Mario Kart World Reviews
Mario Kart World offers neat twists on the classic Mario Kart formula, but its open-world ambitions are somewhat let down by some classic Nintendo quirkiness.
Free Roam is a major disappointment, but Mario Kart World is still an excellent game that helps justify purchasing a Nintendo Switch 2. It's the console's day-one killer app backed by an incredible soundtrack, well-rounded roster of characters, and addictive gameplay.
A hallmark of excellence. There may be flaws, but they are negligible and won't cause massive damage. The classic Mario Kart experience has been enhanced by Nintendo Switch 2's hardware, Knockout Tour mode, and an open world to explore. This may be the best game in the franchise.
Mario Kart World takes that big and bold step into a different style of racing. A big open world, bigger lobbies, and a Battle Royale style multiplayer mode add up to a Mario Kart that is both familiar and refreshingly new. It's not as tightly tuned as Mario Kart 8 was, but this is still a lot of fun, and essential for the Nintendo Switch 2.
Mario Kart World delivers fine-tuned racing, strong multiplayer potential, and a bevy of unlockables that keep every session rewarding. But its tacked on exploration component, one that tries too hard to force long-term success, is a reminder that even a driver with a tremendous lead on the competition still isn’t safe from a dreaded blue shell.
Mario Kart World is a visually stunning and exhilarating racer that delivers substantial innovations and some of the best gameplay mechanics the series has ever seen. The massive 24-player races justify the $80 price tag, even if it causes initial sticker shock. While held back by restrictive customization options, limited Battle Mode offerings, awkward online experiences when playing with friends, and an unintuitive character selection interface, the game still manages to deliver plenty of excitement and charm. Despite these notable caveats, Mario Kart World remains a must-buy title alongside the new system.
Mario Kart World is a must-have title for the Nintendo Switch 2 that showcases this new console well and, more importantly, delivers an addictive and engaging Mario Kart experience. It's jam-packed with gameplay modes and boasts flawless game mechanics that not only play well but also look spectacular on the Switch 2.
Overall it’s solid, fun, innovative, just not what I would want as the definitive Mario Kart experience, nor do I feel it tops what has long been considered the definitive Mario Kart experience for some time. But this is certainly a fresh take on the franchise that’s keeping things new and fun, and I’m having a blast with it.
Mario Kart World revolutionizes the series with a new Free Play mode, a visually spectacular open world, and breathtaking new game modes. Whether it's the ultimate Mario Kart, only time will tell.
Review in Spanish | Read full review
Mario Kart World shines as a sprawling sequel that deftly expands and develops on the aspects that made Mario Kart 8 Deluxe a long-term success. It’s a fun and rewarding kart racing experience that’s easy to pick up, but offers enough depth to satisfy hardcore fans.
Against all odds, Mario Kart World more than lived up to the hype surrounding its launch. This is easily the best Mario Kart game to come out in years and it shows off the brand new Nintendo Switch 2 in the best way possible.
Putting a new spin on a long legacy, Mario Kart World provides incredibly fun core gameplay, both offline and online. Knockout Tour is an amazing addition and Free Roam is certainly a great addition, even if some improvements could be made. If you want a chaotic kart racer that anyone can play, you won't go wrong with Mario Kart World.
“Mario Kart World” is a bold new beginning that feels fresh, and not just because of the doubling of the drivers. The open world turns the familiar cup structure upside down and also allows for a completely new game mode: the sensational Knockout Tour. It's the best thing that could have happened to “Mario Kart”. There is room for improvement in the unspectacular Free Roam mode, which makes the game world seem boring and empty. The Battle Mode and online multiplayer could also do with more meat on the bone. All in all, however, these are side notes in a well-done, colorful and chaotic overall package. If you own a Switch 2, you should definitely not miss out on this fun.
Review in German | Read full review
Mario Kart World is not only a great first-party launch game for the Switch 2, but it’s also one of the best entries in the franchise to date.
Mario Kart World's open world and Knockout Tour deliver a bombastic opening volley for the Nintendo Switch 2, though its chaotic 24-player multiplayer could hamper long-term interest.
To be fully transparent, I do believe this is a great game, and the direction it’s headed in is promising. Doubling the player count, introducing open-world design, adding more environmental interaction, showcasing new water tech, real-time weather, day and night cycles, and the introduction of new racing mechanics all point to a true generational leap over its predecessor. However, the open world just isn’t utilized to its fullest. It feels like something’s missing and there is not much to chase. Instead of rewarding players with shallow collectibles like stickers, there should’ve been deeper, more engaging activities with far better rewards like hidden secret characters or some crazy vehicle that has maxed out stats for doing everything that free-roam has to offer. The $80 price tag stings even more when you realize how much more could’ve been done with the foundations they’ve built.
Mario Kart World is some of the most fun we've had playing a video game all year. Nintendo's charming, imaginative kart racer misses a couple of big swings but at its core, it's so endearing and hard to put down.
Mario Kart World is bold, ambitious, and utterly charming, and even a couple of hiccups don't spoil the pure joy and chaos it presents.
Whether it’s thanks to its accessibility, hidden depth, or the urge to explore every corner of the map, Mario Kart World is a fun ride and a refreshing surprise to kick off a new generation of Nintendo games.
Review in Portuguese | Read full review
Mario Kart has transitioned to an open world, in an experience full of new mechanics and with a new rebellious and energetic personality, which even seems to take ideas from Tony Hawk's Pro Skater. It is truly addictive and immediately captivates people of all ages, including those who don't even play games.
Review in Portuguese | Read full review