Mario Kart Wii: What do you think?

[Spanky Deluxe]

For those who have already got the game, what are your thoughts so far on it?

I've only played it for about an hour or so but it does seem good so far. I haven't played any of the remake tracks but I'm going to do that now.

What control set are you using? I've tried the Wii Steering Wheel, Wii Remote + Nunchuck and Gamecube Controller, having done a grand prix with each. I ended up settling on the Wii Remote + Nunchuck in the end. The Gamecube Controller is used differently to MK:DD on the 'cube which makes it a bit annoying. They've made it so that the buttons pretty much match with the configuration of the Wiimote + Nunchuck mode so the 'squishy' top left button becomes the fire button and its too 'squishy' to be of any use. I was disappointed with the Wheel since it just didn't feel like I was in control of the car.

What do the rest of you think and is there anything anyone would like to know?

[Much Ado]

*Checks calendar*

That's very clever... :)

How is online working for you? I think that's a big selling point for me.

[dalvin200]

Only received mine this morning..

Had a very quick blast but will be on it most of the evening..

Really looking forward to it, as its one of my favourite Mario games ever :)

Playing online should also be fun :p

[Spanky Deluxe]

I was up at 7:30 and the store is only five minutes walk from my house so I figured I'd get a copy at opening.

I'm trying to play online but there are no other players yet! Have been waiting a few minutes now and there are two others ready to play apparently.

Edit: Online play seems fun and very easy to use. I'm going to go back to single player for a while though and learn the courses a bit!

[2nyRiggz]

So the steering wheel sucks then.....doesn't the game come with the wheel? I want to get this game but I don't think its out in the U.S yet...

How does it feel with the wheel?




Bless

[Spanky Deluxe]

So the steering wheel sucks then.....doesn't the game come with the wheel? I want to get this game but I don't think its out in the U.S yet...

How does it feel with the wheel?




Bless

Yeah it does come with a wheel and I bought a second one too. The thing I don't like with the wheel is that you never know what 'full lock' is. With an analogue stick you know you've hit it when the stick can't physically move any further. I would say that when you do get the game, play a grand prix with each control method and see which suits you best. For people that haven't played MK before, they might find the wheel better. For myself, coming from the 'cube, the Wiimote + nunchuck feels the natural successor imo.

BTW The remakes of the old tracks rock especially the SNES ones. I wish they'd put them all on!

[dalvin200]

BTW The remakes of the old tracks rock especially the SNES ones. I wish they'd put them all on!

So its pretty much like playing Mario Kart on the DS .. i love the old tracks..

I'm assuming there are new courses on the Wii version right?

Its released in the US end of this month, so there will be more online players available then :)

Until then, it's a matter of playing against your known friends/relatives..

[Spanky Deluxe]

So its pretty much like playing Mario Kart on the DS .. i love the old tracks..

I'm assuming there are new courses on the Wii version right?

Its released in the US end of this month, so there will be more online players available then :)

Until then, it's a matter of playing against your known friends/relatives..

I did only try to play on this continent and considering its only been out for about four hours, I wouldn't expect many on the online play. Everyone wants to complete the game on their own first.

There's the same spiel as usual, mushroom, flower, star and special cups all with completely new courses (rainbow road is a bitch at first as per usual). Then there are four more grand prix all made up of remade versions of old tracks from the SNES, N64, GBA, DS and GC. The gamecube ones kind of suck since they're pretty much exactly the same as on the cube, I would have preferred some more remade SNES ones. I haven't unlocked the fourth remake grand prix yet, I'm hoping it'll have the SNES Rainbow Road though...

[spyker3292]

I like all the Mario Karts. I'll probably get this one a bit late because I'm low on cash for games and I want the CoD4 maps and Warhawk map :D. But I'll get it sometime... The DS one was great.

[Dagless]

I'm injured so I can't play this yet :( . But I've got some local friends playing it and loving this game already planning a big multiplayer tonight. A while ago I found some (probably fake) Nintendo wheels on the market for a quid each so I stocked up on them. Worked quite well for Excite Truck *shrugs*

btw Sainsbury's has it for £26.

[digitalnicotine]

Thanks for previews. I have it on pre-order, and am hoping the wheel also works with Excite Truck.

[MacRumorUser]

I've been playing for the last couple of hours ;):p feck work :D

It's really good but hey I loved the contentious double dash too.
I'm using the game cube controller as it's more comfortable to me.
Tried the wheel and very quickly gave up on it... it looks pretty though.

Online did take a while to find people but I've had a good number of lag free races so far.

I really like it.... and it didn't cost me much (got €38 trade in value on two ps3 games each, and both cost me €28 to buy new off ebay... delightful :D )








edit:- Oh I got a new wii and gave my old one away as wii key was worthless to me, so I must re-post my new wii friends thing. And bloody wii account and points do not transfer from one console to the other so I have to rebuy all marketplace things again... screw that! cheapskates.

[Tom B.]

I just got it this morning, so far I think it's great!

I never really liked Double Dash because the handling just felt 'wrong' to me after growing up with Mario Kart 64. However, I think it is much better in Mario Kart Wii, even with the steering wheel which is actually surprisingly easy to use.
Also, I think its cool that there are now 12 racers on each race.

Overall, I love it so far and I think this will be just the game to tide me over until Super Smash Bros. Brawl's UK release (1st June?)

[Antares]

Sure, sure. Gloat and tease us that you have this game now and we have to wait until the end of the month. :mad: Lucky buggers. ;)

[dalvin200]

Home from work and just completed Mushroom and Flower Cup - got grade A at 50cc...

Looking fwd to the bikes actually, but spoilt it by playing online..

wow.. that was awesome!!! i played with a mario bike and came 3rd twice so my online points (you start off with 5000) upped a few hundred i think..

we should have a MR contest maybe? ;)

batteries ran out.. lol!! just charging them up now.. will play after putting the kids down :p

[twoodcc]

cool. looking forward to the release in the US

[student_trap]

Sure, sure. Gloat and tease us that you have this game now and we have to wait until the end of the month. :mad: Lucky buggers. ;)

*cough*SSBB*cough*:mad:

[student_trap]

whoops double post

[LastLine]

I'm loving it, picked it up at ASDA at a little after midnight on launch and went straight home with a second Wii Wheel to play with my fiance, we're hooked! The wheel isn't perhaps the best control option but it makes it so much more fun as a game, which is perhaps it's best blessing! Haven't tried other combos though so this isn't exactly objective.

Online's a bit spotty at the minute but nothing serious, server overload perhaps I'm not sure.

The game on the whole plays very similar to Mario Kart DS which is actually a good thing, but adds enough new twists to keep it new, this is one game I won't be trading in!

On a parting note though, anyone know how to make your Mii's race? Read it was possible but not sure how.

[mrgreen4242]

Here's a question: I read that when you play online and use the wheel you have a special icon next to your name. Is there a way to set an online match to only play against people with the wheel? I'm in the US, so obviously haven't played it yet, but I can see where the wheel could be a more fun way to play, but also where using a GameCube controller, or even the nunchuck might give you an advantage, so it would be nice to have the option of multiplayer with just people using the wheel...

[Tom B.]

I just played online non-stop with my brother for just under three hours, and for the last hour and a half, we both voted for Rainbow Road every time, but it never got chosen!

[Antares]

How does the sense of speed feel to you guys? That's what I'm worried about. Double Dash felt quite slow compared to 64. How does the Mario Kart Wii feel? Also, do the races seem fair or cheap?

[MacRumorUser]

^ Sense of speed has improved. (Though I seem to be the only one who loved double dash)

Ok I can finally say this about a Wii game

I Love This Game !!!

Online works fantastic, no lag so far and finding competitors easily now. (I choose continental)

I have even grown attached to the steering wheel. I really like it now and after a short while it feels natural and not gimiky at all.



Best game on the wii for me so far - it's fantastic.


The game on the whole plays very similar to Mario Kart DS which is actually a good thing, but adds enough new twists to keep it new, this is one game I won't be trading in!

On a parting note though, anyone know how to make your Mii's race? Read it was possible but not sure how.

Yeah it is very similar to MarioKart DS but that's not a bad thing I guess.

Also wondering this. I haven't found the option yet for mii use, maybe local multiplayer only ?

[2nyRiggz]

I know theres isn't a mount for the wheel so does that mean you have to hold it up or can you sit it on your lap and drive?

I would love to take it on a ride online.....should be great.

I'm loving what I'm hearing and I can't wait for this game....when is it coming out in the U.S?


Bless

[Antares]

Best game on the wii for me so far - it's fantastic.

Also wondering this. I haven't found the option yet for mii use, maybe local multiplayer only ?

You haven't gotten your hands on Brawl yet, have you?

As for the Mii thing...maybe it's an unlockable option....

[MacRumorUser]

You haven't gotten your hands on Brawl yet, have you?

As for the Mii thing...maybe it's an unlockable option....

Yep I do have brawl. Just can't seem to get into it. It's basically just the same as the last gamecube title.

I know there's meant to be huge depth to brawl and such, but it just always feels like a button masher.

It's fun for a short 10 - 15 minute blast, but I can't put a few hours into it like I can with MarioKart.

Plus all the online games I've played on Brawl so far have been as laggy as hell, or simply unable to connect.

I know theres isn't a mount for the wheel so does that mean you have to hold it up or can you sit it on your lap and drive?

I would love to take it on a ride online.....should be great.

I'm loving what I'm hearing and I can't wait for this game....when is it coming out in the U.S?


Bless


Yeah you just hold it, it's light and feels comfortable anyway which is the main thing.

Out in the US next week or the week after.

[Dagless]

I Love This Game !!!

http://satansam.co.uk/ftp/wtfmru.jpg

[Santa Rosa]

Hopefully going to pick this up at some point, have been playing Mario Kart since the N64 days, it is definitely my all time fave game.

Mario Kart Double Dash was strange at first but once you got the hang of it was amazing. Now am looking forward to getting my hands on this bad boy (cash depending). Definately not going to be getting extra wheels as they are rubbish. Have been using one with NFSC and it is appalling. Stick with the analogue stick if you as me!!!

[Spanky Deluxe]

Having had this for a couple of days now, I absolutely love it. A few things could be better though. You don't seem to be able to choose the CC when playing multiplayer games for one and secondly the battle mode is ***** now. You have to play in teams even when its just two of you. The game fills up the other team slots with computer characters. They should have kept an option in to let you choose to play without computer characters and an all against all deathmatch mode would have been nice too. I wish they'd put the SNES Rainbow Road in too but alas no. :(

[JackAxe]

Dam this thread of JEALOUSY!!! :(

<]=(

[Dagless]

A little warning to Americans - put a preorder down now. For the first time in a long time in the UK a game has totally sold out. The online shops that have stock have jacked prices up, all shops in my nearest town and city have completely sold out. Put a preorder down ASAP.

I'm utterly buggered now!

[Spanky Deluxe]

A little warning to Americans - put a preorder down now. For the first time in a long time in the UK a game has totally sold out. The online shops that have stock have jacked prices up, all shops in my nearest town and city have completely sold out. Put a preorder down ASAP.

I'm utterly buggered now!

Jimmi, if you have a car, go drive to a Woolworth's in a quiet area such as where older people might live. They usually keep stock of things like this for *much* longer. When the Wii had only just been released, I walked into such a Woolworths store and they had countless Wii remotes for sale at a time where everywhere else had sold out.

[Sky Blue]

A little warning to Americans - put a preorder down now. For the first time in a long time in the UK a game has totally sold out. The online shops that have stock have jacked prices up, all shops in my nearest town and city have completely sold out. Put a preorder down ASAP.

I'm utterly buggered now!

nah, Brawl was easy to find the first week. I'm sure Best Buy will be pretty stocked as usual.

[miniConvert]

Loving Mario Kart Wii. Not tried the wheel yet, but the Wiimote and Nunchuck works very nicely. Getting used to manual skidding is taking a little while but once I've mastered it I'm sure it'll be fantastic. Auto skidding sucks :D

[stagi]

can't wait till it comes out in the US, sounds fun

[Dagless]

Jimmi, if you have a car, go drive to a Woolworth's in a quiet area such as where older people might live. They usually keep stock of things like this for *much* longer. When the Wii had only just been released, I walked into such a Woolworths store and they had countless Wii remotes for sale at a time where everywhere else had sold out.

A friend of mine works at Woolworths. I asked him if he thought it was going to sell out. "we've taken no preorders" sounded promising but he's got none left now. Asked him to hold onto a copy for me if they do get stock.

Haven't had to hunt for anything since the Wii itself :o

[MacRumorUser]

Haven't had to hunt for anything since the Wii itself :o

Wait for 'wii fit' in a fortnights time. There are going to be serious shortages. Nearly all online retailers are sold out of pre-orders.

[tjcampbell]

Got it the second Woolworth's was open. Picked up the extra wheel for my girlfriend and we've been playing it non stop.

I think the wheel is awesome. Really simple to use and it certainly adds something to the game. The only time I find it hard is when we're doing Battle mode, but it's still cool. We're laughing a lot while playing and I think that's pretty sweet.

Amazing game and the WiFi is brilliant. Haven't had any problems other than continuously getting our butts kicked on Rainbow Road (which keeps coming up dammnit!)

[Vidd]

The wheel is excellent and I love using it.
I don't feel that the loss of control (there must be some) is worth using the Classic controller instead.

Some surprising unlockables, though.

[2nyRiggz]

So we might as well make this into the "post your mario kart wii friends code thread" then because when I get my hands on a copy Ima want a race off:p

I'm sure I can get a copy of the game the first day it comes out.



Bless

[cyclone84]

Having had this for a couple of days now, I absolutely love it. A few things could be better though. You don't seem to be able to choose the CC when playing multiplayer games for one and secondly the battle mode is ***** now. You have to play in teams even when its just two of you. The game fills up the other team slots with computer characters. They should have kept an option in to let you choose to play without computer characters and an all against all deathmatch mode would have been nice too. I wish they'd put the SNES Rainbow Road in too but alas no. :(

You can change the CC and a bunch of other options in "Rules". It's at the top of the Single / Team selection screen.

[Spanky Deluxe]

You can change the CC and a bunch of other options in "Rules". It's at the top of the Single / Team selection screen.

Cool, thanks for that, I didn't see it! Haven't had much of a chance to play it since the weekend, too much RL stuff going on. :( The girlfriend's going away on Wednesday until Thursday evening so I think I might schedule a Mario Kart marathon for then! ;)

[Rental01]

I can't wait to get this one. It's going to be another 2 weeks until we can buy it. As a fan of the past Mario Kart games (we have 4 player MarioKart DS tournaments at home with our kids) and a huge fan of the Excite Truck game I am really looking forward to this game.

[Antares]

My frothing demand for this game increases....

[Island Dog]

I pre-ordered it from GS, and I'm anxiously awaiting its arrival.

[Dagless]

Ordered it for £33. Thought I'd treat myself after some nasty anxiety attacks, sure it's a whole whopping 5 punds more than Sainsburys (which would have bought me an extra wheel!) but prrrp to that. Can't wait!

[MacRumorUser]

Ordered it for £33. Thought I'd treat myself after some nasty anxiety attacks, sure it's a whole whopping 5 punds more than Sainsburys (which would have bought me an extra wheel!) but prrrp to that. Can't wait!

Enjoy mate... I'm sure you will ;) Hope the other stuff sorts itself out too :)

[Dagless]

Ah I hope so. I wasn't keen on Double Dash, once I 100%ed it I left it. Then my card wiped so I beat it again :D it's the DS version I love. If they just took that and stretched it bigger then I'm going to be grinning like a buffoon.

[tjcampbell]

Just thought I'd add that it drives me mental when you are playing online and some of the other racers are using bikes. The karts don't stand a chance against them. We should be able to select karts, bikes or mixed (like in the regular game).

[Spanky Deluxe]

Yeah I really don't like the bikes feature. It is Mariokart after all!!

[siurpeeman]

like my fellow US gamers, i'm awaiting the release later this month. it'll be a long wait, yes, but i can pass the time with okami (missed it on ps2). :)

[Dagless]

Folks I ordered it from haven't dispatched it yet. Probably got a bit of a wait :(

[IscariotJ]

Ok, this just may be an issue with getting used to the wheel, but on several occasions - especially when landing after a huge jump - I'll turn the wheel, and the kart turns the wrong way. I've also noticed that it prefers to be put straight before turning, too.

Anyone else noticed this, or is it just a case of getting used to the wheel?

If it means that I need to play it lots more, then so be it...... :D

[stagi]

can't wait until the US release, coming soon!

[twoodcc]

like my fellow US gamers, i'm awaiting the release later this month. it'll be a long wait, yes, but i can pass the time with okami (missed it on ps2). :)

yeah i'm looking forward to it also

[student_trap]

bought it today at zavvi, their system said they had no stock but the guy found one in the cupboard! so far so good, although its rinsing my batteries!:)

[Dagless]

K this game is hot. The online bit is actually pretty comprehensive to say it's a Nintendo game, especially that channel you can add. Just been watching how some players get high scores on some tracks.
Really good stuff! I'd be playing now if I wasn't shattered!

[Dagless]

Just finished all the main tracks and working through the retro ones. To say it's a Nintendo game online works brilliantly especially with that extra channel you're given.

Haven't played a local multiplayer yet.

Our manual is in German too! Everything else is English cept the manual so I don't know how to pull off some of these tricks. Suppose I'll find out eventually or just read Gamefaqs.

Definitely my fave game in the series now. First Mario, then Brawl and now Kart. Nintendo are doing a good job with sequels this gen.

[MacRumorUser]

Our manual is in German too! Everything else is English cept the manual so I don't know how to pull off some of these tricks.

There is only one way to pull off a trick, the outcome or particular trick is slightly random and dependent on vehicle. ;)

[Dagless]

What's the deal about bikes too? I've played with bikes online and with time trials and they don't seem much different, a bit quicker at turning maybe and they can pull a wheely? What's it all for!

[student_trap]

What's the deal about bikes too? I've played with bikes online and with time trials and they don't seem much different, a bit quicker at turning maybe and they can pull a wheely? What's it all for!

wheelies add a little more speed but sacrifice maneuverability, otherwise, for me the bikes just seem quicker in general: faster turning, faster acceleration, however they suffer incredibly when raced alongside heavy cars such as those of DK and king boo etc, because you get knocked off really easily!

[AJsAWiz]

Anyone going to pick theirs up at one of the midnight launches?
I believe Best Buy and GameStop are doing this.

[Much Ado]

Does this game involve any skill?

[Dagless]

Does this game involve any skill?

Yup. Red and Blue shells can be avoided, even the Pow blocks can be too. People say the items take away from the skill but it becomes a skill to keep in first place and avoid being hit.

Granted it doesn't require as much skill as F-Zero.

[Much Ado]

Yup. Red and Blue shells can be avoided, even the Pow blocks can be too. People say the items take away from the skill but it becomes a skill to keep in first place and avoid being hit.

Granted it doesn't require as much skill as F-Zero.

Can the Wario Shells be avoided? I thought they were 100% accurate.

I would buy this game if I wasn't terrified of being beaten by 8 year olds :D:o

[Antares]

Does this game involve any skill?

By the tone of your question, I can tell you want the answer to be "no." Perhaps this is becuase you lack the skill to race? :D;)

[Tom B.]

Can the Wario Shells be avoided? I thought they were 100% accurate.

Wario shells? I assume you mean blue shells, but I have never heard them referred to as Wario shells. Anyway, it can be possible to avoid them in some unusual situation, but often the best thing to do is to slow down just enough that your main rivals get caught in the blast.

[Dagless]

It's also possible to do a little speed boost just before they drop and you can clear them. Needs some monster quality timing though.

[2nyRiggz]

Okay I'm getting this game on sunday.....have you guys race each other as yet?

Whos playing with the wheel?....does the manual slide sucks or is it a plus?



Bless

[student_trap]

Yup. Red and Blue shells can be avoided, even the Pow blocks can be too. People say the items take away from the skill but it becomes a skill to keep in first place and avoid being hit.

Granted it doesn't require as much skill as F-Zero.

how can you avoid the pow blocks?

[Dagless]

Get in the air ASAP :p I've noticed only a few tracks are 100% flat (save the old tracks), probably designed so you can veer off the side of the track and go over mini bumps to avoid being hit.

[stagi]

going to pick this up on Monday! Might have to take the afternoon off :D

[JackAxe]

Finally! :)

I hope this is DS worthy, so far it's fun, but I suck with the manual slide. I suppose I should read how to actually do it. It seems to be a jump like the old days, but I'm not getting the hang of it. Probably because I'm trying the tortuous wheel, just because it's different.

I was worried this game would pull a Smash Brothers(tards) and not use the pointer function of the Wiimote. Thankfully it does.

<]=)

[zap2]

Pick it up tomorrow


I'm pumped! :D

[apfhex]

I hope this is DS worthy, so far it's fun, but I suck with the manual slide. I suppose I should read how to actually do it. It seems to be a jump like the old days, but I'm not getting the hang of it. Probably because I'm trying the tortuous wheel, just because it's different.
Turbo boosting is a lot easier using the nunchuck/Classic Controller/GC controller, like how you'd expect. Drifting in general with the wheel isn't as easy. Steering with it is nice enough but the more classic control schemes are way better (as it is the case for SSBB too).

[JackAxe]

I've played the stick and the pad, now I want to play the wheel. :)

But, when I start getting my arse handed to me by my friends, I'll be back in stick-ville. :o

I've been using the wrist strap as kind of a pivot. They should offer a base for the wheel that snaps into where the round Wii logo is located.

<]=)

[AJsAWiz]

I've played the stick and the pad, now I want to play the wheel. :)

But, when I start getting my arse handed to me by my friends, I'll be back in stick-ville. :o

I've been using the wrist strap as kind of a pivot. They should offer a base for the wheel that snaps into where the round Wii logo is located.

<]=)

How did you get yours so early? The midnight launch hasn't even happened yet.
Unless . . . . . maybe you played it in the store and not at home . . . .

[spyker3292]

I was expecting the wheel to be a piece of crap but I was very pleased. Once I got used to it I drove to the store and bought two more (one for all 3 of my controllers). I really like this game, actually my favorite Wii game to play with people. It's easy for anyone and is very fun.

I've played the stick and the pad, now I want to play the wheel. :)

But, when I start getting my arse handed to me by my friends, I'll be back in stick-ville. :o

I've been using the wrist strap as kind of a pivot. They should offer a base for the wheel that snaps into where the round Wii logo is located.

<]=)

I don't feel at all crippled using the wheel. I can still beat people online.

[siurpeeman]

that's right, it came out today! too lazy to go out and pick it up. might have to purchase from amazon (free two day shipping). :)

[sikkinixx]

I wanted to hate this game. Cruddy Gamecube 1.3 graphics, gimped battle mode, totally gimmicky stunt system, yet another wii add on... but I have to admit, I'm actually enjoying it, multiplayer at least. The action is pretty hectic and the new tracks are really cool. The wheel works decently but is no match for the classic controller or the nunchuck/wiimote combo.

still... why Nintendo why do you have to keep the training wheels on with EVERY GAME?! if someone is in 12th place, **** them, they suck. Why must you give them every single powerup that crushes everyone else? Honestly, it's too easy to be in dead last on the last lap, get a bullet followed by a star follwed by infinite mushroom and end up winning...

In any case it's a fun side track from Persona and will make a good alternate when i need a break for GTA 4

[evilgEEk]

I'm completely pathetic, but my Wii saw 10 hours and 47 minutes of usage today. :o

My wife and I played Brawl this morning for nearly three hours, and then around 1pm we went down and picked up our reserved copy of Mario Kart. We then proceeded to play 7 more hours of that.

Today has been a wonderful day. :)

I picked up an extra wheel, and I love it! Especially after playing 7 hours of it using the wheel I can't imagine playing with a stick anymore. The only thing i miss is not being able to hop and drift, with the wheel you have to use automatic drift. It's okay, but I like to hop!

I spent quite a bit of time online and am up to nearly 7000 VR, whatever that means. I've always been pretty good at Mario Kart, but I didn't expect to do so well. I thought for sure there would be plenty of people out there that would just wipe me up!

Anyway, great game! Solo / multi play is wonderful, online is fantastic and it's classic Kart action! I love it. :)

I was worried this game would pull a Smash Brothers(tards) and not use the pointer function of the Wiimote. Thankfully it does.

I was about to say that the pointer is useless, but then I realized that those that are using wiimote/nunchuk controls would find it VERY useful.

I'm completely sold on the wheel though. :)

[JackAxe]

I've gotten used to the wheel. The Grand Prix mode is fun. I'll have to see how this holds up to MK DS when playing with my friends later this week, but so far this game is better than Double Dash.

<]=)

[NAG]

The wheel definitely requires some getting used to but it is more fun than the other methods.

[Toppa G's]

I'm loving the wheel as well - I logged 7 hours yesterday. Played multiplayer with my brother, played online, played Grand Prix, played battles...I think the wheel makes it feel more fun. I haven't even thought to try in wiimote+nunchuk mode.

[JackAxe]

When I first tried the wheel, I was using a motorcycle and had some difficulties, but after playing for a bit, it wasn't the wheel, it was just how that particular bike handled.

The wheel is fun. I found my belly is also a good pivot point. :o

<]=)

[Antares]

When I first tried the wheel, I was using a motorcycle and had some difficulties, but after playing for a bit, it wasn't the wheel, it was just how that particular bike handled.

The wheel is fun. I found my belly is also a good pivot point. :o

<]=)

Does it hurt your arms to hold the wheel up in the air for a long time? It seems like that would be more tiring given all the movements you would need to do for a frantic game like Martio Kart.

Also, what does "OkamWii is almost here!" mean in your signature? If you are referring to Okami, the game has been available (Wii) for a while now....

[JackAxe]

That's why I use my belly. :D

I play in my office, so I'm always sitting at one of my office-chairs, which have arm-wrests. I suppose my arms would get tired if I were standing, or if I had no place to rest my elbows.

The only games I've got tired while playing, have been RE4 during some of the waggle boss moments and Prime 3 and its semi-automatic cannon.

What i like about the wheel, is that the d-pad is accessible by my left thumb. This makes it easy to throw an item forward, backwards, or hold it.

I just haven't updated my signiature. I might do so in 3 weeks. :o Okami is a great game BTW, if you haven't already played it, or picked it up.

<]=)

[Dagless]

I ended up having about 50 or so online games (won a buggy after it) and my arms weren't bad at all. I'm battling an RSI at the moment too and it didn't make it any worse. Way more comfy than using the DS, I could only play 4 tracks and my thumb would be aching.

[AJsAWiz]

The wheel definitely requires some getting used to but it is more fun than the other methods.

I started playing with the wheel right away (based on the controller comparison review I read). Even though it's just a shell the design is so much better than the Ubisoft wheel I already had. I read that the Wii Mote/Nunchuck combination is better to use with the bikes. Haven't tried the bikes yet.

[The Senator]

I'm sticking with my trusty wavebird

[stagi]

just picked it up today, will be playing later tonight :D

[zap2]

Sooo good!

Wheel is good IMO, atleast I've enjoyed it, and I can do fine with it in 50cc, we'll see how I do with it in 150cc late.

Online is great, fast, no lag, simple yet full of stuff(as far as Wii games go), really what Brawl should have been....mostly the no lag part, hopefully that gets fixed one day(it might be now, I haven't tried in a while)


But Mario Kart Wii is top notch...tons of fun, can't wait to play with some friends.

[bobber205]

The online is very good. But it's too bad that you can't earn ranking points with two people at once. :(

I would kill for Brawl to have online this good.

[JackAxe]

I ended up having about 50 or so online games (won a buggy after it) and my arms weren't bad at all. I'm battling an RSI at the moment too and it didn't make it any worse. Way more comfy than using the DS, I could only play 4 tracks and my thumb would be aching.

I always found that when my thumb got sore, it was because I was tensing up while playing my DS games.

<]=)

[mrgreen4242]

I, too, love the wheel... makes the whole thing much more fun, imo. I LOVE the ghost data download feature where it grabs someone just a little faster than you to race... so addictive!

Anyone know if it's possible to sort the rankings with more detail? I'd like to see rankings for a track of just karts, and just people using the wheel. I think I might be in the top 10 for a track or two with those qualifiers, and personally I think it's silly to lump the karts and bikes together for time trials, and judging by the fact that all the top tens are not wheel users makes me think there's an advantage there too.

I'm in it for the fun, so using the wheel is worth the "sacrifice" for me, but it would be cool to be top ten on something. :P

Need to go through and round up all the friend codes posted so I can have some people on my list. :)

[evilgEEk]

In order to be competitive enough to be close to a top ten I think you have to use a manual drift so as to take advantage of the mini-boosts. Unfortunately I've trained myself to use auto drift and to use "B" as the item button so when I tried using manual drift I found myself hopping when trying to throw a shell. Heh.

I love the hop and manual drift though, so I need to just sit down and re-train myself on manual.

I'm really enjoying the game. I spent all day today thinking about it! Too bad I didn't get home from work until 9:30, so I only had about an hour or so to play around. :(

[Dagless]

I'm still to use the manual control mode! I've just been relaxing with automatic for a bit.

Oh - Koopa Cape is the best Mario Kart track ever. Just incase you wanted your opinions controlling! Fantastic track.

I'm not liking the SNES or GBA tracks though. I think they worked well on the DS, not so much on the big fullscreen.

[2nyRiggz]

This game is meant to be played online.....other than that its a "ok" game. So far I've logged some good time online and I'm going to try my hands(again) at the single player(its just me so no local multiplayer for me)

So far I'm liking the game with the wheel.....I'll try the other configurations over the weekend but for now the wheel is fun.



Bless

[bowens]

Just picked it up yesterday. It's great so far. 50cc is pretty easy. My wife went through the first 2 circuits without losing a race. I really like the wheel. It may not be as efficient as the nunchuck but it's fine for us. I can't get high speed internet at my house so I can't comment on the online portion. So far we both love it though, and my wife is not a big gamer at all.

[mrgreen4242]

In order to be competitive enough to be close to a top ten I think you have to use a manual drift so as to take advantage of the mini-boosts. Unfortunately I've trained myself to use auto drift and to use "B" as the item button so when I tried using manual drift I found myself hopping when trying to throw a shell. Heh.

I love the hop and manual drift though, so I need to just sit down and re-train myself on manual.

I'm really enjoying the game. I spent all day today thinking about it! Too bad I didn't get home from work until 9:30, so I only had about an hour or so to play around. :(

The manual drift is pretty easy to use, and you're right, to get anywhere near even the top half of the rankings you need to use it. To get to the top ten arena, I think it's going to be no-wii-wheel-and-motorcycles only.

I really hope Nintendo updates the MK Channel so the rankings are separate for the karts and bike, and wheel vs no wheel times. Would make it much more interesting, I think.

This game is meant to be played online.....other than that its a "ok" game. So far I've logged some good time online and I'm going to try my hands(again) at the single player(its just me so no local multiplayer for me)

So far I'm liking the game with the wheel.....I'll try the other configurations over the weekend but for now the wheel is fun.

Agree the wheel is fun, disagree that the game is "meant" for online play. Until you are soundly trouncing the computer at the 150cc, or at least 100cc, level there's little difference in playing online or vs. the computer (in Vs. mode, Battle is a different story). After that having real people to compete against will make a difference.

Getting real friends together and using some form of voice chat (skype, cell phone on the weekend, etc) would of course change the online play.

[Antares]

I just picked it up during lunch. I will be playing this in 4 hours time (when I get home from work).... :D

[mkaake]

Loving the game, but had my first frustration with the game today - I've been getting soundly spanked online, and was finally starting to get a weeee bit better, to the point where I wasn't coming in last online...

Well, I had been in the top 4 or 5 for a few races, and finally won a really (for me) difficult round... and...

The connection was lost to nintendo.

It would have been a boost to my measly score of at least 150 points, possibly more :(

I have been enjoying the game quite a bit though. I've stepped away from the wheel for a while, until I get a feel for the courses and gameplay - and then I plan on getting back to the wheel. Unfortunately, I for the life of me cannot pop a wheelie repeatedly while using the wheel - I just loose control and start zipping back and forth across the course as I frantically try to flick the wheel... that was the main reason I tried the nunchuck arrangement. Much better to get used to the game with, IMHO...

[NAG]

The single player is pretty brutal. The AI is extremely cheap. Good thing this is mostly about multiplayer.

[JackAxe]

I've only been playing the time trial. Something about playing with the wheel makes me smile. I like games that do that. :)

I'm avoiding online, because Time Warner where i currently live in South CA, is horrible. I've had them out to repair it, and it still times out too frequently. :(

I think the cheapest AI, was on the SNES at 150cc. That version would clearly cheat.

<]=)

[bobber205]

I'm still to use the manual control mode! I've just been relaxing with automatic for a bit.

Oh - Koopa Cape is the best Mario Kart track ever. Just incase you wanted your opinions controlling! Fantastic track.

I'm not liking the SNES or GBA tracks though. I think they worked well on the DS, not so much on the big fullscreen.

I found myself swearing on the Ghost Track in the shell cup. That track sucks. I can't see crap.

[JackAxe]

I haven't got frustrated yet, but only because I haven't played it enough. :)

I chewed on my DS during some really frustrating tracks with MK DS. I'm kind of glad the wheel is there, since it will feel my teeth's wrath instead of the Wiimote.

<]=)

[Antares]

I have Mario Kart Wii and it is fun.

[mrgreen4242]

I haven't got frustrated yet, but only because I haven't played it enough. :)

I chewed on my DS during some really frustrating tracks with MK DS. I'm kind of glad the wheel is there, since it will feel my teeth's wrath instead of the Wiimote.

<]=)

I've not got frustrated at all yet, but I've pretty much just played (and beat) 50cc. I've played one circuit in 100cc so far and the bikes control really differently, so it's a little frustrating, but after having done the 50cc and looking back at the fact that the only cup I didn't get 1st in was the first cup because I was learning the motion controls I can see that just learning the feel and timing for the bikes will make it more fun and less frustrating.

This really is a great game though. I'm actually pretty surprised that the media has given it "only" 8-8.5 out of 10 for the most part. They seem to knock the fact that it's "just Mario Kart" and since it's the 6th tiem we've seen this game it's just not as great anymore. This is easily my favorite MK game of the series. They've reinvented arcade racing at home - racing games were fun before, but the arcade ALWAYS had it beat, imo, even if the graphics were better at home and the play more in depth, the controls make the game for a racer, I say.

After seeing how well the Wiimote worked on MK I can EASILY see a developer making a realistic racing sim for the Wii. With the excellent expandability of the controller I would think that including a wheel casing like MK as well as a little set of pedals that plug into the expansion port (it's just two analog buttons, some plastic, and some wiring) could be done in a $59.99 game.

In fact I'd bet on that for 2009...

[Dagless]

Pedals? That Balance Board might work since it detects varying levels of pressure.

But I agree, it's the best Mario Kart by far and its just down to the controls. I know a lot of the best racers are using GC controllers but it saps the fun away from it I find. Don't think I could go back to using an analogue stick to control a kart racer now.

[mrgreen4242]

Pedals? That Balance Board might work since it detects varying levels of pressure.

But I agree, it's the best Mario Kart by far and its just down to the controls. I know a lot of the best racers are using GC controllers but it saps the fun away from it I find. Don't think I could go back to using an analogue stick to control a kart racer now.

I actually tried using the nunchuck/remote combo and it sucked because steering your drift is so much easier with the wheel. You can start a drift and turn into it to make a sharp turning motion and or away from it to have a longer more sweeping turn, and it's perfectly natural.

As for the balance board - well, it's a $90 peripheral that might be a bit of overkill for a couple of pedals. A hunk of plastic with two analog switches inside would get the job done and the remote would provide the wireless, power, most of the circuitry, and you'd think that if the nunchuck attachment with 3-D motion sensing, an analog stick, and a couple of regular buttons can be sold profitably at $20 that something like this and a wheel shell like MK's should be doable for less than that.

I hope they do a semi-realistic arcade type racer, though. Offroad rally racing would be pretty sweet - maybe the next Collin McRae game (if they're doing more of those after his death)? Adding an over the road, long distance rally using real street maps would actually be sort of fun, too. You could have a pee meter! ;)

With the Wii capable of a bit better than XBox graphics, and looking at a game like PGR on the XBox I think they could have a HUGE HUGE hit on their hands with a good title with MKWii + pedal controls... if the online is as good as MKs I can easily see it being "the new Gran Turismo".

[Dagless]

So long as it didn't cost 2000 Wii points for the demo, eh :D

[AJsAWiz]

I actually tried using the nunchuck/remote combo and it sucked because steering your drift is so much easier with the wheel. You can start a drift and turn into it to make a sharp turning motion and or away from it to have a longer more sweeping turn, and it's perfectly natural.

As for the balance board - well, it's a $90 peripheral that might be a bit of overkill for a couple of pedals. A hunk of plastic with two analog switches inside would get the job done and the remote would provide the wireless, power, most of the circuitry, and you'd think that if the nunchuck attachment with 3-D motion sensing, an analog stick, and a couple of regular buttons can be sold profitably at $20 that something like this and a wheel shell like MK's should be doable for less than that.

I hope they do a semi-realistic arcade type racer, though. Offroad rally racing would be pretty sweet - maybe the next Collin McRae game (if they're doing more of those after his death)? Adding an over the road, long distance rally using real street maps would actually be sort of fun, too. You could have a pee meter! ;)

With the Wii capable of a bit better than XBox graphics, and looking at a game like PGR on the XBox I think they could have a HUGE HUGE hit on their hands with a good title with MKWii + pedal controls... if the online is as good as MKs I can easily see it being "the new Gran Turismo".

I read, in a review, that the Wii Mote Nunchuck combination works well with the bikes. Which vehicles did you use it with?

[mrgreen4242]

I read, in a review, that the Wii Mote Nunchuck combination works well with the bikes. Which vehicles did you use it with?

I tried it with the karts. I'm just starting to try the bikes and the wheel feels pretty good for those, too, just a different timing and whatnot to master. If I keep sucking at it with the wheel though, I will probably try the nunchuck again, just to unlock karts in the 100cc level, and all the other tracks and characters and karts in that class (you get your Mii as a playable character for winning the final cup in the 100cc class). I don't think that will be the case, though.

[The Senator]

wavebird FTW!

[ltldrummerboy]

I find anything other than the Classic Controller to be awkward, not having owned a GameCube. But I'll probably give the Wheel a try again soon.

[evilgEEk]

The manual drift is pretty easy to use, and you're right, to get anywhere near even the top half of the rankings you need to use it. To get to the top ten arena, I think it's going to be no-wii-wheel-and-motorcycles only.

So after a few more hours of playing I've finally retrained myself on manual drift with the wheel. :)

I don't understand all this talk about in order to be good you can't use the wheel.

Why?

What can the 'Cube controller do that the WiiWheel can't? I find it more natural with the wheel, which in turn makes it easier for timing.

I will never be able to go back to an analog stick.

Someone with more time on their hands than me should create a new thread of time trial times. We could have a top ten for each track, and maybe even break it down by controller style and motorcycle or kart.

Of course it would all have to be honor system, so maybe it wouldn't work. Honor system isn't all that reliable on the internet. :rolleyes:

[2nyRiggz]

What can the 'Cube controller do that the WiiWheel can't? I find it more natural with the wheel, which in turn makes it easier for timing.
I will never be able to go back to an analog stick.


I could care less about the other controls....the wheel makes it ten times more fun and I'll use it as I see fit...I can't see myself going back to the sticks but I will try them out this weekend:D



Bless

[Tom B.]

Wavebird FTW!

Rumble FTW! Which is the only reason I don't use a Wavebird.

[mrgreen4242]

So after a few more hours of playing I've finally retrained myself on manual drift with the wheel. :)

I don't understand all this talk about in order to be good you can't use the wheel.

Why?

What can the 'Cube controller do that the WiiWheel can't? I find it more natural with the wheel, which in turn makes it easier for timing.

I will never be able to go back to an analog stick.

Someone with more time on their hands than me should create a new thread of time trial times. We could have a top ten for each track, and maybe even break it down by controller style and motorcycle or kart.

Of course it would all have to be honor system, so maybe it wouldn't work. Honor system isn't all that reliable on the internet. :rolleyes:
Well, having watched the ghost replays of the fastest racers I think it comes down to the ability to just let go of the analog stick once you are on a good line and let it go for a second. The wheel is more prone to very slight movements when you are trying to go straight. Also seems like you can, very slightly, bump yourself off a racing line when tapping a button, maybe.

Anyways, I prefer the wheel and I'm much faster with it personally, but only with karts - with bikes I'm not so good with the wheel, and the fastest times seem to be all bikes without the wheel... maybe it's less the wheel and more the wheel+bike doesn't allow for as tight of control, and bike>kart for speed? Dunno... still, way more fun with the wheel. Drifting with the wheel is very natural, and tons of fun.

I think if you add peoples friend code to your system you can look at a friend only leader board, which is basically what you are talking about (except less detail and sorting).

[Oneness]

I've had the game since Sunday and at first started out on the Wiimote and Nunchuck setup. I was able to get catch on to the drifting pretty easy and thought the setup was good, then i switched over to the Wheel. So much funner, but for the life of me I can't get the hang of drifting with the Wheel. Am I doing something wrong? Don't you just push 'B'? Or is there someother button I have to push on the Wheel. Please advise as I cannot go back to the 'Mote n 'Chuck.
Great game overall - and surprisingly deep.

[mrgreen4242]

I've had the game since Sunday and at first started out on the Wiimote and Nunchuck setup. I was able to get catch on to the drifting pretty easy and thought the setup was good, then i switched over to the Wheel. So much funner, but for the life of me I can't get the hang of drifting with the Wheel. Am I doing something wrong? Don't you just push 'B'? Or is there someother button I have to push on the Wheel. Please advise as I cannot go back to the 'Mote n 'Chuck.
Great game overall - and surprisingly deep.

OK, it's easy-peezy. You have to turn the direction you want to drift, even just a tiny bit, then hit and hold B. That will start your drift. Once you are in the drift you can steer your front wheels by turning the wheel. If you turn into your drift you will turn really sharp AND build up boost power for when you let go of the B button. If you turn away from the drift you will still go the direction you are drifting, but it will be more of a straight line angling that way. You don't build turbo power if you are steering away from the drift (or at least you don't build it very fast).

Does that help? Make sure you have drifting set to manual, of course...

[Oneness]

Thanks, MrGreen. I have done the push 'B' trick but it never seemed like I built up any boost so maybe I was always turning away from the drift. I'll try turning into it and see what happens.

[mrgreen4242]

Thanks, MrGreen. I have done the push 'B' trick but it never seemed like I built up any boost so maybe I was always turning away from the drift. I'll try turning into it and see what happens.

Ya, sounds like that's what you were doing. It's a change to the system because it keeps you from snaking (you can't build up boost without making a very hard turn). If you are having trouble try to remember to go into turns way on the outside of the track, start drifting and then steer into it so you end up on the far inside of the track coming out of your turn (and then turn away from your drift and let go of B so you can get your turbo boost without veering off of the road).

Download some of the faster time trial ghosts and just watch them... it'll make more sense.

[mkaake]

I've been continuing with the 'chuck combo for the last few days (home sick, with not much else to do...), and I'm continuing with it for 1 reason - I cannot, for the life of me, pop a wheelie on a bike with the wheel. I think I did it once, during which time I lost control and made an immediate right hand turn off the course...

Anyone else having trouble pulling wheelies with the wheel?

[evilgEEk]

Anyone else having trouble pulling wheelies with the wheel?

My problem wasn't popping the wheelie, but stopping the wheelie. Heh.

I'm much better now, but it took me a few races to get good at dropping back down, before it stops on it's own of course.

I'm pretty good with the bike and wheel combo now too. The first time I tried the bike/wheel/manual drift combo was against a ghost which was unfortunate because I was terrible and lost!

Much better now though. :)

[JackAxe]

The big-mushroom item is fun. :) I can't recall if previous Karts had this item?

Is there a pixel power up, so something like the uber pixel mode in Super Paper Mario Wii?

<]=)

[apfhex]

I've played with every control type except the Classic Controller (since I don't have one) now and I *think* I like the GameCube one best! Could be since I played so much Double Dash with it, but it just feels good. The big pro for me is popping wheelies using the dpad, compared to the Wiimote/nunchuck's method which is tiring and I don't always get it right. Cons are that it really requires your fingers to be all over it and can't really steer when reaching to perform a trick or do a wheelie. Plus, no nifty sound effects, and it has such a short wire (don't have a Wavebrid either).

[ChrisK018]

I apologize if this has been covered, but how does one pull of tricks in the air? I was going along just fine when my main man Toad pulled some nifty move in the sky. I've just been using the wheel-- which I have been enjoying.

[Tom B.]

I apologize if this has been covered, but how does one pull of tricks in the air? I was going along just fine when my main man Toad pulled some nifty move in the sky. I've just been using the wheel-- which I have been enjoying.

Just as you go over the edge of a jump, shake the wheel a little bit.

[ChrisK018]

Just as you go over the edge of a jump, shake the wheel a little bit.

Thanks! I'll try it out.

[2nyRiggz]

Hey has anyone been getting disconnected form Nintendo Wifi....all day its been happening. I thought it was my connection first so I unplugged everything and started from scratch...same crap. I switched over to PS3 thinking my router might be freaking out but I played a good load of GTA IV online without a hiccup...

I got in like three games online out of 20 attempts...Sucked. I'll try again tonight.


Bless

[Antares]

Hey has anyone been getting disconnected form Nintendo Wifi....all day its been happening. I thought it was my connection first so I unplugged everything and started from scratch...same crap. I switched over to PS3 thinking my router might be freaking out but I played a good load of GTA IV online without a hiccup...

I got in like three games online out of 20 attempts...Sucked. I'll try again tonight.

It's Friday. ...And it will only get worse tonight.

Friday night = more people playing = servers more taxed = dropped/fewer/no connections = unhappy 2nyRiggz

[JackAxe]

When playing online, is Grand Prix mode available to play with friends?

I've only played local and I'm even though the game is freaking fun, I would still like to race through the game with a friend like the old days.

<]=)

[e²Studios]

I have yet to play online, but just as i enjoyed the GCN version I am enjoying the Wii version. I just stopped a 2 hour play, now on to Okami for a bit then maybe GT5 or GTA 4...

God I hate this, I'm up all night and in to the early morning on weekends playing with this many good games. :o

[Dagless]

I was cutoff yesterday but it could be down to my shoddy wireless connection. Only happened the once though, but it was Friday noon (UK) so America was probably still asleep perhaps.

That said I keep playing against many many Europeans, especially Swedish folk!

[sam10685]

Way better than I was expecting. The wheel thing/motion controls work really well. :)

[ltldrummerboy]

Online has only dropped once for me. No lag and I'm even on a 256k. Other than battle mode being overly-crazy and getting bombed over and over when I'm in first place in GP mode, this game is golden. A must-own for any Wii owner.

[Antares]

Before I head out tonight...I just want to post this: I absolutely HATE the voice work for Donkey Kong. He doesn't sound like a big and strong ape. He sounds like doofus/retard.

[bobber205]

Before I head out tonight...I just want to post this: I absolutely HATE the voice work for Donkey Kong. He doesn't sound like a big and strong ape. He sounds like doofus/retard.

I totally, like, concur. :D

[Oneness]

Has anyone raced in the tournament yet? I'm not that good yet but I got a 2:03 with Toad in the standard cart. The worldwide record right now is 1:35!! 1:35!!! Has anyone here gotten close to that time? Dang that is fast.

[evilgEEk]

Has anyone raced in the tournament yet?

I've raced it a few times, but my best is only 1:50 with Princess on the Mach Bike. I'm assuming the low times have gotten lucky with mushroom boosts for items.

I'm getting frustrated with the game lately though, mainly with 150cc. I don't mind losing, but when I go from 1st, 2nd or 3rd to 12th on the last turn because I got hit with everything imaginable, that's not right. I still do fairly well online and with time trials (no items thankfully), but the 150cc is ridiculous. When it becomes nothing but item luck then the game is no longer any fun.

[Dagless]

Has anyone raced in the tournament yet? I'm not that good yet but I got a 2:03 with Toad in the standard cart. The worldwide record right now is 1:35!! 1:35!!! Has anyone here gotten close to that time? Dang that is fast.

I can't remember my time but according to the world highscore I'm just above average. Still gotta beat the game fully and work out exactly how to properly play it.

For some reason it reminds me of Top Gear. What with the "star in a reasonably priced car", hoping that when the graph shows you that you did better than the half way mark, hopefully better than Wogan.

[Tom B.]

Before I head out tonight...I just want to post this: I absolutely HATE the voice work for Donkey Kong. He doesn't sound like a big and strong ape. He sounds like doofus/retard.

Yeah that annoys me too. But I think the worst voices are Funky Kong and Miis.

[Oneness]

I've raced it a few times, but my best is only 1:50 with Princess on the Mach Bike. I'm assuming the low times have gotten lucky with mushroom boosts for items.

I'm getting frustrated with the game lately though, mainly with 150cc. I don't mind losing, but when I go from 1st, 2nd or 3rd to 12th on the last turn because I got hit with everything imaginable, that's not right. I still do fairly well online and with time trials (no items thankfully), but the 150cc is ridiculous. When it becomes nothing but item luck then the game is no longer any fun.

I'm with you on that. I don't mind a little item luck but when I can go from 12th to 1st or 1st to 12th in a half or a full lap it gets ridiculous.

[JackAxe]

Why did Nintendo take out the option to play with just friends? :(

<]=)

[evilgEEk]

Why did Nintendo take out the option to play with just friends? :(

<]=)

Online or in general?

I only have one registered friend so far and we haven't been able to catch up to play yet. So do you mean that when you select "Friends" it matches you up with your friends as well as random players?

That would be stupid if that's the case.

[ButtUglyJeff]

Why did Nintendo take out the option to play with just friends? :(

<]=)

You can still have a "room" for just friends...............

[Dagless]

So what does the gold wheel and gold star mean? I'm guessing it means you have over 6k points?

[avigalante]

So what does the gold wheel and gold star mean? I'm guessing it means you have over 6k points?

You obtain a gold wheel after racing in over 100 races (either Grand Prix/Time Trials/Online).

A gold star means that you have come in first place in all the races in that circuit. Two gold stars means that you've completed the circuit twice and come in first every single time. Three gold stars means that you finished it three times while placing first each time.

[DarrenG]

I only wish I could get hold of a copy. Tried all the stores with a 50 mile radius of where I live with zero luck. Fleabay is already placing a £5-10 mark-up on the store prices and whilst I want it, I ain't paying extra for it so I'll just have to wait until stores restock.

[Dagless]

Try http://shopto.net (http://www.shopto.net/), very very good at delivering. I got mine from here (http://www.thegamecollection.net/), a few days after release.

[JackAxe]

Online or in general?

I only have one registered friend so far and we haven't been able to catch up to play yet. So do you mean that when you select "Friends" it matches you up with your friends as well as random players?

That would be stupid if that's the case.

Offline right now, i haven't tried online yet -- my connection is a POS and times out too often. Anyways, There's no way to play just a 4 player race or less race. It always throws the computer into the mix. And battle mode SUCKS offline -- I'm assuming it would be OK online.

I just want to race friends locally, not friends and the computer.


<]=)

[Dagless]

It puts a CPU in if you have less than 4 human players? 'cuz I played in a 3 player match before.

Sorry I don't know what you mean :o

[JackAxe]

OMG!!! :D

I just found the NO CPU option for local play :D :D

I just found the options!!! :D


<]=)

[evilgEEk]

There's options?!

I was just playing online racing against a guy that kept winning regardless of what I did. We were on Dry Dry Ruins and on the last two turns this guy got hit by a blue shell so I flew by him, but then suddenly I see him zooming across the sand and he takes first. How does this happen?? He just got hit by a blue shell so it's not like he had a mushroom to use across the sand, so how did he fly by me?

I got him back on the next race, but mine was legitimate. Ish. ;) We were on the last lap of Moo Moo Meadows and I hit this guy with a red shell and then promptly ran in to a Moo Moo! That put me back in to third and then I got slammed by a red shell and a starman. My last chance was the last set of ? boxes and I got a Giant Mushroom! I just went straight across all the hills along the left side of the track and cut this guy off at the finish line. It was great! :)

It's the small things in life. :D

[asxtb]

I was able to really play a Wii for the first time at my nephew's house this last weekend. I mostly played Mario Kart and I must say I really enjoyed it. The steering wheel controls were really easy and a lot of fun to use. Definitely a game to pick up if you have a Wii. Just not worth the $300 bucks for me to get it though. ;)

[JackAxe]

Because you're cheap. :p

<]=)

[Dagless]

Jeez, I wish I could have got a Wii and Mario Kart for $300/£150, Wii's alone are £180!

Finding 150cc very hard. I'm determined to unlock everything though! Nintendo's got a knack at making you want to 100% games... Well at least in previous Mario Karts and Smash Bros!

[twistedlegato]

Anybody want to send me a copy? :p

I have no money, and you guys make me really want this game.

[cycocelica]

I have had this game for a couple of days now. I have to say this game SUCKS! Totally ruins Kart for me. N64 Kart was great. It was basic, simple gameplay. This game has taken the fun out of it. Why I hate this game right now:

1. WAY too many places that can slow you down. This game is a race, I shouldn't be slowed down

2. You have to slide around corners way too much. Whatever happened to just turning around a corner. This seems almost impossible now, and you slide into walls and out of bounds way too much. I remember when sliding around a corner meant skill and speed boost, not everyone can do it, but you HAVE to do it.

3. Too much use of the mushroom boost. If I am in last, I don't want three mushrooms or a golden mushroom, mainly because you won't make it around a corner. But I want something that will slow other down, like it used to be. Give me lightening, three red shells, or the bullet.

4. Prize cubes take too long to regenerate. Prizes play a huge role in the game, and can make or break the game, which adds excitement. They used to appear pretty rapidly giving all players an equal chance. Now if you don't get their first, you probably won't get a prize cube

5. Going along with prizes, getting prizes taken away after something bad happens to you is annoying. Why would it do that? What fun is that?

6. Why can't you determine if bikes should be allowed in 150cc? Yeah I could play 50cc and win every time using a kart, but I want a challenge and bikes are just annoying.

7. Why can't you keep drifting on the part that slows you down? Wouldn't it make sense to be able to, in hopes of getting off?

So in turn, this game is just not as fun as it used to be. The online part is cool, but the game sucks, so it doesn't matter.

[Dagless]

I have had this game for a couple of days now. I have to say this game SUCKS! Totally ruins Kart for me. N64 Kart was great. It was basic, simple gameplay. This game has taken the fun out of it. Why I hate this game right now:

1. WAY too many places that can slow you down. This game is a race, I shouldn't be slowed down

I agree.

2. You have to slide around corners way too much. Whatever happened to just turning around a corner. This seems almost impossible now, and you slide into walls and out of bounds way too much. I remember when sliding around a corner meant skill and speed boost, not everyone can do it, but you HAVE to do it.

You don't have to slide round corners but it helps. The game has gone from a casual racer (64 version at least) to something that requires a little more skill. Wheelies, miniboosts all require practice to pull off.

3. Too much use of the mushroom boost. If I am in last, I don't want three mushrooms or a golden mushroom, mainly because you won't make it around a corner. But I want something that will slow other down, like it used to be. Give me lightening, three red shells, or the bullet.
When I'm near the back I usually get the 3 red shells or Bullet. Rarely get the Pow block, never had the lightning! I've jumped up from 12th to 2nd or 3rd with a well placed Golden mushroom. But I agree the normal mushrooms don't really help much.

4. Prize cubes take too long to regenerate. Prizes play a huge role in the game, and can make or break the game, which adds excitement. They used to appear pretty rapidly giving all players an equal chance. Now if you don't get their first, you probably won't get a prize cube

Never really noticed this, they regenerate in about 3-5 seconds.

5. Going along with prizes, getting prizes taken away after something bad happens to you is annoying. Why would it do that? What fun is that?

I agree. Might be part of the balancing though, say you're at the back and someone in front has a red shell - get a Pow block so you get ahead and they launch the red shell? Not so good.

6. Why can't you determine if bikes should be allowed in 150cc? Yeah I could play 50cc and win every time using a kart, but I want a challenge and bikes are just annoying.

It's all about practice/training. Karts are easy to use so they're in 50cc. Bikes are a little tougher to get right so they're on the harder difficulty. 150cc is where it all opens up and you can use what you were best at.

7. Why can't you keep drifting on the part that slows you down? Wouldn't it make sense to be able to, in hopes of getting off?

I agree, but in a bike you can pull a wheelie in them situations.
So in turn, this game is just not as fun as it used to be.
I don't agree :p

[JackAxe]

MK Wii is a game of partial-skill. :p

My favorite Kart is still the DS version, then the SNES. I never finished the N64 or Cube versions. This version is loads of fun, I just had to find the dam options.

1.
Which tracks are slowing you down? MK has lots of tricks to master and shortcuts. Half of the tracks are from every other Kart game and the new ones have their share of simple loop tracks.

2.
It still takes skill to slide corners; hence you wouldn't be sliding out of bounds and into the walls. :o It all depends on your cart or bike. Bikes handle way better btw and can make many corners without sliding. I haven't tried automatic mode, but I won't since it takes away my option to control the slide.

3.
Those items are still an option, it's just random.

I don't know about online, but offline play lets you choose the game's balance of how it handle items when playing with friends. I'm assuming it would be the same.

4.
Muahahahhahaaaaa. :) I usually get there first, if not there's plenty of other tricks to keep things going. I'm a sliding maniac!

5.
Nothing new to the Kart series.

6.
You can. Just choose setup or options before you start the race. I'm assuming online has a similar option? I know that offline I can determine this in Grand Prix mode and multiplayer mode.

7.
It's been this way since the SNES version?

The only thing I would change about this version, is free-for-all Battle Mode and 2 player Grand Prix local play.

Your opinion. To me it sounds like you need practice. ;)

<]=)

[tbmx]

There's options?!

I was just playing online racing against a guy that kept winning regardless of what I did. We were on Dry Dry Ruins and on the last two turns this guy got hit by a blue shell so I flew by him, but then suddenly I see him zooming across the sand and he takes first. How does this happen?? He just got hit by a blue shell so it's not like he had a mushroom to use across the sand, so how did he fly by me?


He could have used the burnout boost. If you hold A+B from a dead stop you can get full boost relatively quickly. Combined with a wheelie (if on a bike) I could see it happening. He may have been using a kart/bike that was good at offroad as well.

Regarding no local 2 player grand prix... Isn't that virtually the same as setting the multi-player race options to play through a full cup? Granted it doesn't unlock anything... but you're still competing on points over four races.

[JackAxe]

Just not the same thing as playing Grand Prix with a friend.

<]=)

[CrazyLazyMan]

There's options?!

I was just playing online racing against a guy that kept winning regardless of what I did. We were on Dry Dry Ruins and on the last two turns this guy got hit by a blue shell so I flew by him, but then suddenly I see him zooming across the sand and he takes first. How does this happen?? He just got hit by a blue shell so it's not like he had a mushroom to use across the sand, so how did he fly by me?

I got him back on the next race, but mine was legitimate. Ish. ;) We were on the last lap of Moo Moo Meadows and I hit this guy with a red shell and then promptly ran in to a Moo Moo! That put me back in to third and then I got slammed by a red shell and a starman. My last chance was the last set of ? boxes and I got a Giant Mushroom! I just went straight across all the hills along the left side of the track and cut this guy off at the finish line. It was great! :)

It's the small things in life. :D

I have a buddy who knows exactly how you feel. I was playing online with him last weekend and he was getting hammered all the time. Of course I was too but it was the first time I had played the game so that was expected. He could not control himself either. I swear he was gonna put the wii wheel through the wall. It was quite amusing actually. Just keep practicing and you'll get the hang of it. That's what I'm doing.

[evilgEEk]

Almost 9000 points on WFC vs. :)

I'm actually doing quite well online, but I've been noticing something weird lately. Has anyone here seen people fall off the edge of a track only to instantly reappear back on the track at full speed? I've noticed this multiple times, primarily on Wario's Gold Mine and (of course) Rainbow Road.

Is this a glitch of some sort, or is it a button trick to make you reappear back on the track?

[Dagless]

I only have about 6500 points on mine :o

Really love this game now. It's so easy to just boot up, go on Wifi and get into a game within a couple of minutes. This is what Nintendo's online should always be like.

[Tom B.]

Almost 9000 points on WFC vs. :)

I'm actually doing quite well online, but I've been noticing something weird lately. Has anyone here seen people fall off the edge of a track only to instantly reappear back on the track at full speed? I've noticed this multiple times, primarily on Wario's Gold Mine and (of course) Rainbow Road.


I see that all the time. Its annoying when you just manage to push someone off (I enjoy doing that :p), but a second later you see them ahead of you. wtf!?

My Wi-Fi score has been at about 7100, but yesterday fell back down to 6600. :(

Also, there's a a Mario Kart Wii Friend Code thread (http://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?t=477330) now.

[evilgEEk]

I see that all the time. Its annoying when you just manage to push someone off (I enjoy doing that :p), but a second later you see them ahead of you. wtf!?

WTF is right. Heh.

I had this happen to me yesterday on Wario's Gold Mine. A fellow racer and I were battling each other throughout the entire race, bumping in to each other and trying to knock the other one off. I finally managed to bump him off on a tight turn we were taking towards the end, but suddenly he's right back in front of me at full speed!

Then a blue shell hit him and I took first with him finishing fourth. That's what you get for cheating! :)

[mrwindup]

Mario Kart Wii is not as great as the earlier editions, but I find myself reminiscing about the nostalgia of the game more than anything.

[JackAxe]

That falling off then reappearing thing is latency. It happens in all games. It can be frustrating in games like Dota.

<]=)

[evilgEEk]

That falling off then reappearing thing is latency.

I'm not convinced.

If it was just latency then I think it would happen a lot more often than just when you fall off.

[JackAxe]

Trust me, it's latency. It happened in MK DS. It would only happen way more, if it sucked, but it doesn't. :)

<]=)

[evilgEEk]

I'm about to throw this game out the window, get in the car, drive over it 10 times, douse it in lighter fluid and set it ablaze! :mad:

It seems the more points I get the more unfair the items get. I just lost !!389!! points in a single race because I got hit with THREE blue shells on the last turn of Bowsers Castle, and I was in fourth after the second one, so I know I wasn't in first when they launched it!!

Stupid game. It takes me forever to get any points since I only get about 30 points for first in a full game. Now I'm back down to 9300. Grr!

So this thread was pretty buried, does anyone play Mario Kart anymore?

[Dagless]

At least an hour every day, even got my parents playing it :D

Right now I'm getting quite good. I float between 7000-7500 points, always use the Mii and Standard Bike M. Only missing about 4 characters now and a few of the final karts and bikes.


Some guy was clearly cheating earlier! Everyone left the game because of him. His character animation was fixed so he was sticking his arms out, and on Bowsers Castle (my fave track) he was behind me all the way but somehow when the scoreboard came up he had come first (with 8500 points). Was quite a way from me too, by the time I crossed the line he was still on the final spiral bit near the 3 thwomps.

[KurtangleTN]

I gotta say, I was pretty excited for Mario Kart Wii and in the end its a huge disappointment.

Blue Turtle Shells are way too common and so are the other overpowered items like lightning, bullet bills, etc.

I really would like to unlock some of the characters but most of them are a massive chore to unlock, specifically the star ones. I mean with the overpowered items, crappy rubber band AI, and small margin between an A and a star, I'm not sure what they were thinking.

[evilgEEk]

I miss the giant Bowser shell from Double Dash, that thing was fun!

I agree blue shells are far too common, but I'm the one that always gets hit by them so I'm a bit bias. The two items I absolutely hate are the giant mushroom and the lightning cloud. I absolutely hate the lightning cloud! I'm pretty good at dumping it off to someone else but I still hate the thing, and the giant mushroom is all together worthless.

The game is still fun, but there are some excrutiatingly frustrating issues. Namely losing 400 points in one stinkin' race. :mad:

[SamoanDude]

Glad I saw the reviews here, helps me make a decision

[CrazyLazyMan]

So this thread was pretty buried, does anyone play Mario Kart anymore?

I play this game way too much!! I play for an hour everyday when I come home for lunch. I then play for an hour or two when I get home from work. And after the wife and kid goes to bed I play for another two to three hours staying up much later than I really should. I really enjoy the game but it can be extremely frustrating at times. But then again what game isn't??

[bobber205]

I played it regularly for a couple weeks then went back to Brawl.

[JackAxe]

Points are cool. Why are you guys getting them? I have yet to play online.

I still play the game, but have been absolutely swamped with work lately, so have had to put all gaming on hold.

<]=)

[evilgEEk]

I played it regularly for a couple weeks then went back to Brawl.

I haven't played Brawl since Mario Kart came out even though it frustrates me to no end.

I just can't seem to stop playing! I get so completely pissed off, yet no more than three or four hours later it's like it never happened so I play some more.

I'm pathetic, I know. ;)

[Dagless]

Points are cool. Why are you guys getting them? I have yet to play online.

Do well online; gain points
Do bad online; lose points.
Base figure is 5000. Be sure to play against 4000 points people :D

[rockthecasbah]

Well I absolutely love Mario Kart Wii. I think the weapons issues are all minor flaws but make the game easier to stay competitive in. In regards to the blue shell, i wish it were much less common but be the N64-version where it would hit every player in front of you up to the first person. The new weapons aren't so hot, but the game is still quite fun so it doesn't bother me. I haven't played battle yet, only Grand Prix 1P gold up through all cups except Special and Lightning thus far and internet matches...

Nintendo has pleased me most with the internet play, bikes, and loads of courses (despite reusing not-so-great ones from Double Dash). Mario Kart Wii is a fabulous game, I play it every time I play Wii right now.

[dalvin200]

Do well online; gain points
Do bad online; lose points.
Base figure is 5000. Be sure to play against 4000 points people :D

unfortunately, i don't think you can pick/choose the players by points..
or can you?
i';ve been up to about 6000 points and then back down to 5000 but now am back up to around 5600... its like gambling!! totally addictive..

but i so hate hate hate rainbow road.. i switch the console off if that course gets chosen online!! lol..

[Dagless]

Nah you can't pick who you race against but when I get in a room full of 4000-5000 people I do smile inside a little :D

Rainbow Road? I hated it at first but I got really good at it using the Standard M Bike. Don't fall off anymore except for when someone launches a blue shell and hits when your in mid air :mad:

[Antares]

Yes, I hate the stupid blue shells. I, too, think the Mario Kart 64 blue shell was the best version of it. I also don't like the fact that you loose items inside the box when you are hit by lightning or spin out....you should only loose items that you are dragging behind you. Oh and I really miss the ghost item.

That said, I think Mario Kart Wii is the most addictive game of this generation. When I play online, I tell myself that "I'll only play a few races." But then it becomes...."okay, one more race." And then, "just one more, I lost some points and want to get back above 6,000." And yet again, "ooh, I'll stop after one more race." My intent is to play for a half hour. Yet that half hour becomes two hours...or more. Mario Kart may not be perfect but nobody can deny that it is probably the most fun game of this generation (on all systems).

[stagi]

I love this game, still trying to win all of the levels and the 150 cc is tough for me, but having lots of fun.

[SamIchi]

I haven't read the other posts, but I thought I'd chime in.

I wasn't planning on getting this game, due to the overall lack of gaming in my life. The GC and N64 versions were OK, and the wheel just didn't excite me. After seeing the review posted by Gametrailers, I really thought this was the lamest of the series.

Well I did get it, I had credit at EB, and was greatly surprised. The elements that they added are great. The trick system, although super shallow, adds a lot to the game. It adds two great elements to the game. One, it's gives you the extra edge to take the lead, or keep the lead. Two, takes away from the monotony of racing. One of the main reasons why I didn't like the N64 and GC (although I did play them through) ones was because I felt the transition to 3-d added too much space (another dimension, duhhh) but they didn't fill that space.

*thinks of Wario Stadium N64, boring, wiiiiddee track*

The added jumps and tricks in MK Wii fill that extra space nicely. Everything is more dynamic, and exciting to play. You can plainly experience this when you play the lower cups (retro stages) compared to the new tracks, the new tracks are super dynamic, with crazy aerials, terrain changes and excitement with every turn.

Things that I thought were a bad move by Nintendo, like taking away the drift dash maneuver (clicking the analog stick back and forth) "dumbing down gameplay", didn't really affect the game experience, it kind of makes me think of the "old system" as superfluous. I'd like to think it as streamlined, not dumbed down.

Everything in this game just feels faster. The extra mini boosts, and the wheelies on the bike, all nicely added features. I can't say the same for Double dash featuring 2 racers. Your thumb is always on the move planning ahead for drifts and jumps.

One thing I need to comment on is the items. There seemed to be complaints about unfairness, but for the most part, I don't see a problem with them, when you stick every drift and get every mini boost. I always end up at first. I've played through everything in 50 & 100CC, flawless. Maybe 150CC is insanely hard or sumthin, but I'm up for it.

I tried the wheel on one circuit, it was hard. It would probably be fun if others were all holding wheels, but playing alone, I choose the Wavebird (Nintendo Bring it back!) Which reminds me, pressing down on the analog R don't make you drift, which really threw me off ( I hope I'm talking about the right game...) in the beginning, you have to press it all the way down, but like now I don't even notice, that's why I questioned if this is the right game (but MK has pretty much the only game i've been playin so it has to be). I'm pretty sure in MKDD you didn't have to press all the way.

Well anyways, partly because of my low expectation and a couple reviews, I really thought this game was going to be weak. But now I think this is the best of the Mario Karts. The tracks are awesome, the features are amazing, online... I keep getting kicked off, but I think that's a router problem. Well online is fun when I could play. If you have a Wii, this is a must have.

[Dagless]

Drift dash is in this game. You need to be in Manual mode and the sparks still turn blue/yellow when you tilt the controller doing a slide.

[SamIchi]

Drift dash is in this game. You need to be in Manual mode and the sparks still turn blue/yellow when you tilt the controller doing a slide.

Yea, I was talking about the technique to make it happen. Clicking back in forth as opposed to just tilting.