 Best Wii Game of 2008
2
#2 Most Discussed Wii Game of 2008
5
#5 Most Shared Wii Game of 2008

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
82

Generally favorable reviews - based on 73 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 65 out of 73
  2. Mixed: 7 out of 73
  3. Negative: 1 out of 73
  1. Nintendo Power
    90
    With more features, modes and multiplayer options than ever before, fans should be revved up to get behind the wheel. [May 2008, p.86]
  2. Edge Magazine
    60
    Having sacrificed racing integrity in "Double Dash" to side with social silliness, Nintendo has turned 180 degrees into an awkward halfway house. [May 2008, p.86]
  3. DarkZero
    80
    Then there is the Wii Wheel peripheral itself, which if you did not already know is just a plastic housing for the Wiimote. I have to admit though it is a well made bit of plastic, and is not only smarter looking than the uninspired Wii Zapper, but also more ergonomic to hold. Unexpectedly it is very easy to use.
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