Mario Kart 8 Deluxe: Still Worth Playing In 2024?

Hey everyone! Let's dive into whether Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is still a worthy purchase in 2024. Considering its initial release on the Nintendo Switch back in 2017 (and its original version on the Wii U in 2014), it's natural to wonder if this kart racing game still holds up. The short answer? Absolutely! Here's why.

Enduring Gameplay

When we talk about Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, the most important aspect is, without a doubt, its gameplay. This game nails the sweet spot between being accessible for casual players and offering a high skill ceiling for those who want to master it. You can pick it up and play with friends or family who've never touched a Mario Kart game before, and they’ll have a blast. At the same time, seasoned players can delve into advanced techniques like drifting, smart item usage, and maximizing speed boosts to gain a competitive edge.

The core mechanics of Mario Kart 8 Deluxe are incredibly polished. Drifting feels intuitive, and the item system introduces just the right amount of chaos to keep races exciting. Whether you're dodging a blue shell at the last second or strategically using a banana peel to thwart an opponent, there's always something happening. The game's controls are tight and responsive, making every race feel fair, even when luck isn't on your side. And let's not forget the thrill of crossing the finish line by a hair's breadth!

Moreover, the game’s variety keeps it fresh. With numerous karts, wheels, and gliders to choose from, players can customize their rides to suit their play style. Different combinations offer varying stats, encouraging experimentation to find the perfect setup. This customization adds depth beyond just the visual aspect, influencing how your kart handles on the track. For example, a heavier kart might be better for bumping opponents, while a lighter kart might offer superior acceleration and handling. This level of detail ensures that players can continuously fine-tune their racing strategy and adapt to different tracks.

Massive Content Offering

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe isn't just a game; it's a content-rich experience. The base game comes with an impressive 48 tracks, which is already a substantial offering. But, if you have Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack, you can access the Booster Course Pass, which adds an additional 48 tracks. That brings the total to a whopping 96 tracks! With so many options, you'll hardly ever get bored of racing through the same environments.

The track design in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is phenomenal. Each course is brimming with creative themes, vibrant visuals, and clever shortcuts. From the gravity-defying loops of Mount Wario to the underwater antics of Dolphin Shoals, every track feels unique and memorable. The attention to detail is remarkable, with hidden pathways and strategic item placements that reward exploration and skillful driving. Whether you're a fan of classic tracks from previous Mario Kart games or prefer the new additions, there's something for everyone to enjoy.

The character roster is also extensive, featuring a wide array of Mario universe favorites. You can race as Mario, Luigi, Peach, Bowser, and many more, each with their own weight class and slight stat variations. This variety allows players to choose characters that match their preferred racing style. Additionally, the game includes guest characters like Link from The Legend of Zelda and the Inklings from Splatoon, adding even more flair to the roster. Unlocking all the characters and karts can be a fun goal to strive for, providing long-term motivation to keep playing.

Beyond the tracks and characters, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe offers various game modes to keep things interesting. Grand Prix mode lets you compete in a series of races to earn trophies, while Time Trial mode challenges you to beat your best lap times. Versus mode allows for customizable races with adjustable rules, and Battle mode offers a range of competitive mini-games like Balloon Battle and Bob-omb Blast. These different modes provide diverse ways to enjoy the game, ensuring that there's always something new to try.

Still Visually Stunning

Even in 2024, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe remains one of the best-looking games on the Nintendo Switch. The visuals are crisp, colorful, and incredibly detailed. The environments are lively and full of charm, and the character models are expressive and well-animated. Whether you're playing in handheld mode or on a big screen, the game looks fantastic.

The game runs at a smooth 60 frames per second in both single-player and multiplayer modes, which is crucial for a racing game. This high frame rate ensures that the controls feel responsive and that the action on screen is fluid and easy to follow. The consistent performance helps prevent motion sickness and enhances the overall enjoyment of the game.

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe also makes excellent use of lighting and particle effects to create a visually stunning experience. The sun glares realistically off the track, and the water shimmers beautifully in underwater sections. The sparks and explosions from item usage add to the excitement, and the trails left by drifting karts create a sense of speed and momentum. These visual details, combined with the game's vibrant color palette, make Mario Kart 8 Deluxe a feast for the eyes.

Multiplayer Mayhem

Mario Kart is best enjoyed with friends, and Mario Kart 8 Deluxe delivers an unparalleled multiplayer experience. You can play locally with up to four players on a single console, or connect with up to 12 players online. The online multiplayer is robust and well-supported, with a variety of matchmaking options and customizable rules.

Playing with friends locally is a blast, as you can trash talk and celebrate victories in person. The game supports split-screen play, allowing multiple players to compete on the same screen. While the screen can get a bit crowded with four players, the fun and excitement of playing together more than make up for it. Setting up tournaments and competing for bragging rights is a great way to spend an afternoon with friends or family.

The online multiplayer in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is equally impressive. The game offers both ranked and unranked matches, allowing players to compete against others of similar skill levels. The matchmaking system is quick and efficient, ensuring that you can jump into a race without having to wait long. The game also supports voice chat, allowing you to communicate with other players during races. While online play can be competitive, it's also a great way to meet new people and make friends who share your love of Mario Kart.

The Verdict

So, is Mario Kart 8 Deluxe worth it in 2024? Absolutely. It's a timeless classic that continues to deliver fun, excitement, and endless replayability. Whether you're a long-time fan or a newcomer to the series, this game is a must-have for the Nintendo Switch. Its enduring gameplay, massive content offering, stunning visuals, and robust multiplayer make it a worthwhile investment that will provide hours of entertainment.

Plus, with the continued support from Nintendo and the active online community, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe isn't going anywhere anytime soon. So, grab your Switch, gather your friends, and get ready to race! You won't be disappointed.