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CRITIK

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
Item: Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
Author: Critik Editorial Team

2017

GenresFantasy, Third Person Perspective, Sports, Vehicular, Single Player, Multiplayer, Racing

AvailableApr 28, 2017

PlatformNintendo Switch

DeveloperNintendo

Overview

Hit the road with the definitive version of Mario Kart 8 and play anytime, anywhere! Race your friends or battle them in a revised battle mode on new and returning battle courses. Play locally in up to 4-player multiplayer in 1080p while playing in TV Mode. Every track from the Wii U version, including DLC, makes a glorious return. Plus, the Inklings appear as all-new guest characters, along with returning favorites, such as King Boo, Dry Bones, and Bowser Jr.!

Elsewhere

8.6

Game analysis

Critik Scorecard

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Story and Narrative

Analysis Unavailable

Summary unavailable

TL;DR

story and narrative

Description unavailable

Gameplay Mechanics

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive (80-100)

100%

Mixed (50-79)

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.

The majority of critics had overwhelmingly positive opinions about the gameplay of Mario Kart 8 Deluxe. The game was praised for its engaging and fun mechanics, with enhancements such as new characters, vehicles, items, and driving assists, as highlighted by Atomix. Critics like Pocket Gamer UK and Gameplanet commended the gameplay mechanics, including power-sliding, boosting, and smart item utilization, which added depth and excitement to the races. The addition of new features like the super drift boost and two-item carrying capacity, as mentioned by Twinfinite, was also well-received for providing players with more strategic options. The revamped Battle Mode, as noted by DualShockers and Nintendo Enthusiast, was a major highlight, offering diverse experiences and enhancing the overall gameplay. While the overall sentiment towards the gameplay of Mario Kart 8 Deluxe was positive, there were some minor criticisms raised by a few critics. Hardcore Gamer pointed out the lack of the option to choose the battle mode when playing online as a downside, which could limit players' preferences in multiplayer sessions. Additionally, Everyeye.it mentioned that while the new features catered to both novice and experienced players, some changes to power-ups might affect game balance, potentially impacting the competitive aspect of the gameplay. These criticisms, however, were relatively minor compared to the overwhelming praise for the game's mechanics and features. In conclusion, the consensus among critics is that Mario Kart 8 Deluxe offers an exceptional gameplay experience that combines the best elements of the series while introducing new features to enhance player enjoyment. Critics like IBTimes UK and GameCrate lauded the game as the best in the series, with improvements that cater to players of all skill levels. The variety of gameplay options, customization features, and new modes like Renegade Roundup, as highlighted by Gamer.no, added depth and intensity to the competition. Overall, the positive reception towards the gameplay of Mario Kart 8 Deluxe underscores its status as a must-have title on the Nintendo Switch, providing hours of entertainment for both casual and hardcore gamers alike.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Critics overwhelmingly praise Mario Kart 8 Deluxe's engaging gameplay mechanics, new features, and revamped Battle Mode, lauding it as the best in the series. While some minor criticisms exist, the game's depth, excitement, and player-friendly improvements cater to all skill levels, making it a must-have title for Nintendo Switch gamers seeking hours of entertainment.

Graphics and Visual Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive (80-100)

98%

Mixed (50-79)

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.

The majority of critics unanimously praised the Graphics and Visual Design of Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, highlighting its stunning visuals, vibrant colors, and improved graphics compared to its predecessor. Critics such as Areajugones, who mentioned the game's colorful graphics, improved models, and stability, and Game Informer, who described the game as beautiful, full of vibrant colors, fast-paced action, and gorgeous visuals, emphasized the visual appeal of the game. The game's ability to run at 1080p and 60fps, as noted by critics like Critical Hit and Game Rant, further enhanced the overall visual experience, especially when played on a TV. The attention to detail in the environments, delightful character models, and lively racing tracks, as highlighted by DarkStation, also added to the game's visual charm. While the overwhelming sentiment towards the Graphics and Visual Design of Mario Kart 8 Deluxe was positive, there were a few critics who pointed out some areas for improvement. DualShockers noted that the graphics had not improved since the original release on Wii U, which could be seen as a missed opportunity for further enhancement. Additionally, GameGrin mentioned that there were no noticeable graphics changes during gameplay, suggesting that some players may have expected more significant visual upgrades in the Deluxe version. These minor criticisms, however, were overshadowed by the overall consensus of the majority of critics who found the game's graphics to be impressive and visually appealing. In conclusion, the overall consensus among the critics is overwhelmingly positive regarding the Graphics and Visual Design of Mario Kart 8 Deluxe. The game was praised for its stunning visuals, vibrant colors, improved graphics, and smooth performance on the Nintendo Switch. Critics appreciated the game's ability to run at 1080p and 60fps, both in docked and handheld modes, creating a visually appealing and immersive experience for players. With compliments ranging from "gorgeous" to "visually stunning," it is evident that Mario Kart 8 Deluxe succeeded in delivering a visually captivating and engaging gaming experience that was well-received by the majority of critics.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Critics unanimously laud Mario Kart 8 Deluxe for its stunning graphics, vibrant colors, and improved visual design compared to its predecessor. While some critics noted areas for improvement, the majority praised the game's ability to run at 1080p and 60fps on the Nintendo Switch, creating a visually appealing and immersive experience. Overall, the game's graphics received high praise for their charm and impressive detail, with critics hailing it as visually captivating and engaging.

Music and Sound Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive (80-100)

91%

Mixed (50-79)

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the music and sound design.

The majority of critics had overwhelmingly positive opinions about the Sound Design and Music of Mario Kart 8 Deluxe. DarkStation praised the wonderful orchestrated soundtrack, while DualShockers noted that the soundtrack remains great, maintaining high-quality audio experience from the original release on Wii U. Easy Allies specifically highlighted the fantastic and catchy big band renditions of songs in the game's soundtrack, which was also echoed by Telegraph, describing the music as soaring and exhilarating. Vgames and Impulsegamer both appreciated how the great music and sound design enhanced the overall experience of the game. The iconic Mario Kart soundtrack and sound effects were also mentioned by Trusted Reviews as enhancing the gameplay experience. While the overwhelming sentiment was positive, there were a few critics who did not provide detailed insights into the sound design and music of Mario Kart 8 Deluxe. Gaming Age, for example, mentioned that the game sounds gorgeous but lacked specific details about the sound design or music. Providing more in-depth analysis could have added more depth to the review and helped readers understand what specifically made the sound design and music stand out in the game. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that the Sound Design and Music of Mario Kart 8 Deluxe are exceptional, with the majority of reviewers praising the orchestrated soundtrack, diverse track selection, and how the music complements the gameplay and visuals effectively. The positive comments from critics like Easy Allies, Telegraph, and Vgames highlight the impact of the music on the competitiveness and entertainment value of the game. Despite some reviews lacking detailed analysis, the overall sentiment is overwhelmingly positive, emphasizing the significant role that sound design and music play in enhancing the overall experience of Mario Kart 8 Deluxe.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Critics rave about Mario Kart 8 Deluxe's top-notch Sound Design and Music, with accolades for its orchestrated soundtrack and catchy big band renditions. The majority laud how the music elevates gameplay and visuals, though some critics missed providing detailed insights. Overall, the consensus is overwhelmingly positive, emphasizing the crucial role of sound design and music in enhancing the game's experience.

Voice Acting

Analysis Unavailable

Summary unavailable

TL;DR

voice acting

Description unavailable

Technical Performance

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive (80-100)

77%

Mixed (50-79)

23%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the technical performance.

In terms of the technical performance of Mario Kart 8 Deluxe on the Nintendo Switch, the majority of critics praised the game for its stability and smooth gameplay experience. Areajugones highlighted the adaptability of the game to different play styles, while Atomix and DarkStation specifically noted the stable 60 frames per second performance, even in docked mode. Additionally, GameSpot mentioned improvements such as shorter load times and enhanced vibration capabilities utilizing the Joy-Cons, contributing to an overall polished package. The reviews from Game Informer and Pocket Gamer UK also emphasized the smooth experience with no noticeable frame drops or graphics changes, further solidifying the positive technical performance on the Nintendo Switch platform. On the downside, some critics did mention minor issues with the technical performance of Mario Kart 8 Deluxe on the Nintendo Switch. God is a Geek pointed out frame rate issues in multiplayer modes with three or more players, while Trusted Reviews highlighted a drop to 30 FPS in local splitscreen with multiple players, impacting the experience slightly. The Sydney Morning Herald also noted frame rate drops to 30 FPS in split-screen play with three or four players. Despite these minor drawbacks, the overall sentiment from the critics indicates that these issues do not significantly detract from the overall technical performance of the game on the Nintendo Switch platform. Overall, the consensus among the critics is overwhelmingly positive regarding the technical performance of Mario Kart 8 Deluxe on the Nintendo Switch. The game was praised for its stable frame rates, smooth gameplay experience, and improved visuals, particularly in single-player and two-player modes. The ability to seamlessly transition between handheld and docked mode without noticeable downgrades was also commended by multiple reviewers, such as The Digital Fix and DualShockers. While some critics mentioned minor frame rate issues in multiplayer modes with three or more players, the general consensus is that Mario Kart 8 Deluxe delivers a very good technical performance on the Nintendo Switch, enhancing the overall gaming experience for players.

TL;DR

technical performance

Critics laud Mario Kart 8 Deluxe on the Nintendo Switch for stable 60 FPS gameplay, smooth experience, and improved visuals. Minor frame rate issues in multiplayer modes noted, but overall technical performance highly praised, enhancing gaming experience.

Replay Value

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive (80-100)

80%

Mixed (50-79)

20%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.

The majority of critics praised the replay value of Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, highlighting its extensive content, diverse gameplay modes, and multiplayer options. Critics like Gameplanet and Pocket Gamer UK emphasized the substantial amount of tracks, characters, and the revamped Battle Mode, which added to the game's replayability. Additionally, reviewers such as Nintendo Life and Impulsegamer pointed out the wealth of content available, including all characters unlocked from the start, various weight classes, and additional vehicle customizations, making it highly replayable for both solo and multiplayer gameplay. On the downside, some critics expressed concerns about the lack of substantial new content for returning players. LevelUp criticized the game for not introducing enough new tracks, which could have enhanced the replay value for veteran players. Similarly, GameCrate mentioned that players who had already experienced Mario Kart 8 on the Wii U might not find a significant amount of new content in this version. These opinions suggest that while the game excels in providing replay value for new players, it may not offer as much incentive for those familiar with previous iterations. Overall, the consensus among critics is overwhelmingly positive regarding the replay value of Mario Kart 8 Deluxe. The game's vast array of tracks, characters, and modes, coupled with the addition of new Battle Modes and multiplayer stages, contributed to its high replayability for both new and old players. Critics like Trusted Reviews and DualShockers highlighted the diverse gameplay options and online multiplayer modes as factors that enhance the game's longevity. Despite some concerns about the lack of new content for returning players, the general sentiment is that Mario Kart 8 Deluxe offers a compelling and enjoyable experience with substantial replay value, making it a must-have title in the series, as noted by Areajugones and NintendoWorldReport.

TL;DR

replay value

Critics rave about Mario Kart 8 Deluxe's replay value, praising its wealth of content, diverse gameplay modes, and multiplayer features. While some express concerns about the lack of new content for returning players, the game's extensive tracks, characters, and revamped Battle Mode make it highly replayable for both new and old players. Overall, critics agree that Mario Kart 8 Deluxe offers a compelling and enjoyable experience with substantial replay value, solidifying its position as a must-have title in the series.

Overall Verdict

CRITIK

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Critik Score

Positive (80-100)

97%

Mixed (50-79)

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.

The opinions of the critics regarding Mario Kart 8 Deluxe overwhelmingly lean towards the positive spectrum. Many reviewers highlighted the game's strengths, such as its polished gameplay, extensive content, and enjoyable multiplayer experience. Critics like Cheat Code Central and Gameplanet praised the fantastic gameplay, graphics, and replay value, with Gameplanet specifically mentioning the symbiotic relationship the game has with the Nintendo Switch, providing a satisfying portable console experience. The addition of new features like the improved Battle Mode, new characters, and karts, as well as enhanced visuals, were also well-received by reviewers like Game Rant and Trusted Reviews, who considered it a must-buy for Switch owners. On the flip side, some critics did point out certain drawbacks of Mario Kart 8 Deluxe. NintendoWorldReport mentioned that the game fell short in terms of single-player content and progression, while Critical Hit highlighted the absence of a single-player adventure mode and voice communication in multiplayer as drawbacks. Additionally, GameCrate noted that for players who had already experienced the game on the Wii U, there might not be enough new content to justify a repurchase. Despite these criticisms, the overall sentiment towards the game remained positive, with reviewers like LevelUp acknowledging that while long-time fans may be disappointed by the lack of significant new content, new Switch owners would still find it a worthwhile addition to their gaming library. Overall, the consensus among the critics is overwhelmingly positive towards Mario Kart 8 Deluxe. The game is praised as the definitive version of the best Mario Kart game to date, with critics like GameCritics and Nintendo Life considering it a must-have for Switch owners. The game's ability to cater to players of all skill levels, its engaging multiplayer options, and the improvements made in the Deluxe version were highlighted as reasons for its high acclaim. The majority of critics found Mario Kart 8 Deluxe to be a fantastic racing game that excels in providing an enjoyable and dynamic experience for both new and returning players. As Wired UK succinctly puts it, the game is easily the best Mario Kart yet, solidifying its position as a top-tier title on the Nintendo Switch and a standout entry in the beloved franchise.

TL;DR

Critics overwhelmingly praise Mario Kart 8 Deluxe for its polished gameplay, extensive content, and enjoyable multiplayer experience, making it a must-buy for Switch owners. Some critics noted drawbacks like lack of single-player content and new content for previous players, but the overall sentiment remains positive. The game is hailed as the definitive version of the best Mario Kart game, catering to players of all skill levels and offering engaging multiplayer options. It is considered a top-tier title on the Nintendo Switch and a standout entry in the franchise.

CRITIK

Reviews

158 reviews found

100

IBTimes UK

Nintendo Switch

Apr 20, 2017

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The review states that Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is the best Mario Kart game ever and it's hard to see how Nintendo will ever be able to improve upon it.

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100

Metro GameCentral

Nintendo Switch

Apr 20, 2017

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The definitive version of one of the greatest multiplayer games ever, with few flaws and a must-have purchase for Switch owners.

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100

Impulsegamer

Nintendo Switch

Apr 25, 2017

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is a must-have title for the Nintendo Switch, accessible to gamers of all levels and offering great racing fun for everyone.

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100

Trusted Reviews

Nintendo Switch

Apr 20, 2017

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is a must-buy for Nintendo Switch owners, offering the best the series has ever been with the addition of Battle Mode, improved visuals, and enhanced gameplay features.

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100

Telegraph

Nintendo Switch

Apr 26, 2017

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is praised as the fullest and most finely-tuned entry in the series. The game is seen as a smart move by Nintendo to attract new players to the Switch and showcase its flexible multiplayer capabilities. The review concludes that the game is a splendid celebration of the Switch's charms.

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100

God is a Geek

Nintendo Switch

Apr 20, 2017

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The review concludes that Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is a fantastic game that works for all ages and abilities, and praises the additions and changes made in the Deluxe version.

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100

Gameblog.fr

Nintendo Switch

Apr 20, 2017

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is described as a fantastic game with a polished and content-rich package that revitalizes the beloved franchise for both new and returning players.

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100

Gaming Age

Nintendo Switch

May 16, 2017

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The review states that it's hard to say anything particularly negative about the game and that it's worth picking up.

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100

Nintendo Life

Nintendo Switch

Apr 20, 2017

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is praised as the definitive version of the game, offering a huge amount of racing goodness, polished gameplay, and a delightful karting experience that competes for the top spot in the Mario Kart franchise, making it a must-have for Switch owners.

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100

Cheat Code Central

Nintendo Switch

Apr 20, 2017

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The game is described as close to a perfect kart racer, with fantastic gameplay, graphics, and replay value. It is recommended as one of the Switch's best titles.