'Mario Kart World' Review

Video Games

Jun 22

Mario Kart World poster — Image Source: Motor1

Who doesn't love a good game of Mario Kart? The series’ latest incarnation, Mario Kart World, aims to expand the kart-racer formula by adding open-world elements to the gameplay, but how well are they integrated? Let’s find out!

Gameplay

Mario Kart World features the same high-speed, chaotic kart racing gameplay that the series is known for, but with a twist. Instead of simply driving around the same track, the game has players driving to each course in its Grand Prix mode. Off-roading mechanics are also featured, such as rail grinding, wall jumping, and boat racing. The game also supports up to 24 racers at a time, which is twice as many as previous titles.

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Mario Kart World — Image Source: CultureSlate

The biggest new gameplay mode is the new free-roam mode. Players can drive around the tracks in an open-world setting, completing missions and just exploring the terrain. It's a nice reprieve from the racing and a good way for new and experienced players to improve their skills.

Another new mode is the Knockout Tour. The 24 racers compete in one long race, and the goal is to be above a certain position at each of the six checkpoints. It's an interesting mode that takes advantage of the new approach to Mario Kart's gameplay.

Battle mode also returns with two sub-modes: Balloon Battle and Coin Battle. In Balloon Battle, the player competes individually or with a team to pop opposing players’ balloons. Coin Battle is a race to see who can collect the most coins. These are nice diversions from the main gameplay.

Mario Kart World has a lot of familiarity mixed in with plenty of new content with its overall gameplay, and this makes for a rather varied experience that even extends to online multiplayer. Players can play with friends or with strangers, but what makes this interesting is the mini free-roam mode in between races.

Mario Kart World boasts 50 characters and alternate costumes for 24 characters that can be unlocked in-game by eating snacks during races. The roster includes your standard Mario characters, such as Mario himself, Luigi, Peach, Bowser, Wario, Waluigi, and plenty of other mainstays, but also some interesting newcomers, such as the Cow from Moo Moo Meadows. Indeed, a lot of NPC obstacle characters have been turned into playable racers, making for a rather interesting roster.

Graphics

Graphically, the game is a huge step up from Mario Kart 8. The character models definitely benefit from the increased horsepower of the Switch 2, as the details and colors just pop. This also extends to the tracks as well, with each environment looking more beautiful than the next. One highlight includes Rainbow Road, which perhaps looks the best it's ever looked in this game. Overall, Mario Kart World is a beautiful game.

Music And Sound

The music continues to be a highlight for the series. Mario Kart World features a variety of styles, but they definitely seem to be filtered through more of an upbeat rock and roll vibe. What is more interesting is how transitions from one track to another are handled. Composer Atsuko Asahi implements unique intros and outros to ease transitions into each track, creating a medley-like experience that is unique to this title. Overall, the music in Mario Kart World is superb.

Voice acting in this game is also interesting, as this game features the Mario Kart debut for several actors. Notably, Kevin Afghani, who took over from Charles Martinet as the voice of Mario, Luigi, Wario, Waluigi, Baby Mario, and Baby Luigi in 2023 in Super Mario Wonder, makes his debut in the Mario Kart series and does a tremendous job. Kate Higgins (who also voiced Tails from 2010-2014) also made her Mario Kart debut, reprising her role as Pauline, and she does a fantastic job. Giselle Fernandez also does a good job in her Mario Kart debut as Princess Daisy. Though it is unknown who has succeeded Samantha Kelly as Princess Peach, they do a good job of matching the actress. Another highlight includes Kenny James as Bowser, who continues to do a good job. Overall, the voice acting is pretty good.

Pros And Cons

Let's start with the pros. Mario Kart World keeps the fun and excitement of previous titles while adding some interesting twists. There are plenty of fun things to do in the game. The new free roam mode also adds an interesting pace breaker that adds some variety to the game. Also, the HD Rumble is really well used in this title, with it even allowing players to feel each individual board on a bridge. The music continues to be a highlight, and it's the perfect soundtrack to the high-speed action of the title.

The biggest con, however, is the price. Mario Kart World is $79.99. Though the most economical method of getting this game is through the $499.99 Switch 2 bundle, it only includes the digital version, and it may seem even more expensive if you're just getting it for Mario Kart World. Furthermore, though the open world elements are nice, the free roam mode can feel a bit empty at times. Also lacking is the vehicle customization, as while there are plenty of vehicles to choose from, you can't mix and match parts like in Mario Kart 8. Another con is how characters are unlocked.

Characters are seemingly unlocked at random by Kamek invading the race and transforming every racer into a specific character. This makes unlocking new racers feel more random, and this randomness also extends to unlocking new outfits for characters. Also, it's slightly annoying to have the outfits be listed as separate characters.

Though this con isn't directly connected to the game itself, it's still a gray cloud that looms over it. Samantha Kelly did not reprise her roles of Peach, Toad, and Toadette, and while this alone is a minor con for those who were fans of her portrayals of those characters, the way she was removed is why it is a bigger issue. Kelly was only informed of her recasting upon the game’s release. This was seen as a huge insult to the series veteran who had been voicing these characters for nearly 20 years. The new actress does a tremendous job filling such big shoes, but this was not a good look for Nintendo.

Verdict

Mario Kart World is another great addition to the Mario Kart series. The game benefits from the increased power of the Nintendo Switch 2, and the changes to the formula are welcome and help the title from becoming just another kart racer. It looks good, plays good, sounds good, and it’s just fun. The open world elements feel a bit empty, however, but there’s still plenty to do. Though the price is a bit steep, it’s still a fun game that is worthy of being a launch title for the Nintendo Switch 2. If you didn’t already get it with the system, then definitely pick it up!

Rating: 8.5/10

Developers: Nintendo EDP; Publisher: Nintendo; Players: 2-4 locally, 2-8 local wireless, and 2-24 LAN and online play; Released: June 05, 2025; ESRB: E for Mild Fantasy Violence; MSRP: $79.99

Review played on Nintendo Switch 2

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