Mario Kart Wii

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Template:Justreleased Template:Infobox Mario Kart Wii is the latest installment of the Mario Kart series. Designed from the ground up for the Wii, a Wii Wheel is included in the package for a more realistic steering experience.

Gameplay

File:MKWiiScreenshot.jpg
Mario, Waluigi, and others race through likely Toad Town in Mario Circuit.

Mario Kart Wii is based off of its predecessors. Up to twelve players race to the finish in a multi-lap race around a given circuit. Along the way, players may employ items, horseplay, and take shortcuts to earn first place.

Also, a new feature called "Stunts" is now a large part of gameplay. When player performs a stunt, the player is able to gain a momentary boost of speed, which allows characters to do a few different things, such as grabbing an Item Box out of midair. One example of stunt is pulling off acrobatics in air, which can be performed by shaking the Wii Wheel up.

Controlling the Kart

File:Screenshot 183885.jpg
Drifting keeps the speed, but also allows to perform a momentarily boost of speed.

The main feature is the use of the motion sensing of the Wii Remote. By tilting the remote, players can steer their karts. Nintendo hopes to address some of the issues game critics faced with the first racing game Nintendo published for the Wii, Excitetruck, by making Mario Kart Wii compatible with the Wii Wheel. Since the Wii Remote is designed to be inserted into the Wii Wheel (as it is not an independent controller) players can also play without the Wheel. So far, Mario Kart Wii showed the compability of playing using the Wii Remote with the Nunchuck attached, the Wii Classic Controller or the GameCube controller along with the Wii Wheel.

  • Accelerate: Holding the button used for, the kart will go forwards. Accelerating time depends on the type of the karts: Lightweight karts show a high acceleration, but low speed. Heavyweight karts tend to have a low acceleration, but a quite high speed. Middleweight karts show an average top speed and acceleration
  • Steer: Steering the kart, drivers take a turn like getting into a curve.
  • Brake: Braking lets to the player to accelerate.
  • Reverse: The character's kart will go backwards, if the user still holding the Brake button.
  • Look Behind: Players can watch in front of the characters to watch behind them. In this way, players can be alert from characters incoming to steal the player's place from the rear. This feature once appeared in Super Mario Kart.
  • Drift: Drivers drift to keep the kart's speed, don't get off-road and gain a little speed burst after done. Drifting can be performed whether automatically, in which the player uses the powersliding when turns for a curve; and manually, where the player has to press and hold the drift button when accelerating.
  • Tricks: Players can pull off a stunt when they jump in order to gain a momentarily mini-turbo. Players can perform one by going through a ramp or hill. in the air, by flicking the wii mote (or the wii wheel) or pressing the D-pad for a direction, the driver makes a stunt, cheers and obtain a speed boost. The frequent use of stunts depends on the type of vehicle that's used: Motorbikes have a high use for tricks unlike karts.
  • Wheelie: Used only when riding motorbikes, drivers can increase the speed when they lift up the front of the bike. While the driver holds the front of the bike, he/she can't take a turn until the driver let the bike's front down.

Modes of Play

These game modes are confirmed by Nintendo.

  • Grand Prix (1 player) Get points by winning races. After 4 races the players points will be counted. You must have the most points to win the Grand Prix. The player can unlock many things in this mode.
  • Time Trial (1 player) A solo mach for the fastest time.
  • Versus (1 to 4 players, up to 12 online) Same as Grand Prix, but with costum settings.
  • Mission (Unlockable) Clear missions on courses.
  • Battle (1 to 4 players, up to 12 online) Play in a team and defeat the other.

Note: Grand Prix mode for 50cc using Karts, 100cc using for bikes only, 150cc using for Bikes and Karts and Mirror (Unlockable) for Bikes and Karts. By winning all the tracks in 50cc or 100cc, it's possible to play with both bikes and karts.

The mission mode appearing in Mario Kart Wii
Baby Mario collecting coins in Mission Mode.

Nintendo has explicitly confirmed the presence of a Battle Mode in this game. Additionally, both normal races and battles are playable online through the use of Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection (WFC). This is the second game in the series to utilize the WFC and the first to allow for online battles. Battles will now cater up to 12 players via Wi-Fi connection [2].

It is possible to play Mirror mode in the game as its predecessors. As evidence, Luigi drives in a mirrored version of Mario Circuit 3, which, Luigi's L symbol is mirrored.

Just like Mario Kart DS, it isn't possible to play Grand Prix with multiple playersTemplate:Refneeded. Players can now only win trophies playing alone. It is possible to make Grand Prix within VS. mode, however, VS. mode won't work for unlocking new features.

It is an option to play in teams in VS. mode. However, unlike past Mario Karts games, users can only play in teams in Battle mode.Template:Refneeded Battle mode is split in two options. Balloon Battle: Get points by hitting opponents. If the player looses 3 ballons, 1 point will be discounted from the player's team. Coin Runners: Get more coins than the other team.

Major Changes

File:PeachBike.jpg
Peach using a motorbike in Coconut's Mall.

While every previous Mario Kart game allowed for a maximum of eight racers on each course, up to twelve have been seen in video footages of Mario Kart Wii. Reggie Fils-Aime promised that Nintendo would release more information about this in the future.

File:Yosherskart.PNG
Yoshi racing in Toad Factory.

In Mario Kart Wii, players can select, minimum, six types of vehicles, the standard kart, two other classes of karts and three classes of motorbikes. Vehicles vary, depending on the character's weight type, and color schemes of every kart will also vary regarding to every character who is shown.

A notorious change of the game, based on reviews and notes, is the removal of Snaking, which players tend to gain several consecutive mini-turbos after performing a powersliding. So far, performing a mini-turbo depends on how long a player can hold the button for drifting. However, there is a strategy to use drifting, something that has always kept on each Mario Kart game. This strategy involves managing the drifts to avoid losing speed.[1].

Another new way to gain speed is performing Tricks. This new feature allows to the players to make acrobatics in air in order to get a short speed burst once landed into the ground.

In the last Nintendo event (10/09/2007), Nintendo confirmed Motorbikes as vehicles in the game (which, as seen by artworks, can be chosen between motocrosses and MotoGP-like bikes). Peach, Daisy and Rosalina are shown in an alternate outfit while riding the motorbike, as opposed to their traditional outfit while riding there karts. Additionally, two different motorbikes have been revealed for Peach.

Mario Kart Wii will feature a text chat on Wi-Fi mode. Users can write predeterminate words to create small texts to other users before a race [2]. It is unknown whether or not this feature will be available in random matches.

Point Spread Comparisons
1st 2nd 3rd 4th 5th 6th 7th 8th 9th 10th 11th 12th
SMK + MK64 + MKSC GP 9 6 3 1 0 0 0 0
MKDD + MKDS GP 10 8 6 4 3 2 1 0
MKWii GP 15 12 10 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0
Green bg signifies victory results (great clapping, character(s) cheering), best after-race music
Yellow bg signifies moderate results (mild clapping, moderate character reaction), same music in Wi-Fi as winner (different in MKDS GP)
Normal bg signifies losing results, losing music
In Super Mario Kart to Mario Kart Super Circuit, 5th or worse forces the player to retry the race. If the racer fares this badly three times, the Grand Prix must be started over. In Double Dash to Wii, the GP normally goes forth.

Playable Characters

A total of twelve Mario characters are available from the start, while twelve more can be unlocked. Leading to a total of twenty-four playable characters, [3] along with any Miis.

There are three types of Characters.

  • Small: These characters ride in Small karts. They have mostly a good acceration and off-road ratio, but low top speed. By their weight, these characters can be knocked apart if they try to bump onto other kart of superior weight.
  • Medium: They ride in Mid-weight karts. Most of these characters show an average acceleration, weight and off-road.
  • Large: These characters are defined by their strength, capable of banging apart other karts with low weight. They ride on Large vehicles, featuring high top speed and weight, but showing low acceleration and off-road.


Unlockables

Template:Spoiler

How To Unlock.

How to Unlock the Characters
Daisy Win 150cc Special Cup
Birdo Play Time Trials on 16 different courses - Get 250 wins online
Diddy Kong Win all 50cc Cups
Bowser Jr. Attain at least 1 Star Rank for all 100cc Retro Grand Prix Cups
Baby Luigi Unlock 8 Expert Staff Ghost Data in Time Trials
Baby Daisy Attain at least 1 Star Rank for all 50cc Wii Grand Prix Cups
Toadette Play Time Trials on all 32 different courses
Dry Bones Win 100cc Leaf Cup
King Boo Win 50cc Star Cup
Rosalina If the player has a Super Mario Galaxy save file on their Wii, she will be unlocked at a random moment. If the player doesn't have a Super Mario Galaxy save, attain at least 1 Star Rank for all Mirror Grand Prix cups
Funky Kong Unlock 4 Expert Staff Ghost Data in Time Trials
Dry Bowser Attain at least 1 Star Rank for all 150cc Wii Grand Prix Cups


Template:Endspoiler

Misc.

Courses

File:Mariokartwii sslg2.jpg
Wario and Peach race towards a steep downhill portion of Wario's Mines.

Several racetracks have been revealed in the media put out by Nintendo. Both new tracks and famous retro tracks from all four previous games will be playable. These older courses have been confirmed by Nintendo Power to be in the final version of the game.

Race courses will be divided into various Cups again: Confirmed are Mushroom Cup, Flower Cup, Star Cup and Special Cup for new courses and Shell Cup, Banana Cup, Leaf Cup and Lightning Cup for old courses. Notably, these are the same as Mario Kart DS.[3]

New Courses

Several distinct courses have been identified from the media. At now, there has been confirmed sixteen new courses, a feature that has appeared in all the games starting with Mario Kart 64. Other courses may have been missed due to the montage nature of the video released to the public.

Mushroom Cup

Luigi Circuit

A new version of Luigi Circuit was shown in E3 2007 and Nintendo's press conferences. The course has some Dash Panels on their curves, similar to the Luigi Circuit version from Mario Kart: Double Dash!!. Luigi's Hat trademark is shown over the audience, seen also in Mario Kart 64.

Moo Moo Meadows

A course resembling Moo Moo Farm from Mario Kart 64 will also appear in-game. This course is distinctly different from the version featured in Mario Kart 64 as players must dodge the cows crossing on the track. The Cows from Wii Play's 'Charge!' were going to be in this course, but were cancelled.

Mushroom Gorge

A course located in a mountainous zone, with canyons. From the abyss, tall mushrooms rise over there, which the drivers can jump on their tops to pass the abyss. The track is not very protected, and any player could fall into the abyss. The course resembles somewhat to some high land stages from New Super Mario Bros where tall mushrooms act like platforms.

Toad's Factory

This course shows some conveyor belts on the track, which can change slightly the speed of the karts and some items that stand still on the track, such as Bananas and Fake Item Boxes.

Flower Cup

Mario Circuit

This course features Princess Peach's Castle and other stone buildings to the side of a very wide track. Lush lawns and trees can be seen at the sides. As such, Toad Town may have inspired this course. The stage's backdrop is reminiscent of World 1 from New Super Mario Bros. A blurry sign that may read "Mario Circuit" indicates that this course may be a new version of the classic.

Coconut Mall

The course takes place around and inside of a mall or a department store. This course has two levels and features elevators which can be used to gain a short boost.

DK's Snowboard Cross

Seen in the Nintendo conference in 2007, the track bears a resemblanse to DK Pass where racers compete in a snowy-covered slope and racing along in a half-tunnel, similar to a snowboarding track. It is also shown that this course will include a cannon.

Wario's Gold Mine

A course with wide roads set in a canyon has been revealed. A sign with Wario’s face decorates the course along with Warp Pipes and cabins out of reach of the racers. This course features steep declines and sharp turns and may lend itself to the frantic, roller coaster game play of Wario Colosseum from Double Dash. Segments of the track lack siding to allow players to fall off. Additionally, this course employs Boost Pads.

Star Cup

Daisy Circuit

Daisy Circuit is the first course of the Star Cup in Mario Kart Wii. The course travels across a seaside town with a sunset background on a shore. Daisy's castle can be seen in a baroque-style from the background. In front of the palace there are two circular fountains. On the top of the first stands a large golden statue of Daisy and Luigi holding hands with each other while dancing, while the second shows Daisy in her infant form as Baby Daisy.

Koopa Cape

Koopa Cape is a track that is situated around a river. A few Goombas surround wooden ramps which players can jump over and perform a trick. Later, players will reach the river which speeds up the Karts if it is ridden on; after the river finishes meandering, racers will fall down a pipe and go under water.

The music changes when the track is under the water, like it does in Super Mario Galaxy. There are a few revolving bars that are charged with electricity and supported by Koopa Shells; if hit, they will cause the player to shrink as if hit by a Lightening Bolt.

Maple Treeway

A colorful course that is located in a large orchard that seems to be in the autumn. It has falling leaves that somewhat blind the player and two Wigglers that may get in the way as they wander around in a large open space.

A canon is located near the start that will fire players into a large tree; from there, large branches of the tree must be scaled in order to reach the top whereupon the racers will then decend another set of large brances.

There is a bouncy net towards the end of the course which can be used to perform multiple tricks. Also, situated around the course are piles of leaves which, when hit, may cause a Banana or Mushroom to fall out.

Grumble Volcano

Here, the course starts with a banked curve. There's a few ramps, some stone, some not. Obstacles are flames and Podoboos. There, obviously, is lava, and the path cuts in half a few times.

Special Cup

Dry Dry Ruins

Many Pokeys and Swoopers reside in and around the ruins. Inside there is also sand falling from the ceiling, building small sand hills. It has a similar starting point as Dry Dry Desert and the Yoshi Sphinx of Yoshi Desert in Mario Kart: Super Circuit.

Moonview Highway

Moonview Highway is a course that takes place in a city. It has a bridge that is lit up with lights as well as the city. The setting for the course takes place at night with the moon in full view. There is also an huge billboard featuring Princess Peach. Lots of traffic travel the road.[4]

Bowser's Castle

A new version of the castle full of lava and Thwomps. It features once again a fire-spitting Bowser Statue, like Bowser's Castle from Mario Kart: Double Dash.[4]

Rainbow Road

A new version of the rainbow-colored rollercoaster track. The track features mainly a 90 degrees downhill, located once after the starting line. The track shows a reminiscent of the Rainbow Road of Mario Kart DS.[4]

Reappearing Courses

In addition to graphical updates, current footage indicates that the courses may receieve substantial size-increase. Nintendo has confirmed that they will be graphically updated. Currently there have been confirmed ten courses from previous Mario Kart games.

Shell Cup

Banana Cup

Leaf Cup

Lightning Cup

Battle Courses

Wii tracks

Classic tracks

Vehicles

Lightweight
Karts Bikes
Standard Kart S Standard Bike S
Baby Booster Bullet Bike
Concerto Nano Bike
Cheep Charger Quacker
Rally Romper Bubble Bike
Blue Falcon Magikruiser
Middleweight
Karts Bikes
Standard Kart M Standard Bike M
Nostalgia 1 Mach Bike
Wild Wing Bon Bon
Turbo Blooper Rapide
B Dasher Mk. 2 Nitrocycle
Royal Racer Dolphin Dasher
Heavyweight
Karts Bikes
Standard Kart L Standard Bike L
Offroader Bowser Bike
Flame Flyer Wario Bike
Piranha Prowler Twinkle Star
Dragonetti Phantom
Aero Glider Torpedo

How to Unlock

Template:Spoiler

How to Unlock the Karts
Small
Cheep Charger Attain at least 1 Star Rank for all 50cc Retro Grand Prix Cups
Blue Falcon Win Mirror Lightning Cup
Rally Romper Unlock 1 Expert Staff Ghost Data in Time Trials
Medium
Turbo Blooper Win 50cc Leaf Cup
Royal Racer Win 150cc Leaf Cup
B-Dasher Mk. 2 Unlock 24 Expert Staff Ghost data
Large
Piranha Prowler Win 50cc Special Cup
Dragonetti Win 150cc Leaf Cup
Aero Glider Win all 150cc Retro Grand Prix Cups


How to Unlock the Bikes
Small
Quacker Win 150cc Star Cup
Bubble Bike Win Mirror Leaf Cup
Magikruiser Play Time Trials on 8 different courses
Medium
Rapide Win 100cc Lightning Cup
Nitrocycle Attain at least 1 Star Rank for all 100cc Wii Grand Prix Cups
Dolphin Dasher Win Mirror Star Cup
Large
Twinkle Star Win 100cc Star Cup
Phantom Win Mirror Special Cup
Torpedo Unlock 12 Expert Staff Ghost Data in Time Trials

Template:Endspoiler

Items

Mario Kart Wii includes three new items: the Mega Mushroom, the POW Block and the Thunder Cloud. Items can be earned by driving through Item Boxes on the courses, just like in previous games. Once a player has done so, an item will be selected via the Item Roulette. In general, players tend to obtain a weak item as a banana or a green shell when they come first. However, if players are in second or a lower place, obtaining a powerful item such as a red shell or a thunderbolt is more frequent. Usually, the lower the place of the player, the rarer and more powerful the item they get.

Voice Cast

Official Artwork

Characters

Items


Promotional

References

  1. ^ Matt Casamassina: Mario Kart Wii Impressions
  2. ^ http://uk.wii.ign.com/articles/855/855033p1.html Text Chat on Mario Kart Wii
  3. ^ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named gonintendo020508
  4. ^ a b c [1]

External Links


Template:Mario Kart Series