Pixelbox

Last Friday I got my hands on Mario Kart Wii, the latest incarnation of the Mario Kart series!

During my University days Mario Kart was a staple diet for gaming nights, especially with the more casual gamers. In a strange road map from Nintendo they only release the game once per console (rather than every 6 months, like EA), so the anticipation was high.

Classic Kart involves close games, with Nintendo doing everything in their power to favour the person in last place, often leading to, “jokes wins” but whilst keeping everyone happy, or at least feeling involved.

The Wii version is no exception. However it comes bundled with a plastic steering wheel you plug your WiiMote into, which to be honest is crap! So first thing you need to do is get a few nunchucks, or Game Cube controllers. The new version adds a few new power ups, some updated courses and all new locations, but most importantly the addition of tricks. Tricks involve jerking the WiiMote (or using the d-pad on the classic controllers), the result is a small speed boost, such as those you receive from drifting.

A major new feature is the on-line mode. This has been the first time I have use the Wii on-line, and have to say it’s great. Being free to use, I seem to know a lot more friends on my Wii that XBL. Adding friends is a bit of a mission, but playing them is great, and seeing all the Miis and locations of the people you are playing is really interesting. So if you fancy a game, drop me your Wii address!