Developer: Nintendo
Publisher: Nintendo of America
Genre: Racing
Rating: E (For Everyone)
Number of Players: 1-4
Expected Release: N/A
Platforms: Nintendo Wii
Gallery not yet available

Following the, for the most part, Ho-Hum reception of: "Mario Kart Double Dash" for the GameCube, this console racer shoots for a more classic gameplay approach; even as it brings us the obligatory new features expected in this first Wii installment. For example; rather than the skid-only boost, original Hop and Skid "Power sliding" is back. Also much to the joy of many long time Mario Kart enthusiasts, the one character per Kart format returns, the polarizing love it or hate it Double Dash formula having been forsaken. There will also be a plentiful mix of new and classic tracks to master.

However, amidst these seemingly conciliatory gestures, new potential controversy seems to have emerged for Mario Kart purists as Nintendo introduces motorcycles, the first non-Kart-like vehicle to the franchise. It has not yet been revealed how many motorcycles will be available, or whether all characters will have the option of using them, but such a large step away from the norm can only be judged fairly once all of the details have been revealed.

One feature that has been observed ever so sparingly so far is a tumbling of sorts through the air during large jumps. This makes for the rather obvious speculations that these movements are performed via the motion sensing controls within the Wii remote, and that there will likely be some sort of benefit depending on performance. How this relates to the game's motorcycles has not yet been revealed either.

Another equally intriguing yet controversial feature is the "Wii Wheel", the plastic steering wheel peripheral (a'la Ubisoft's Excite Truck wheel) announced to be included with the game. The Wii remote fits snugly into the back of the wheel and players steer by turning the wheel, just as if one were driving. The buttons remain uncovered and easily accessible for everything from hopping, to blasting an opponent with your weapon of choice.

What is the controversy you ask? It has not yet been announced whether this is the only control scheme for Mario Kart Wii, or if more traditional, analog stick control will be available. Once again, judgment on this will have to wait until all details have been revealed and experienced.

Considering the hit or miss (mostly miss so far) attempts at motion control steering games so far on the Wii, concerns are understandable. While the aforementioned Excite Truck had decent controls, other games such as Midway's: "Cruis'n", and especially Data Design Interactive's: "Offroad Extreme! Special Edition" are near unplayable. Since Nintendo through their first party titles, usually are the masters of maximizing their hardware and setting its standards, such concerns are likely misplaced. It just may be the case though, that Mario Kart fans will have to adapt to a totally new style of play.

Finally, the important feature regarding Mario Kart Wii is it's Online Multiplayer. In the words of Nintendo of America President and Chief operating officer Reginald Fils-Aime at E3 2007, "Race against rivals around the world in real-time." While that alone seems enough to put a smile on the face of every Mario Kart fan in existence, the accompanying video at E3 hinted that there might be as many as 12 players per online race. Fans ran wild with the idea, and everything from 8 to 16 players was assumed.

After months of this speculation though, Nintendo President Satoru Iwata has formally announced that there will indeed be 12-player online capability. Iwata also emphasized Nintendo's determination to "streamline" and greatly improve online play over what currently exists for Mario Kart DS. As with all Nintendo developed online games, Mario Kart Wii will have the friend-code function, but it will also have a "Race with anyone" feature that will allow players to bypass that if they choose.

Nintendo is as skilled as ever in building suspense and anticipation for their games. Mario Kart Wii at this point is just as exciting for the things we know about it as it is for the things we don't yet know. Stay tuned here at DPAD over the coming months for more information. Nintendo has scheduled Mario Kart Wii for a 1st quarter 2008 release. Amazon.com, where the game is available for pre-order lists the release date for this game as April 30, 2008.