Mario Kart 8 (Wii U) Preview

Praised as one of the better looking, "true" high-definition efforts from Nintendo, Mario Kart 8 looks just as stunning in the flesh than in trailers and videos. Nintendo have taken quite a different approach in the visual style, a twinge bit more realism and more natural texture work than in Mario Kart Wii and Mario Kart 7 on the 3DS. Instead of shallow, fairly enclosed environments, we've got vast arenas to race in, decorated with bustling trees, intricate background details; a far bigger sense of scale and majesty compared to the past entries.
Despite the added detail, the Nintendo charm is still very much apparent. We aren't zipping about barren, lifeless detailed worlds, but unique environments littered with Mushroom Kingdom characters, enemies and subtle throwbacks to past Mario Kart and Super Mario Bros. titles, it's a remarkable leap in both art-style and the general look and feel, yet keeping series staples to retain what fans know and have loved about the series for decades.

The leap to high definition has really made its mark though the design, but also in the gorgeous lighting, shadows and of course a solid 60fps. For most, framerate isn't really a concern as long as the game itself is playable, but for racers like Mario Kart, a smooth and consistent framerate is desirable and the Wii U version certainly doesn't disappoint so far. Even in two player local split-screen the action remained and pushed a solid 60fps without any apparent dip in performance.

It certainly looks the part, but what about the actual gameplay and vehicle handling? With any new entry in an established franchise there's always a concern that there might be too many tweaks that veer the new game well off course, but fortunately Mario Kart 8 is still very much in the hands of the folk who continue to fine tune the concept like a well-oiled vintage car. Taking both karts and bikes for a spin, Mario Kart 8 feels very much like the balance set in Mario Kart Wii, leaning more to the Wii edition than 3DS in physics/weight. As a result, both vehicle types feel tight and instantly familiar. The game can be played with traditional/analogue control, Wii Wheel, GamePad motion control and the remote/Nunchuck combination for a wide number of playstyles - from the traditional player to those who hopped on-board during the Wii era. The two wheelers also seem to have been tweaked ever so slightly to establish a stronger balance between kart and bike, with wheelies seeming to disappear, at least from the demo. Tricks on ramps however, together with the glider ability introduced in Mario Kart 7 are still very much there in full force for those who know just when to use it.

Mechanic wise, this time round the new slice of innovation is the anti-gravity segments, some of which were included in the E3 demo played. It's not on demand, so like the gliding sections or tricks are limited to certain sections of the track design that seem to be as optional shortcuts or at times, obligatory to the track's concepts. It sounds like a foreign idea to Mario Kart, but as with bikes and underwater sections, anti-gravity does have a place in the race, adding a shift in perspective. There may be a concern that sticking onto the ceiling or caressing the walls could disrupt the traditionally on-ground experience with awkward handling, but these sections certainly work for the most part; maintaining both traction and speed, adding a new dimension without drastically reinventing what's worked for years.

The E3 demo featured three distinctive tracks - the first was what should be the traditional Mario Circuit, but ventured off into showcasing the stunning gravity twists and turns on the track. After setting the scene, players were invited into a tropical/port setting, a bustling cultural hub with trams, warm lighting and even a mini-market thrown in for good measure. This untitled circuit was the perfect showcase for the various different routes Mario Kart 8 appears to be working towards, branching off in places, micro but sharp shortcuts in others. Finally, the demo grand prix ended in the spectacular Boo Mansion, where a portion involved clinging onto walls to avoid colliding with a Boo banquet and eerie lighting to bring this scary setting to life.

What also appears tuned in the demo so far is the game's AI, with the "rubber banding" effect appearing to be reduced in favour of the person in front, with more useful items being granted to those leading the pack as well. The balancing items towards the lower end of the race weren't shown or available in this demo, however Nintendo did confirm that these are being ironed out for the eventual release next year.