Mario Kart Wii

EL33TONLINE ( )

The difference between this and previous Mario Kart games is that you really do feel part of the community. You see, Nintendo has awesome characters and have kept with their secret recipe and only improved on it with each installation. The online element in this game is a massive improvement. If you do not play this game online you might as well sell it when you’re done with the single player side of things, as this is probably one of the most frantically exciting online games to have been released in years. If you own a Wii this game is essential and if you are yet to pick up the console then you now have a very good reason to do so.

AceGamez (10 out of 10)

Mario Kart Wii has more variety, more to do, and ultimately more to keep you coming back than any Mario Kart before it (and as a hardcore advocate of the SNES original, I never though I would find myself saying that); but more than that, it is a flagship title for the Nintendo Wii. Not only is Mario Kart WII the most important title that will be released on the format this year, but it will stand the test of time as one of the best games of the future, get a copy of Mario Kart Wii and hang on to it (and your Wii) for dear life. Do not trade them in for love or money; in fifteen years time, people will be trawling second-hand game shops looking for Wiis and copies of Mario Kart the same way they do for the SNES version today, and there can be no greater indication of brilliance than that.

Snackbar-Games.com (5 out of 5)

In the end, and despite its lingering troubles, Mario Kart Wii continues with the franchise's history of solid titles. The franchise that created the mascot-based racer pretty much perfected it on its first try, with each new iteration trying something different, whether it be three dimensions and analog control, tandem racing, or motion-controlled online play. While MKW is perhaps the most potentially-frustrating edition thus far, that doesn't make it any less of an amazing experience.

Cheat Code Central (4.8 out of 5)

All in all, this is an excellent title that every game enthusiast should own. If anyone tells you they don't like the game, then they probably don't like chocolate, the Superbowl or comedies either. There is so much fun packed into the title that all but the most "alternative" of core gamers are bound to love it. It's true there are a few flaws that could be ironed out, but that's like faulting Rockstar for using an inauthentic accent for Niko's cousin in GTA IV; they just don't matter all that much. The variety and ingenuity of track selection along with the implementation of an excellent online component makes Mario Kart Wii a game for the ages!

Good Game (9.5 out of 10)

Nintendo treats their characters with respect. If I was an outsider looking in at Mario Golf, Mario Tennis, Mario Kart, Mario Strikers, I’d think it was all just money-grabbing franchise fodder. But the truth is, they’re all actually great games. This is no exception - 9.5/10 from me.

Officiel Nintendo Magazine (9.5 out of 10)

Mario Kart Wii fait partie de ces jeux qui nous mettent tous d'accord quel que soit le type de joueurs : néophyte ou expert, c'est un must-have pour votre ludothèque.

Good Game (9.5 out of 10)

If you’ve played MarioKart before, you’ll be able to pick this up immediately and start having fun on all your favourite oldschool tracks. If you HAVEN’T played a MarioKart before, WHAT ARE YOU DOING? It’s 9.5/10 from me.

GamingHeaven / DriverHeaven (95 out of 100)

Mario Kart on the Wii is a resounding success on every level possible. It has a wealth of options to satisfy every gamer and is an extremely strong single player game. The multiplayer side of the game is wonderful with no lag and a huge array of people online to play against, this adds greatly to the longevity and enjoyment of one of the finest racing games to ever hit a console. Last year I was unsure of the future of Nintendo's Wii, but with titles like this available, the long term success is guaranteed. Miss this game at your peril.

Official Nintendo Magazine (94 out of 100)

Despite all our initial fears, Mario Kart Wii is actually one of the most enjoyable racing games we've played and may even be a contender for the title of 'Best Mario Kart Ever'. Almost everything that annoyed us about past Mario Karts has been tweaked or fixed (mushrooms have more oomph and give a much better speed boost, you can turn off all items in multiplayer races to focus on racing and dispel that annoying 'blue shell syndrome', you can now easily throw weapons forward or back by pressing up or down on the D-Pad and so on), and it's fantastic fun. Whether you're a casual gamer or a Mario Kart die-hard, this is a truly essential game, and you'll be playing it for months to come...

Computer Bild Spiele (1.3 out of 6)

Sie sind Anfänger, Fortgeschrittener oder Spielprofi? Prima – „Mario Kart Wii“ gelingt das Kunststück, allen Anforderungsprofilen gerecht zu werden. Ob Sie die Fernbedienung in die mitgelieferte Lenkrad-Schablone einlegen und damit steuern oder mit dem Ministick des Nunchuk – stets haben Sie Ihr Vehikel gut unter Kontrolle. Auch mit einem Gamecube-Controller oder dem Classic-Controller für Wii sind einwandfreie Rundenzeiten möglich. Zahlreiche Strecken, Fahrer, Fahrzeuge und Spielmodi garantieren langfristige Spannung und auch der Online-Modus überzeugt mit tadelloser Technik. Ein ohne Einschränkungen „sehr gutes“ Spiel.

Gameswelt (91 out of 100)

Nintendo verteidigt mit der Wii-Version von ’Mario Kart’ souverän den ersten Platz unter den Funracing-Spielen der aktuellen Konsolengeneration. Dies liegt nicht nur an der mangelnden Konkurrenz, sondern an der hohen Klasse des Wii-Titels. Nintendo ist es gelungen, gleich drei überzeugende Steuerungsvarianten umzusetzen, hat gerade in puncto Umfang vom schwächelnden ’Double Dash’ gelernt und brilliert im Mehrspielermodus ganz so, wie man es von der Racing-Reihe erwartet. Mehr noch, der Online-Modus ist allen Unkenrufen zum Trotz insgesamt sehr gut gelungen und der ’Mario Kart’-Channel motiviert ungemein. Wer keine schwere Rennspielallergie hat und auch mal mit Kumpels losrasen will, kommt an diesem Wii-Spielschmaus somit nicht vorbei.

Gaming Age (A-)

Mario Kart Wii is a great multiplayer experience. It should appeal to anyone who likes games and I have a hunch the Wii Wheel will bridge the gap by inviting new gamers into the fold. The new tracks are fun and the old ones are a joy to play through again with some enhancements. The addition of bikes to the game doesn't really seem to add much and it IS called Mario KART, but more options are always nice I suppose. The game loses a bit of its luster if you're only going to play single player. The DS version at least had some challenge modes to play through for those going solo, but here the emphasis is clearly on partnering with some friends. Mario Kart Wii is the penultimate multiplayer experience on the Wii, and a must-own title for anyone serious about gaming.

Game Shark (A-)

Although the game hasn’t evolved much in the last fifteen years it still tends to fall into the “don’t fix what isn’t broken” category. It’s a fast and fun racing game that is easy enough for beginners to pick up and enjoy while still a challenge for veteran players to master. The addition of online play (other than it’s not so friendly friends system) and the introduction of the Wii’s motion technology add even more oil to what is already a pretty slick offering. Mario Kart Wii is a true family friendly game that can be enjoyed by a huge age range and should be on every Wii owner’s must buy list.

The Video Game Critic (A-)

Maybe Nintendo went overboard in an attempt to distance this game from Double Dash. It's not perfect, but Mario Kart Wii is undeniably fun and has universal appeal.

GameSpy ( )

Some 15 years after Super Mario Kart took the world by storm, we're looking at a rock-solid game that might not have evolved very much, but which still offers excellent gameplay. The offline and online content is extremely entertaining and the pursuit of casual and hardcore karting has never been this much fun. Red shells will fly, turbo boosts will pop and you'll have a lot of fun ruling the roads of Mushroom Kingdom. Ladies and gentlemen, start your engines.

Nintendo Life ( )

It is in that sense that Mario Kart Wii has been polished, has been well thought-out and is brilliant. Nintendo really need to get their arse together and start pushing the technology like they did with Super Mario Galaxy. Poor presentation should not be an issue in this generation of gaming, particularly with the other consoles doing it so well, but, thankfully for us (as Wii owners), this game is a living, breathing example of gameplay over graphics.

Adrenaline Vault, The (AVault) ( )

Mario Kart Wii is a refinement of an efficiently built racer that above all is designed for fun. To that end, it delivers. Mario’s rogue gallery of classic cohorts are all here and fans are bound to find a favorite to race with — be it King Boo, Yoshi or their own Mii. While the single-player campaign is extensive, the limited challenge does render it a bit repetitive after awhile. Fortunately, the robust multiplayer features make this one title that should keep racing laps in your Wii for a long time to come.

ripten (9 out of 10)

I think one of the joys of the series and one which will never tire is the level of side-splitting happiness as you collect the bullet power-up and shoot from last place to first scabbing a win, or the controller smashing infuriation as you get blue shelled inches away from the finish line and come in last. It’s these moments which will keep the Mario Kart series in gaming history forever.

GamePlasma (9 out of 10)

Nintendo should take note of what is possible when you make additions to a series that is desperately in need of renovations. Before Mario Kart Wii, this series had been beaten to death and probably should have made its last appearance on the Gamecube. With the addition of the Wii Wheel, a slew of single player unlockables, and online gameplay, Mario Kart Wii proves why the series has survived for as long as it has. I used to think that motion sensing controls were a gimmick, but the Wii Wheel has proven me wrong and has laid the ground work for a very bright future for racing games on the Wii.

GamersMark (9 out of 10)

With Mario Kart Wii, Nintendo has opened up a whole new way to play their game, and a whole new way to experience the system it’s on. Whether it’s the Wii Wheel or that we can race bikes – both take a backseat to the foundation that Nintendo has laid out ahead for the series online. Yeah you might say Smash Bros Brawl did it first, even Mario kart DS, but Wii Kart does it so much better. We realize this is just a baby step of many for truly realizing Nintendo’s online potential, but it’s one in the right direction. And because of this, Mario Kart is fresher than it’s been in the past 10 years. We can’t wait to see what comes next.

GameLemon (9 out of 10)

If you own a Wii, chances are you're a fan of Nintendo. That said, you probably already love Mario Kart in its various other incarnations. If that's the case, there's really no reason not to get MK Wii. Newcomers to the series will enjoy the great cartoony graphics and catchy music that just always seems to fit (one of the series' strongpoints), and veterans will appreciate the new challenges of unlocking all the characters and mastering the motorcycles. MK Wii is a very solid addition to the franchise.

WiiDSFrance (9 out of 10)

Loin d'être révolutionnaire, Mario Kart Wii reste Mario Kart. Les différentes modifications apportées par un nouveau gameplay et une difficulté revue à la hausse apportent toutefois un nouveau souffle. Le mode online, rêvé de tous, est enfin une réalité et réserve de très nombreuses batailles internationales.

N-Europe (9 out of 10)

Mario Kart Wii is definitely the best title in the series, and I would heartily recommend it to anyone, purely for the awesome Wheel control scheme and the brilliant multi-player modes.

Games TM (9 out of 10)

[Online review] While the lack of voice chat will annoy some, Mario Kart is such a profanity provoker that its exclusion is understandable. It keeps the competition fast, friendly, and fun even if you've been denied a deserved victory by a lightning/red shell one-two punch on the final bend. More importantly, online games feel faster, and more frenzied and chaotic with the full quota of opponents. It's no exaggeration to say that it can seem like the best Mario Kart ever. Quite the turnaround.

Wonderwallweb.com (9 out of 10)

There is a lot to love about Mario Kart, it is still the same fun, cute and addictive game that it has always been and now it has the added bonus of having one of the best online experiences out there, sure there are a few flaws such as the lacklustre offline battle mode and the lack of online match leaderboards, however you will easily forgive this when you realise just how much fun this game really is. This game is a must have experience for anyone who owns a Wii, now pass the Wheel it’s time for another go.

GNT - Generation Nouvelles Technologies (9 out of 10)

Sans doute l'un des meilleurs Mario Kart sur consoles. Le mode multijoueurs en ligne fait toute la différence et vient compléter un plaisir toujours aussi persistant de parcourir les circuits seul ou à deux (ou même à quatre si l'écran le permet). Mario Kart Wii, ce n'est que du bonheur ! Rendez-vous en ligne !

Lawrence (8.9 out of 10)

When you pick up a new Mario Kart title, you know exactly what to expect. A couple minor additions, a bunch of entertaining new tracks, and more of the racing action you've loved for years. This is a series that has been going strong for over 15 years without a bad title in the bunch, and Mario Kart Wii keeps the tradition going as strong as ever.

Gamer.co.il (89 out of 100)

האם זהו המריו קארט הטוב ביותר? בהחלט יכול להיות. קצת חסרו לי כמה מהחידושים שכבר ראינו בגרסה הביתית האחרונה (דאבל דאש!!) וכאן נעלמו כלא היו, אך ריבוי סגנונות המשחק, האתגרים והמסלולים, הופך אותו לכותר שתתקשו להניח מרגע שתכניסו אותו לביתכם. זוהי בוודאי אחת החוויות ה'מלאות' יותר שראינו בסדרה, וקנייה מוצדקת ושווה בהחלט לכל חובבי הז'אנר.

VicioJuegos.com / uVeJuegos.com (89 out of 100)

Y lo mejor de todo, es que, a diferencia de lo que a veces pasa con otros juegos de esta consola, Mario Kart Wii es para todos los públicos. Da igual que seáis jugadores veteranos o que seáis recién llegados a esto de los videojuegos, Mario Kart Wii es un imprescindible en vuestra colección. Y recordad que viene con un Wii Wheel por el mismo precio, ¿qué más se le puede pedir?

IGN UK (8.9 out of 10)

Remember that line-up we did at the start of this review? Well, despite a few minor flaws - most notably the failure that is offline Battle mode - the sheer quality of this latest Mario Kart installment pretty much sits it right alongside the near-faultless SNES original. Despite initial fears, this is proper Mario Kart, and it's Mario Kart done right. It's fast, it's fun and still one of the best party games ever created. Thanks to some seriously well-implemented online options though, it brings so much more to the table than its forebears, most notably in terms of longevity. Really, the most serious drawback is that it's still just Mario Kart - and if that's a formula you hate, you're still not going to change your mind. For everyone else though, it's an essential purchase on Wii and a return to form for Nintendo's console racer.

Computer and Video Games (CVG) (8.8 out of 10)

A really solid Mario Kart with a terrific online setup. There's plenty here to make up for the disappointment of local multiplayer, but it does stop short of magnificence.

Gaming Target (8.8 out of 10)

Mario Kart 64 retains the series’ trophy when it comes to proper weapon balance and ideal track design. No, with or without the Wii Wheel, this latest version doesn’t claim the top spot due to its shaky weapon balancing, mechanics that are irritating and move toward skill-less driving. However, Mario Kart Wii is second on the series’ podium as it rides alongside the N64 version’s tried-and-true track quality, offers the online play that the 64DD never brought around and sports superior graphics that make its 11-year-old counterpart look very dated on today’s big-screen televisions. Silver is still pretty good and, when Nintendo tries again, hopefully it avoids slipping on that metaphorical banana peel to bring us a new Mario Kart that scores a gold trophy and finally replaces Mario Kart 64 on the top podium.

Gamesmania.de (88 out of 100)

Lange mussten Wii Besitzer auf diesen Titel warten, doch am Ende hat es sich definitiv gelohnt. Allein die Steuerung sorgt für grenzenlosen Spiel- und Fahrspaß. Nie war das Spielerlebnis bei einem Mario Kart intensiver. Hinzu kommen die neuen Motorräder, die nicht nur für optische Abwechslung sorgen. Ein Stuntsystem, der hervorragende Onlinemodus und 16 fantasievolle neue Strecken, runden das Spiel mehr als gekonnt ab. Einzelspieler und Grafikfetischisten könnten zwar dennoch auf der Strecke bleiben, alle anderen freuen sich dagegen über eines der besten Wii Spiele bislang. Einsteigen, Gas geben, Spaß haben - das ist Mario Kart!

411mania.com (8.8 out of 10)

Mario Kart Wii is a fantastic addition to the franchise and the Wii Wheel gives it a breath of fresh air. With online matches and a myriad of options, gamers can be sure that there’s more than enough reasons to be playing this game over and over again. If you don’t already own Mario Kart Wii, do yourselves a favor and pick this one up ASAP. See you on the track!

GameZone (8.8 out of 10)

The core Mario Kart gameplay remains basically unchanged, but it’s well executed and slightly enhanced by minor tweaks and a variety of control setups. The online mode is the real star here, however. If you liked playing online with Kart on DS, you will absolutely love playing online on Wii.

Gamigo (8.8 out of 10)

Mario Kart Wii ist für alle Fans von reinen Spaß-Spielen für mehrere Spieler ein richtig gelungenes Spiel, Solospieler hingegen werden schnell das Ende des Spielspaßes erreicht haben. Zwar ist die Grafik nicht der Kracher und ein paar Veränderungen von den alten Versionen zur Wii-Version dürften alte Hasen verärgern, aber für den schnellen Rennspaß mit Freunden zuhause oder im Internet ist es goldrichtig. Denn die Vorteile in Form der neuen Strecken, der gut funktionierenden Wii-Steuerung, dem Online-Multiplayer und dem allgemeinen Spaß Gegner von der Strecken zu fegen überwiegen klar die negativen Punkte. Falls ihr also mit Freunden reine Spaßrennen fahren wollt greift zu!

Purojuegos (8.7 out of 10)

Este modo On-Line mas que necesario era VITAL para esta saga, ya que esta tan pulida la jugabilidad que lo unico que restaba era llevarla al nivel de juego en linea, lo cual habia hecho Nintendo con la version para DS y que falta esa compatibilidad en sobremesa.

Daily Game (8.6 out of 10)

The Wii's enormous "casual" gamer base will eat Mario Kart Wii up with its accessible pick-up-and-play controls. Veterans aren't left out either with online play they've been clamoring for well over a decade. Despite some nagging flaws like the use and defense of items and no voice chat, Mario Kart Wii is one of the better titles available on the console on or offline. That's no surprise because this is a Nintendo first-party property, after all.

Project COE (8.6 out of 10)

So should you import this game? As most of you know, the U.S. version is about a week away. Unless you can obtain a copy plus a Freeloader as soon as possible, then you should wait. Note that the game works perfectly with the Freeloader (as of Wii firmware update 3.2). However, you should be aware of older TVs. There are some conflicts with the PAL version that make your game run slower on outdated TVs. The game shows you a warning message if this is the case. If you have a newer TV/HDTV and component cables, then you’re safe.

3D Juegos (8.6 out of 10)

Mario Kart es siempre sinónimo de diversión y el caso de esta nueva versión para Wii no iba a ser diferente. Además de un nuevo control que imita el funcionamiento de un volante, de un apartado visual mejorado, de nuevos circuitos y de más corredores por parrilla, Nintendo nos da un multijugador online que supone la verdadera novedad de un título al que se le notan las ganas de repetir el éxito de Mario Kart DS. Le han faltado unas décimas para hacerse con la medalla de oro, pero puede estar contento de su buena estrategia de carrera.

4Players.de (86 out of 100)

Mario Kart Wii ist wie jedes Mario Kart vor allem in der Gruppe ein gigantischer Spaß, dem man seine offensichtlichen Macken gerne verzeiht. Das in den letzten Tagen durch die Redaktionsflure und heimischen Wohnzimmer ziehende Quieken und Kreischen ist dafür ein überdeutlicher Beweis.

Gamernode (8.5 out of 10)

It's a toss-up between Mario Kart DS and this game, but I'd have to say Mario Kart Wii is my favorite in the series. I can't say the same for the rest of you but I can say that you will love this game if you even remotely liked the other entries in the series. The track designs are probably the best in the franchise and the online is great. This game comes highly recommended.

Game Informer Magazine (8.5 out of 10)

I feel very strongly that dropping the tag-team racing from Double Dash was an utterly bone-headed decision on Nintendo's part, but you can't fault much of anything else in Mario Kart Wii. This is a great game, single or multiplayer, online or off.

ZTGameDomain (8.5 out of 10)

Last month, Nintendo released the amazing Super Smash Brothers Brawl -- an amazingly deep game aimed to rope in the hardcore gamers that felt ignored by the company's new system. Now, with Mario Kart Wii - the big N releases another Triple-A title, this one that not only caters to a wider range of gamers - but creates the most solid, accessible and fun experience console gaming has seen in some time.

Console Monster (85 out of 100)

Overall, this will appeal to the Nintendo faithful and there is certainly enough here for them not to worry about Nintendo’s commitment to these old franchises. But the real work on Mario Kart Wii has been done making it more attractive to the mass market. The Wii Wheel and the wide open online courses all make it a lot less difficult for first time karters. And to be honest, as long as they keep delivering their A game, who can complain if Nintendo manage to share the fun with a wider audience? Perhaps it’s because I’m a little older now, but I really like the direction Nintendo are taking with this and their other titles. And perhaps more importantly for me, I’ve recently discovered that my kids and my Mrs also like it as well.

IGN Australia (8.5 out of 10)

Will this hamper your fun? Ultimately no – and that’s kind of the bottom line for the whole game. Mario Kart Wii is still a great release. It’s hard to fault the actual mechanics on a gameplay level, since it all works. As it should – it hasn’t had a massive formula or physics change since the N64 version. You’ll still have a grand old time mercilessly bumping Toad off the edge of a tight turn in the Mario Galaxy-inspired, new-version of Rainbow Road. The multiplayer battles provide the same cheap thrills on five new maps, but 4-player grand prix and some critical options are sorely missing. And where’s the emblem designer?

IGN (8.5 out of 10)

Every player is going to have their own love/hate relationship with Mario Kart Wii, but in the end the game does so many things right that it'd be foolish not to give credit where due. Online seriously raises the bar for Nintendo, trumping even Smash in a big, big way. The sense of community you can get even with random racers online and ghost-supported leader boards is impressive, and the fact that you can head on to Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection solo, with a friend via split screen, or hook up with buddies across the world without worry of lag and never-ending disconnect notices makes Mario Kart Wii a pure joy to play online. It isn't the best Mario Kart in the series, but it's a must-play experience on Wii, and standard-setting offering as far as online, channel support, and connectivity are concerned. Now if you'll excuse us, we've got some online stats to obsess over.

Play.tm (85 out of 100)

The package as a whole works well, not because of the packed in wheel, not because of the new content and innovation, but because Nintendo have proved that they understand what it is that makes this series great - the balance between racing and fighting. After submerging the racing beneath a torrent of battling features in Double-Dash, here we see its re-emergence. It may require a little tweaking of settings (as discussed above) but sure enough - the heart of a big boy racing game is still beating beneath it all. Something that has always secretly been the power behind this kiddie styled racer.

Jolt (UK) (8.5 out of 10)

Overall, we’re mighty impressed with Mario Kart Wii. Nintendo have managed to make the Wii-wheel work – something we were very sceptical about – and they’ve managed to bring Mario Kart online play to our TVs. Besides a few niggles with unfair A.I. and some average tracks, this is a valuable addition to the series and one that we would definitely recommend to any racing fan.

DreamStation.cc (8.5 out of 10)

Mario Kart Wii is a hard game to score for me because my son and I have been enjoying it a lot, so I want to give it a 9 or 9.5 out of 10, but because of the lacking multiplayer options and not as polished graphics as other current systems on the market it is hard to give it that high of score. Also, you get 16 new tracks, but the other 16 are remakes of tracks from previous Mario Kart games. The classic tracks are cool, but they give you a little bit of a been there, done that feeling. Mario Kart Wii is a fun game and surprisingly the steering wheel peripheral works really well with it. If you own a Wii and are a Mario Kart or racing game fan, then I recommend getting the game, but I have to give it a little lower score because of some of the things mentioned above that are holding it back.

Atomic Gamer (85 out of 100)

Despite some minor flaws, Nintendo’s latest take on their classic kart racing series is definitely worth checking out. It sticks pretty close to their tried-and-true formula, adding some new touches—motorcycles have also been injected into the frenzied fun—while dropping others (we miss the two-character-kart mayhem from Double Dash), but in the end, it delivers quite a ride. If you’re a longtime fan or recent Wii adopter, this one’s a must-buy, especially for its endlessly entertaining online modes. Oh, and don’t be such a stubborn purist—give the Wii Wheel a fair spin.

GameSpot (8.5 out of 10)

Super Mario Kart may have originated way back in 1992, but 16 years later, Mario Kart Wii proves that the franchise is just as relevant and fun as ever. The all-new stunt system, simplified drifting mechanics, natural motion controls, and expansive online integration all come together in a single package that, despite a few hiccups, is one of the best and most accessible experiences available on the Nintendo Wii.

V2.fi (85 out of 100)

Wii-versionsa myötä Mario Kart pitää edelleen ykköspaikkansa parhaana kart-kisailuna, vaikka niin moni on sitä vuosien varrella koittanutkin pallilta kammeta. Se ei muuta reseptiään, mutta uudet lisämausteet ovat makoisia.

GamersHell.com (8.5 out of 10)

Mario Kart has been around for nearly every Nintendo system, with the Wii’s version acting more like a “Greatest Hits” compilation of past racing glory. There is a lot that is new for the racer, with Wii-specific mechanics and online functionality, but the mix of old and new ensures that a new generation of gamers has a chance to explore what they’ve missed for past decade or so. Tight gameplay and whimsical music create an accessible title that’s fun for die-hard fans and newcomers, but it would have been nice to see a little more change for the kart classic. Mario Kart seems to explore something different with each outing, but let’s just hope it doesn’t take a new piece of hardware to see what’s next for the series.

GBase - The Gamer's Base (8.5 out of 10)

Kurz gesagt, ist Mario Kart auch auf der Wii wieder das ultimative Party-Spiel. Lediglich die Auswahl der Strecken könnte einige Nostalgiker enttäuschen, aber dafür sind die neuen Strecken, die Motorräder und die Steuerung allesamt sehr vielfältig gehalten. Wer regelmässig Freunde zu Besuch hat, sollte ohne zu zögern zugreifen! Auch wenn nur ab und zu Kollegen vorbeischauen, lohnt sich der Kauf, denn der Online-Modus lässt mit herunterladbaren Geistdaten und natürlich beinharter menschlicher Konkurrenz nicht so schnell Langeweile aufkommen. Wer Mario Kart mag, wird auch diesen Teil lieben. Wer der Reihe nie was abgewinnen konnte, wird der Wii-Fassung die gleiche Abneigung entgegenbringen. Mir macht es auf jeden Fall Spass, über die Strecken zu heizen und Freunden Saures zu geben. Der trotz beigelegtem Lenkrad niedrige Preis sollte einen zusätzlichen Kaufanreiz darstellen, zudem lässt sich das Rad auch problemlos für Excite Truck einsetzen.

Game Partisan (8.5 out of 10)

This version of Mario Kart very much feels as if it’s the most complete. That said, it’s by no means the best– though it could have been. I can’t help but feel that Nintendo phoned this version in. You can tell by the cheap, poorly-constructed AI and the uninspired (though still strangely pleasant) graphics. Online is an absolute blast, and it offers some of the most fun I’ve had online. Did I mention you and a guest can play online together? Yeah, that rocks more than 2-player Grand Prix to me. While not one of the best offerings in the Mario Kart series, it surely has the most amount of content, options, vehicles (one of which is a mainstay of another Nintendo property) awesome tracks, and a wide array of characters to choose from. Definitely check this version out, but be warned, if you lack online, bump this score down a point. Yeah, online is that important for the enjoyment of this game.

GamesCollection (8.5 out of 10)

Che dire quindi di questo Mario Kart Wii? Sicuramente è un gioco divertente, longevo quanto basta (soprattutto grazie al multiplayer in locale fino a 4 giocatori e ancora di più online, dove diventa molto, molto longevo...), tecnicamente ben fatto e immediato, qualunque sia il vostro sistema di controllo preferito. Qualche difetto c'è, come la solita IA fin troppo abitudinaria (o a volte fin troppo bast...!), la non eccessiva fantasiosità di tutti i circuiti (anzi, ce n'è proprio qualcuno fatto tanto per fare numero...), ma resta comunque un gioco da avere per tutti i possessori di Wii.. e robabilmente il miglior gioco di guida al momento disponibile sulla bianca console Nintendo.

NintendoWorldReport (8.5 out of 10)

By paying specific attention to crafting and balancing the one-player and local multiplayer modes as separate experiences, the series could have moved closer to becoming a truly great game for everyone. Instead, we simply have a very effective new way to plunder the age-old joys (and frustrations) of Mario Kart, so long-time fans of the series will have a blast if they are setup for online play. Newcomers are likely to love discovering its craziness for the first time.

TTGamer (8.5 out of 10)

Mario Kart Wii is a game which doesn't do all that much new but it didn’t really have to, as it remains as one of the best and most enjoyable games around still. It is a game which fans of the series will lap up and even though those who didn't like the series probably won’t change their minds after this one, we think all Wii gamers should at least try it out, especially online.

Da Gameboyz (8.5 out of 10)

Mario Kart for the Wii continues the legacy that it started 16 years ago. This latest incarnation introduces some new gameplay mechanics such as a stunt system, a more simplified drifting mechanic, motion sensitive controls and some great online features including 12 player online racing. Nintendo has definitely brought Mario Kart into the world of the masses, and it is something that fits right into the overall scheme of the Wii. When everything is taken together Mario Kart is definitely another must buy game for Nintendo’s innovative system.

Kombo.com (8.5 out of 10)

There are some problems here -- the removal of fully manual power sliding, rubber band AI, overpowered items, no voice chat, overall slowness -- but they're forgivable, for the most part. If you can get over them, Mario Kart is a truly great multiplayer Wii title. And, best of all, it's the best online experience to be had on Nintendo's home console.

GameTrailers (8.4 out of 10)

Generally, video game franchises move forward with each successive release. In this case, Mario Kart for the Wii has taken a few steps forward, and one huge step back. This is the first case of Nintendo not finding a happy medium between accessibility and servicing hardcore players. Yet if you get a group of people together on a Saturday night to play you'll be the only one complaining. While the competitive spirit may be quelled, there's no denying that the foundation here is solid, and the addition of bikes, tricks, and online play are all positives that no one can deny.

GamingExcellence (8.4 out of 10)

In the end, I’d have to give Nintendo a big pat on the back for this one. They contended with a multitude of controller issues (too many of them and what to do with them all), got a firm grasp on online play, and even managed to make this edition of Mario Kart a game I’m proud to have on my shelf, which is more than I can say about that little plastic wheel.

PC Action (Germany) (2 out of 7)

Wenn eine Bananenschale auf der Strecke liegt , wusste man früher, man ist im Westen. In der virtuellen Welt ist das auch heute noch ein untrügerisches Indiz für ein Mario Kart-Spiel auf Konsole. In der gerade veröffentlichten Wii-Episode heizen Sie wie eh und je im Kreis herum. Die 16 neuen und 16 aus den Vorgängern übernommenen Strecken bieten genug Platz für Abkürzungen, Drifts und fiese Schadenfreude-Aktionen mit Extras wie Schrumpfblitzen. Viel Neues ist Nintendo zwar nicht eingefallen, aber die alte Spielfreude macht sich gerade mit mehreren Mitspielern (online oder vier Spieler per geteilten Bildschirm) schnell wieder breit. Das Spiel funktioniert übrigens auch ohne das beiliegende Lenkrad einwandfrei.

UGO (UnderGroundOnline) (B+)

When all is said and done, though, Mario Kart Wii is still a lot of fun to play. It's without a doubt the strongest Mario Kart game out there, even if it does lack some of the depth for the more hardcore gamers.

GameCola.net (8.3 out of 10)

So overall this game is great, A game that you should buy. Now make your comments positive Or else you’ll make me cry.

Game Revolution (B+)

First and foremost, almost everybody can relax. Mario Kart Wii is more or less the game you’ve come to know and love for... what is it, six platforms now, including the handhelds?... well, for a long time, for damn sure. They’ve changed some aspects all right, but almost all of it works well. They’ve opened the experience to a broader skill-range of gamers (without screwing anything up too badly), and the online play is so good that the game could probably stand on its own on that alone, even if it didn’t offer a decent single-player game—which it has. And you don’t have to use the Wii-mote or Wii-wheel shell control scheme if you don’t really want to. So breathe.

1UP (B+)

If you thought the aroma wafting from Smash Bros.' warmed-over Wii appearance seemed stale, try a whiff of Mario Kart Wii -- it's so predictable that it's practically vintage. But don't think for a second that this latest iteration isn't still a stellar kart racer -- even after over 15 years of facing contenders to the karting throne, nobody does it better than Nintendo -- but series vets need to prepare for regression. While 2003's Mario Kart: Double Dash!! (GameCube) took daring risks with the formula by adding two-man vehicles, character-specific power-ups, and co-op play, this sequel regrettably jettisons all of those enhancements. Now, it's clear that those radical innovations weren't all popular among the vast legion of Mario Kart players, but they added tremendous depth and facilitated high-level gameplay for those who wanted it.

Gamezoom (82 out of 100)

Mario Kart hat es geschafft die hohen Erwartungen voll zu erfüllen. Umfang, Spielspaß, Streckenauswahl - all das stimmt voll und ganz. Besonders im Multiplayer-Modus entfaltet der Titel dabei ein ungeahntes Spaß-Potential. Dazu kommt, dass die Steuerung mit dem mitgelieferten Lenkrad wirklich 100%ig funktioniert und ein gutes Renngefühl vermittelt. Mario Karte ist definitiv der beste Renntitel auf der Wii und darüber hinaus eines der beste Spiele, die Nintendo bisher für die Wii abgeliefert hat.

EmpireOnline.com ( )

Long-time fans will be frustrated that the distribution of weapons still seems unfair, and that the battle mode no longer allows free-for-all skirmishes. But as a cartoon racer that never takes itself too seriously, MK is an undisputed classic.

Pelaajalehti (8 out of 10)

Sarjan osien laatuvertailussa Mario Kart Wii rynnii alkuperäisen SNES-version rinnalle. Sen ainoat huonot puolet ovat klassikkoratojen vaihteleva taso, muiden ohjaustapojen varjoon jäävä Wii-ohjaus ja hieman väsynyt yksinpeli. Kaikki muu on kunnossa. Tarkka ohjaus ja laitteen mittapuulla loistava graafinen ulkoasu ovat kivoja juttuja, mutta tärkeintä on puhdas hauskuus, jota peli tarjoaa. Loistavasti toteutettu nettipeli on upea lisä ja tekee pelistä yhden Wiin harvoista kunnollisista verkkopeleistä. Parhaimmillaan Mario Kart Wii on hyvässä seurassa, saman laitteen ääressä ja parin kaljan kera. Se on Wiin bilepelien kiistaton kunkku. Langattomien ohjainten riittävyys kannattaa tosin varmistaa, sillä muuten voi tulla ruumiita tai tarpeettomia laitevahinkoja.

Game Tap (8 out of 10)

When it comes to motor vehicles, the Japanese know how to put together a dependable set of wheels. For cars it's Toyota, for karts it's Nintendo. Mario Kart Wii doesn't stray far from the beaten track, but it has enough going to dazzle first-time MK drivers and a few new upgrades to challenge the long-time Karters, too.

Nintendojo (8 out of 10)

Mario Kart has always been a tough game to review. Ask any number of Nintendo fanatics what their favourite shell-throwing racer in the series is and you’ll receive a multitude of varied answers. Indeed, all five previous versions of Mario Kart (six, if you include the arcade edition) has its own dedicated fan base. This is because Mario Kart is a franchise built on memories. We can all recall that fist-clenching moment when we defeated our best mate at the finish line with a well-timed green shell. But this memory doesn’t necessarily come from the same game. Your favourite Mario Kart isn’t the one with the best tracks or the best controls, it is the one you and your mates had the most fun with, and that could be any of them. Which is a good thing if you’re Mario Kart Wii, because if it were down to track design, graphics, physics and control, this game might struggle-- a bit.

PAL Gaming Network (PALGN) (8 out of 10)

Mario Kart Wii isn't a simple update. Nintendo have added new characters, new tracks, a new bundled in peripheral, as well as a new vehicle type (motorcycles) and online play. Even with all these changes, the core extremely fun gameplay of the Mario Kart series has been retained, meaning anyone who liked the previous games should have no hesitation in picking up Mario Kart Wii.

Boomtown (8 out of 10)

Well, there’s no doubt about it, Nintendo have done exactly what they said they would, taken an old classic, and updated it without it losing its roots. Yes, this is Mario Kart, may be not at the top of its game, but it is most definitely Mario Kart, and that’s what you wanted to know wasn’t it? You just wanted to know if it had the necessary to deserve the name of such a venerable franchise, and trust me, if you like Mario Kart, you will not be disappointed, it may have it’s faults, but it more than makes up for them in other areas.

videogamer.com (8 out of 10)

Mario Kart Wii is an excellent return to form for the series and tremendous fun when played with friends in split-screen or online. The often infuriating Grand Prix mode is likely to polarise gamers though, with some loving the unpredictability of it while others will simply give up after being taken down at the last minute by yet another Spiny Blue Shell. Other than online play, which to be honest isn't anything over and above what the majority of racing games include these days, Mario Kart Wii is pretty much more of the same fun gameplay, with the addition of a brilliant wheel that will do wonders to encourage newcomers to give the game a try.

Thunderbolt Games (8 out of 10)

As a Wii owner, we've got the definitive racing game on the console. For everyone else, it's another excuse to get drunk with your mates, which is no bad thing.

DarkZero (8 out of 10)

When all is said and done the sheer fun factor that emanates from all Mario Kart games is alive and well in this iteration. If you’re intent upon buying it for some solid multiplayer action (on or offline), then you will not be disappointed. However, it should be noted that those pinning their hopes on just single player exploits may grow tired quicker than first expected. However, you can always fall back to having fun with time trial if you want to focus on some solitary MK action.

Eurogamer.net (UK) (8 out of 10)

Ultimately, the sheer sensory pleasure of playing Mario Kart Wii - from the charming animations, to the bopping tunes, to the sugar-rush boosting, to the exquisite steering - far overcomes the few concerns we have about it. It still has to be docked a mark for the awkward structure and compromised battle modes - but it's still unreservedly recommended to anyone for whom Mario Kart is a gaming cornerstone. And really, that should be everyone.

Factornews (8 out of 10)

Avec Mario Kart Wii, la série ne fait pas un bond énorme en avant. On a même l'impression de stagner au niveau des graphismes. Mais les quelques nouveautés suffisent à relancer la machine et on tombe rapidement dans un piège délicieusement concocté par les équipes de Big N. Beaucoup plus accessible qu'un Super Smash Bros Brawl et bien moins frustrant qu'un Mario Party 8, ce sera probablement le jeu que vous ressortirez lors des soirées Wii. Et si personnes ne veut jouer avec vous, il y a plein de monde sur le net qui vous attend pour des parties en ligne démentielles.

Video Game Talk ( )

There's a lot to love about the Mario Kart franchise and the Wii version embodies just about every one of those ideals. It's a straightforward and fun racer that's easily accessible to many people, the power ups are crazy and add an insane element to the fight, and it features some of Nintendo's most beloved characters duking it out on a race track. Unfortunately the franchise is starting to show signs of aging with dialed down control mechanics and playfield leveling items. If you're a MK junkie then you're going to want to pick this up for the multiplayer and online components. All around this is a good release but it's not quite as strong as it could have been. Nintendo needs to take some chances with Mario Kart if they want it to keep from getting stale. This game gets a high recommendation for the multiplayer aspect but if you're in a position where you're going to be exploring single player consider this merely recommended.

Deeko (8 out of 10)

I still had a lot of fun, and I'm sure I'll be playing this game a lot in the coming weeks. But I can't help but wonder how much more fun I could be having if there had only been a few more changes, a few more choices, and a few better design decisions. But hey, this is just one man's opinion; buy the game and make up your own damn mind!

Cubed3 (8 out of 10)

The whole package is well presented. It feels like a racing game, and has the same core design values as the Wii branded-software: large, accessible menus, clean backgrounds and a very polished look. The game’s visuals and design is perhaps not the most impressive on the console, yet it does stand as one of the better looking games to own. Characters and courses have a nicely-rendered refreshing look, and combined with some fine attention to background detail gives a light-hearted and enjoyable vibe to the experience.

Gameplanet (8 out of 10)

Overall this game has some interesting new concepts and is a welcome addition to the Wii console. Race game enthusiasts may be disappointed in the luck aspects of winning, but it's certainly fun to play. Especially with friends.

GameDaily (8 out of 10)

Mario Kart Wii's not perfect, but is still a must-buy game, if only for the online component. The Mario Kart Channel and smooth-running online play will have you hooked for hours, days and even weeks at a time. The addition of a trick system and motorbikes should keep you glued to your system as well. Sure, the design could've been more inspired, and the game might have steered into "9" territory with less use of power-ups. Nevertheless, this Kart is still a mean machine that gamers of all ages will enjoy. See you on the racetrack.

GamingEvolution (8 out of 10)

After 15 years, and I say this with all honesty, Mario Kart is still fun as ever. Although the game feels like it was given the “casual party game” treatment, the addition of online play, new motorbikes and a new trick system make it so much more than that. Experienced Mario Kart vets and new players to the series will both be in awe of how much fun this game really is. Mario Kart Wii is a must have for any Wii owner and one of the most enjoyable racing games to come out this year.

HonestGamers (Staff reviews only) (8 out of 10)

If someone asked for a quick show of hands, then asked who likes the blue, spiked shells, the number of raised palms would be understandably low. It's a pity that sort of stuff tarnishes this otherwise fantastic game!

Gemakei (formerly Zentendo) (8 out of 10)

Mario Kart Wii features an impressive online experience, but falls a bit short in the offline content. The alteration of power sliding and the lack of a mission mode or anything new other than rather gimmicky tricks and bikes pushed the series backwards rather than forward. Otherwise, the game has a really solid presentation and provides an experience that will be enjoyed by almost any gamer.

Gamervision (8 out of 10)

Despite Mario Kart Wii’s shortcomings, it’s an incredibly fun game that just about every Wii owner should have. Between the local and online multiplayer, as well as the plethora of single-player challenges available, this is the kind of game that has a ton of replay value. No, it’s not an overhaul, but it is an extremely solid entry in the series that lives up to the Mario Kart name.

InsideGamer (8 out of 10)

Helaas is beheersing niet alles, want de balans in voorwerpen is ditmaal volledig zoek. Dat de achterliggers de sterke voorwerpen krijgen en de koplopers de meest nutteloze is inmiddels wel Mario Kart eigen, maar het slaat soms veel te ver door. Drie keer achter elkaar door de lucht worden geslingerd door een irritant blauw schild is gewoon te gek voor worden. Nintendo mag in dit geval wel eens wat meer innoveren, want in de huidige vorm voelt winnen door voorwerpen meer als valsspelen dan als kunde. Dit alles neemt niet weg dat Mario Kart Wii een enorm verslavende titel is geworden, en zeker in de multiplayer zijn mannetje staat.

Nintendo Spin (8 out of 10)

Mario Kart Wii is not the best of the Mario Karts. That title goes to Mario Kart DS. So if you already own the handheld version, there's really no reason to invest another $50 in this franchise. But that's not to say this one is bad and should be avoided. Mario Kart Wii is still plenty fun. It screws with some fundamentals of the series, like power sliding and battle mode, but it also offers a great selection of courses and karts and one of the best online modes available from Nintendo. If you need a lighthearted console racer to play with friends, locally or online, this is a safe choice.

The Review Busters (8 out of 10)

I think if Mario Kart Wii came out sooner I’d enjoy it a whole lot better. The game feels a little out dated and the item ratio is the worst the series has ever seen. Nintendo went all out and made this Mario Kart accessible to casual gamers; us hardcore gamers will be upset with the finished product here. No matter what this is a new Mario Kart so you are better off picking it up.

Gamereactor (Sweden) (8 out of 10)

Trots vissa brister lyckas Mario Kart Wii med att ta franchisen ett steg framåt. Som partyspel är det utmärkt underhållning och hardcore-spelaren som vill putsa tiondelar kan vänta sig nästan oändlig hållbarhet. Så rappa på. Ett högoktanigt pastellkaos väntar på dig.

Meristation (8 out of 10)

Mario Kart Wii es un gran juego, frenético como pocos, sobre todo con amigos. Sin embargo, esto es más herencia de la propia franquicia que gracias a las aportaciones de esta entrega. Las novedades, como las motos o las piruetas, son interesantes y varían en parte lo que habitualmente se hacía conduciendo en sus predecesores, al tener que buscar rampas o tratar de hacer caballitos, pero nada importante. Mario Kart Double Dash podía gustar o no, pero al menos se arriesgaron a ir más allá, el llevar dos pilotos afectaba a multitud de factores en individual y en multijugador, como el hecho de poder transportar dos objetos o que uno podía encargarse de conducir mientras otro lanzaba los ataques, todo ello sin olvidar los items especiales o algunos de los mejores circuitos que ha conocido esta serie. El juego que ocupa este análisis es sumamente conservador.

Nintendo Master (8 out of 10)

Malgré l'absence d'évolution graphique, le mode bataille un peu bâclé et des circuits rétro pas très intéressants, ce Mario Kart est bel et bien le plus fun, le plus convivial, tout en ayant un pilotage pointilleux, de nouveaux circuits ingénieux, la présence de moto qui apporte un peu de fraîcheur, la maniabilité au volant qui est un vrai plus et le wifi qui décuple tout ça. Un must que chacun se doit de posséder, sauf ceux qui n'aiment pas passer de bons moments.

Gameblog.fr (8 out of 10)

En ce sens, l'apport du mode en ligne est une véritable aubaine, puisqu'il peut vous combler même dans vos moments de solitude. Mine de rien, le Wii Wheel apporte lui aussi un peu de fun et de convivialité supplémentaires. Le gameplay, enfin, est plus que jamais ouvert à tous, notamment grâce aux modes "automatique" (qui gère les dérapages à votre place) et "manuel" (qui permet d'en obtenir des boost), mais aussi grâce à l'arrivée des motos, dont le pilotage est bien différent et plus technique. On avale difficilement la pilule de ce massacre du mode Battle, ainsi que la rigidité, voire la pauvreté, du mode online... mais au final qu'est-ce qu'on s'éclate ! Le meilleur jeu multi sur Wii, assurément.

The Next Level (USA) ( )

In spite of a few valid criticisms, Mario Kart Wii is a ton of fun, albeit being the same experience as always wrapped in a different package. Nintendo should start evaluating the direction of the franchise to take a fresh new approach if they expect to draw in even more casual players (while keeping the hardcore fanbase satisfied). Though it's hard to fault Nintendo too much for running with a longtime successful formula, it's only a matter of time before they realize reinventing the wheel may be the only thing that's going to keep the franchise going strong.

Nintendo-Online.de (8 out of 10)

Wie immer ein gelungener Vertreter der Mario Kart-Reihe, wenn auch leider nicht die perfekte Perle. Dazu sind im Multiplayer-Segment zu wenig Optionen verfügbar und zu komische Beschränkungen getroffen worden. Der Online-Modus hat bei den Konsolen endlich Einzug gehalten und ist auch direkt gelungen. Hier hat man jede Menge Spaß und ist wirklich zu keiner Uhrzeit alleine unterwegs. Auch die neuen Items haben sich gut in das Spielprinzip eingefügt und könnten durchaus in späteren Versionen wiederzufinden sein.

AusGamers (7.8 out of 10)

This is definitely the best on offer in the home-console department, but it's still not even close to being as good as the DS version. In all seriousness, I would rather Nintendo release the original Mario Kart through Virtual Console updated with online play, or better yet, a converted DS version as part of the new Wii Ware channel. Mario Kart Wii is still a fun game to own, but it's a long way off from being the ultimate Mario Kart experience.

FileFactory Games / Gameworld Network (78 out of 100)

It's clear that after 16 years across seven systems, the Mario Kart series is starting to become a little too vintage. The overpowered items and more forgiving battle mode might make Mario Kart Wii more accessible to beginners, but it punishes series vets who rightfully deserve to show their mad driving skills to the world. Still, despite the simplified, almost random racing and recycled courses, the game is nearly exonerated by its online mode. Between leaderboards, sharing ghost data and engaging in 12-player races from people all over the world, it's simply a blast (voicehat or not). Despite showing its age, there's still nobody that does kart racing better than Mario Kart. At least for now.

Netjak (7.7 out of 10)

Mario Kart Wii is fairly fun, although I do have to wonder how much play it will get in single-player mode. In multiplayer, you just have a blast with your friends. Online, you can have smooth games at will. But against the computer, you'll swear that Torquemada and not Miyamoto was responsible for this. Half the time, it feels like you win based on luck and not skill, and that's really a bad way to go through a game. Mario Kart Wii is fun, but that's tempered with the sheer frustration from the AI. This will undoubtedly be yet another Wii success, but I can't help but think this would be a blockbuster if only the series as a whole didn't feel like a practice in sadism.

Worth Playing (7.5 out of 10)

At its core, Mario Kart Wii is a simple, accessible title that lends itself to fun-filled evenings with friends on the couch or online games with racers halfway around the world. Sadly, the unfair single-player mode and lack of any real innovation means that playing alone is little more than an exercise in frustration. Just like Super Smash Bros: Brawl, this is a must-own for party gamers, but just about everyone else should give it a try before buying.

Armchair Empire, The (7.5 out of 10)

In the end, Mario Kart Wii aims for a high level of fun and depending on how new you are to the franchise; it actually manages to do that. There’s plenty of room for improvement though. It’s just unfortunate that if Nintendo maintains its tradition surrounding its flagship titles (aside from Mario Party), this is the only Mario Kart game we’ll see on the Wii.

Gamer 2.0 (7.3 out of 10)

With Mario Kart being the epitome of racing franchises for many years, it is sad to see how little the game changes its dry formula and actually takes several leisurely steps at addressing failing issues. The use of super-powerful items is abnormally constant throughout the game, and the AI’s ability to regain the lead after being lapped is a huge downfall in terms of playability. The multiplayer modes are still the best bang for your buck, offering nonstop racing action and battles, but the lack of a sophisticated single player mode leaves this Mario Kart title stuck in the pits.

CanardPC (7 out of 10)

Certains pourront regretter le manque de compétition sérieuse et une certaine facilité, de nombreux autres ne supporteront pas le manque de fluidité dans les parties en split-screen à 4 joueurs. Pourtant, Mario Kart Wii reste un gentil divertissement, surtout entre potes. Mon copain hardcore gamer déteste, mais un jeu dans lequel on peut sans problème mettre sa défaite sur le dos de la tricherie éhontée de l'adversaire mérite quand même qu'on s'y attarde, n'est-ce pas ?

Hooked Gamers (7 out of 10)

Mario Kart has always been a great game to have around others and not much has changed here – for better or for worse. The item balance issues are more blatantly annoying than ever before and it is a bit thin on the offline options, but it’s still an accessible and fun racer anyone can have a good time with. It is definitely Nintendo’s finest example of online play thus far, and while the core crowd will be vexed by some of the sacrifices it is still recommended to anyone looking for a good party game.

Blend Games ( )

As you can see, I have mixed feelings about the game, which was never a problem I’ve ever had with any of the other Mario Kart titles in the series. Ever. But I guess that’s just because I expect greatness from it, and for the first time in the history of the series, that greatness has been slightly sullied. Don’t get me wrong, though, definitely buy this game (Like you haven’t already), but heed these words—Mario Kart Wii is good, but not great. The sooner you get that through your lemon-colored cranium, the sooner you can get to start having fun with this flawed, albeit fun, little racer that could.

Giant Bomb ( )

Mario Kart Wii is a good game stunted by its audience's apparently insatiable appetite for the exact same thing, over and over again. The addition of online play and motion controls are good, but they're also the most predictable choices possible. Personally, I'm completely tired of getting exactly what I expect.

Games TM (6 out of 10)

Our disappointment with Mario Kart Wii stems only from our comparative joy at the games that preceded it. It might seem like the most complete Mario Kart experience yet, but in reaching for a wider audience, Nintendo may have lost sight of what made the series great in the first place.

Game Chronicles (4.2 out of 10)

Mario Kart boils down to a whole lot of luck and very little skill. You have no choice when it comes to items. It’s all random. Why not have a mini-game where you try to click on the item you want as they scroll by? And any skill you might have at actual racing can be totally vanquished by a last-minute blue shell on lap 3. I play games to have fun, but I didn’t have fun, or at least enough fun, to recommend this game to any but the most die-hard Mario Kart fans, and you already have the game, so casual gamers…consider yourself warned.