Mario Kart 8 Deluxe (US Version) - Full In-Depth Review

Brand: Nintendo

Introduction
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe for the Nintendo Switch is a definitive entry in Nintendo’s beloved kart racing franchise. Released as an enhanced version of the original Mario Kart 8 from the Wii U, this Deluxe edition bundles all previous downloadable content, adds new characters, introduces revamped gameplay features, and takes full advantage of the Switch's portability and multiplayer flexibility. For both seasoned fans and newcomers, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe represents a high watermark in arcade-style racing games.

Gameplay and Mechanics
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe refines and expands the core mechanics that have made the series a staple for generations. The core gameplay remains familiar: players race against a roster of iconic Nintendo characters across imaginative tracks while using a variety of whimsical power-ups to hinder opponents or gain advantages.

One of the most celebrated additions to the Deluxe version is the reintroduction of the dual item box system, allowing players to carry two items at once. This change significantly deepens the strategy, making races more unpredictable and dynamic. Whether deploying a well-timed shell or holding onto a banana for defense, the expanded inventory adds layers to each lap.

The game also features three speed classes: 50cc, 100cc, and 150cc, along with the high-octane 200cc mode. Each class increases the speed and difficulty, providing an accessible challenge for beginners and a serious test for veterans. The addition of “Smart Steering” helps novice players stay on the track, making it more family-friendly and inclusive without hindering competitive depth.

Graphics and Presentation
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe stands as one of the best-looking games on the Nintendo Switch. The vibrant art style, smooth animations, and imaginative course design contribute to an experience that is both visually stunning and technically impressive. The game runs at a consistent 60 frames per second in both handheld and docked modes, which is crucial for a fast-paced racing title.

Tracks range from futuristic anti-gravity circuits to lush jungles and ghostly mansions, each teeming with details that enhance immersion. Returning courses from past games are lovingly remastered, while the new tracks offer creative twists that keep players engaged. The anti-gravity sections, in particular, stand out by flipping expectations—allowing players to drive along walls and ceilings, further enriching the gameplay.

Content and Features
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is packed with content. It includes all 48 tracks from the original game and its downloadable content, a full roster of over 40 characters, and a variety of karts, bikes, and customization options. Newcomers like Inkling Boy and Girl from Splatoon, King Boo, Dry Bones, and Bowser Jr. round out the roster, bringing fresh faces to the competition.

The Battle Mode, often criticized in the Wii U version, has been completely revamped. Now featuring dedicated arenas rather than altered race tracks, this mode includes five variations: Balloon Battle, Renegade Roundup, Bob-omb Blast, Coin Runners, and Shine Thief. These modes provide a welcome diversion from traditional racing and are a highlight in local multiplayer sessions.

Multiplayer and Online Experience
Multiplayer has always been the heart of Mario Kart, and it offers numerous ways to connect. Locally, up to four players can race on a single console using split-screen. LAN support allows for up to twelve players in one room using multiple Switch consoles, and online play enables races and battles with friends or global opponents.

Online stability is generally solid, with matchmaking that is quick and fair. Players can create private rooms, join tournaments, or compete in worldwide races. Voice chat is available through the Nintendo Switch Online app, though many players may find third-party communication methods more reliable.

Performance on the Switch
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is well-optimized for the Nintendo Switch. It supports both docked and handheld modes without sacrificing visual fidelity or performance. Load times are quick, menus are responsive, and the user interface is intuitive. The Joy-Con controllers work well, though dedicated players may prefer the Pro Controller for enhanced precision.

The game also benefits from the Switch’s portability. Whether on the go or docked at home, the racing action remains fluid and accessible. Quick setup for local multiplayer sessions is a key advantage, turning any setting into a potential racecourse.

Longevity and Replay Value
Thanks to its deep roster, diverse track selection, customizable vehicles, and multiple difficulty levels, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe offers immense replay value. Whether unlocking new parts, chasing high scores in Time Trials, or participating in online tournaments, there's always something to strive for.

The game is also highly social, ideal for parties, family nights, and casual hangouts. The unpredictable nature of item-based racing keeps each session fresh and exciting, even for players who’ve raced every track countless times.

Conclusion
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is the ultimate version of a beloved classic. It refines the series' best features while introducing enhancements that make it more accessible, competitive, and fun than ever. With gorgeous graphics, tight controls, abundant content, and seamless multiplayer, it sets a high standard for racing games on the Nintendo Switch.

Whether you're revisiting it from the Wii U days or jumping in for the first time, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe delivers a thrilling, joyful, and endlessly replayable experience that cements its place as a must-have title for any Switch owner.

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Super Mario Bros.™ Wonder - Nintendo Switch (US Version) Review: A Bold Step Forward for the Mario Franchise

 

Platform: Nintendo Switch
Release Date: October 20, 2023
Developer: Nintendo EPD
Publisher: Nintendo
Genre: Platformer
Players: 1-2 (local co-op)
ESRB Rating: E for Everyone

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Introduction:

When it comes to the Super Mario franchise, expectations are always sky-high. From its humble beginnings in 1985 to becoming one of the most recognizable video game series in the world, Mario has undergone countless transformations, yet his core appeal has always been rooted in exceptional platforming, clever design, and innovative ideas. Super Mario Bros.™ Wonder, the latest entry for the Nintendo Switch, takes all that is beloved about the series and reinvents it in ways that feel both nostalgic and fresh.

As the first mainline 2D Mario title to be released on the Nintendo Switch, Super Mario Bros. Wonder brings the franchise back to its roots while introducing a slew of new mechanics, imaginative visuals, and delightful surprises. In this review, we'll dive into what makes Super Mario Bros. Wonder stand out, from its innovative gameplay and design to its vibrant aesthetics and multiplayer options.

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Gameplay:

A New Take on 2D Platforming

At its core, Super Mario Bros. Wonder is a traditional 2D Mario game, offering players side-scrolling platforming action with a series of varied, cleverly designed levels. However, the game introduces several innovations that elevate it from being just another Mario title to something more unique.

One of the most notable changes is the "Wonder Flower" mechanic. Scattered throughout the levels, these Wonder Flowers trigger unpredictable, sometimes bizarre transformations in the environment. The gameplay shifts dramatically once the flower is activated—platforms might begin to move in new ways, gravity could change, and enemies could undergo strange transformations. These moments add an element of surprise and wonder (pun intended), encouraging players to think on their feet and adapt to the constantly changing rules of each level.

Additionally, Super Mario Bros. Wonder reintroduces the concept of power-ups in new forms. For example, the Elephant Mario power-up is a highlight, allowing Mario to use his trunk to interact with the environment in clever ways, such as picking up objects or squirting water to clear obstacles. Other new power-ups, like Bubble Mario, add even more variety to the gameplay, each contributing unique abilities that make each level feel distinct.

Level Design:

The level design in Super Mario Bros. Wonder continues the series’ tradition of being creative, challenging, and fair. Each world is distinct, offering varied environments, from grassy plains to lush jungles, underwater caverns, and even mind-bending dreamscapes. The levels are filled with secrets, hidden pathways, and collectibles, giving players plenty of incentive to explore and revisit stages for 100% completion.

What's particularly impressive is the balance between accessibility and challenge. While Super Mario Bros. Wonder is welcoming to newcomers with its simple controls and intuitive mechanics, the game scales difficulty beautifully. Players will find themselves breezing through earlier levels, but as they progress, the challenges become more complex, requiring more precision, quick thinking, and creative use of power-ups.

Additionally, the game introduces "Wonder Seeds" as a collectible throughout each world. These items are often hidden in tricky-to-reach areas or require completing special challenges. Collecting them all adds replay value, encouraging exploration and experimentation.

Multiplayer and Co-op:

A staple of modern Mario games is cooperative multiplayer, and Super Mario Bros. Wonder does not disappoint. Players can team up locally, with up to two players sharing a single screen. The game doesn’t overwhelm with complicated mechanics for multiplayer, but rather provides a fun and simple system that complements the core experience.

Working together is an integral part of the game, especially in later levels where platforming challenges require synchronized jumping and power-up usage. The game’s co-op mode isn’t just a "grab a friend and play" affair—it’s a well-crafted aspect of the design that helps foster a sense of teamwork and camaraderie.

However, while the co-op experience is engaging, it can sometimes get chaotic. Players can accidentally collide with each other, causing unintended deaths or missed opportunities. This may frustrate more competitive players, but for those looking to enjoy the game casually with friends or family, it remains a lighthearted and fun way to experience the adventure together.

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Visuals and Aesthetics:

A Stunning Visual Overhaul

The most striking feature of Super Mario Bros. Wonder is its visual design. The game boasts a vibrant, colorful art style that feels like a natural evolution of the Super Mario aesthetic. The character models are crisp and detailed, and the environments are full of life and personality. It’s clear that Nintendo has pushed the capabilities of the Nintendo Switch to deliver a game that looks fantastic, especially in handheld mode.

One of the key highlights is the use of hand-drawn-like animations, particularly for Mario and his friends. The characters move with more fluidity and expressiveness than ever before, which brings a sense of dynamism to the game. The environments are equally impressive, with each world offering unique visual themes that make the game feel fresh and diverse.

The Wonder Flower effects add another layer of spectacle, turning the game’s visuals into something that feels surreal and whimsical. When these transformations occur, the entire landscape might warp in bizarre ways—platforms float upside down, colors shift dramatically, and gravity itself can seem to go haywire. These surreal moments inject a sense of surprise and joy, making every Wonder Flower encounter feel special.

Sound Design and Music:

The music in Super Mario Bros. Wonder is a continuation of the series' iconic and timeless score, with a mix of upbeat, catchy tunes that perfectly complement the game's action. There’s an unmistakable sense of whimsy and energy in the music, as well as a deeper emotional resonance during certain dramatic moments. The use of orchestral arrangements adds a grandiosity to some of the more adventurous levels, while the lighter, more playful tracks fit seamlessly with the charming visuals.

Sound effects are also top-notch, with each action—whether it’s Mario jumping, collecting a coin, or activating a Wonder Flower—accompanied by satisfying audio cues that make each interaction feel rewarding.

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Innovation and Nostalgia:

Super Mario Bros. Wonder strikes a perfect balance between innovation and nostalgia. For long-time Mario fans, the game will feel familiar in many ways, but it also brings new ideas to the table that breathe new life into the series. The dynamic levels, creative power-ups, and whimsical transformations are a joy to experience and push the boundaries of what a 2D Mario game can be. It’s a refreshing take that shows Nintendo is still willing to experiment and take risks with the franchise, even after nearly four decades.

The Wonder Flower mechanic, in particular, stands out as a bold innovation. It forces players to embrace unpredictability and step outside their comfort zones, transforming each level into a one-of-a-kind experience.

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Final Thoughts:

Super Mario Bros. Wonder is a triumph for the Mario franchise and an essential title for any Nintendo Switch owner. With its innovative gameplay mechanics, charming visuals, and engaging multiplayer options, it delivers an experience that feels both fresh and familiar. Whether you're a veteran Mario fan or a newcomer to the series, Super Mario Bros. Wonder offers something for everyone.

Nintendo has once again demonstrated their mastery of platforming, creating a game that is not only fun and challenging but also brimming with heart and creativity. It’s a reminder of why Mario remains one of the most beloved characters in video game history—and Super Mario Bros. Wonder stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of the series.

Pros:

• Fresh, innovative mechanics like the Wonder Flower and new power-ups
• Stunning visuals and dynamic animations
• Fantastic level design with plenty of secrets and collectibles
• Fun and accessible multiplayer co-op
• High replay value with hidden challenges and Wonder Seeds

Cons:

• Can get chaotic in multiplayer, leading to accidental mishaps
• Some players may wish for a bit more difficulty in the earlier stages

Final Rating: 9.5/10
Super Mario Bros. Wonder is a masterclass in 2D platforming that blends nostalgia with fresh ideas, ensuring that Mario's legacy continues to shine brightly in the modern gaming era. Whether you're playing solo or with a friend, it’s a magical journey that proves the Super Mario series can still surprise and delight after all these years.

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