Nintendo rarely rests on past successes. While they could have easily made Mario Kart World similar to the highly successful Mario Kart 8, their approach is different. Innovation is key, which is why Mario Kart World stands apart from previous titles – a notable achievement for the ninth game in a franchise.
The traditional Grand Prix mode is significantly altered. Players complete the first course with standard three-lap races. However, from the second race onward, they must navigate the open world to find the next track, then race only a single lap on it. While still enjoyable, this mode loses some of its charm by requiring players to drive mostly long, straight, and wide roads between tracks. Fans of the series might have preferred the classic three-lap structure.
Conversely, this new format excels in the Knockout Tour Mode. This mode involves one extended race split into six legs. At each checkpoint, the four racers in the last positions (out of an expanded 24-player roster) are eliminated, continuing until only four remain to vie for victory.
While the new structure somewhat detracts from Grand Prix, it`s perfectly suited for Knockout Tour. The increased player count intensifies the chaos, especially when caught in the dense middle pack where items fly everywhere. This fills the wide roads between tracks with exciting moments centered on battling for survival, unlike Grand Prix where everyone focuses on leading.
Complementing the new world design are fresh racing mechanics: wall-riding and rail-grinding. Both contribute to the chaotic fun. Rails are frequently placed on tracks, demanding strategic thought; grinding around an outer corner isn`t always faster than drifting inside, but rails offer boosts and allow jumps between them, inaccessible to those on the ground.
Wall-riding is initiated by holding the drift button without directional input. It requires a brief charge-up time, necessitating planning. Once launched, your kart adheres to almost any wall, even unexpected surfaces like the side of NPC trucks. This maneuver also grants a short boost, rewarding risky plays. Furthermore, track layouts are designed so skilled players can use almost any wall as a shortcut.
Track design is arguably the best in the series, making the single-lap races in Grand Prix a regrettable choice. Returning tracks are masterfully adapted to the new mechanics, and the original courses are brilliantly conceived. Tracks like Acorn Heights fully utilize the new concepts for thrilling races, while others like Bowser`s Castle and Rainbow Road embrace the visual spectacle of the game`s high-energy, vibrant aesthetic, which almost makes you forget the tight turns you`ll be expertly drifting through at breakneck speeds.
Cumulatively, these elements elevate the core racing experience. This is why the Free Roam mode is disappointing by comparison. Anticipation was high for this mode, allowing exploration of the open world and tracks, complete with collectibles and challenges. However, it ultimately doesn`t justify the time investment.
There`s little to engage with besides aimlessly driving around a world already fully familiar to players who have finished the Grand Prix Cups. The secrets aren`t particularly exciting either. Mirror Mode is the main unlockable, obtained after finding just ten of over 100 secrets, offering no real incentive to pursue the rest.
Free Roam remains a minor feature. While Grand Prix has lost some of its original appeal, players will still find immense enjoyment racing throughout the game`s world. The new mechanics and modes are successful additions that help the game stand out, a hallmark of Nintendo`s innovation. Mario Kart 8 is still available on the Switch 2 for those who prefer its style, but Mario Kart World offers a unique experience and, despite a couple of missteps, is a significant success.
Finley Holt 
Callum Darby