'Mario Kart Wii' races to winner's circle
If there's one game series that I'll play regardless of the fact it hasn't changed much, it's ''Mario Kart.''
Overall, ''Mario Kart Wii'' isn't much different from any of the other games in the series, despite new motion-sensitive controls. There are some new tracks and some other tweaks, but for the most part, it's the same combat racing game players have come to love.
''Mario Kart Wii'' is one of the few games that lets you make use of your Mii, a customizable avatar created in the Wii's main menu. So instead of racing with one of Nintendo's characters - I always pick Wario - you can race as yourself.
The new tracks throw in lots of ramps, gaps and other hazards, and they seem much more alive than old tracks (many of which are also playable). My favorite is one that takes place in a mall, with players racing up and down escalators and jumping off fountains.
A stunt system has been added that, by shaking the Wii remote while jumping off a ramp, makes the racer perform a trick and gives a speed boost.
This time around, bikes have been added to the usual go-karts. I still preferred the heavier and easier-to-control karts, but bikes will appeal to those who want to pop wheelies.
I played using the packed-in Wii Wheel, a large plastic remote-holder shaped like a steering wheel. The wheel is sturdy and comfortable to grip. It doesn't add anything technically to the controls, but it's fun to use.
For those who don't want to use the wheel, ''Mario Kart Wii'' allows a choice of control schemes: Wii remote by itself, Wii remote and nunchuk, classic controller or GameCube controller.
Easily the largest addition in the game is online play. By connecting to Nintendo's Wi-Fi server, players can race against up to 11 other players. Every online race I tried was lag-free and without any problems.
I really liked the online matchmaking screen. After selecting whether you want a regional game or global game, you're matched with opponents. The game then shows their names and where on the globe they're located, which was just cool. One global match I played had nine people from France and Germany, one from Japan and one from England.
I only wish the Wii had voice-chat capabilities. It's sad to be able to play with all these people but not be able to talk to them.
Still, ''Mario Kart Wii'' is a lot of fun. Wii owners shouldn't skip it.
Reach Aimee Green at (402) 473-7326 or Aimee.Green@lee.net.
MARIO KART WII (WITH WII WHEEL)
Nintendo, for Wii
Rated: Everyone
Cost: $49.99
Score: 8/10
Scores based on an evaluation of gameplay (4 points), visuals (2), sound (2) and replayability/value (2).