Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Reviews
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe performs better than it ever has, this time with a crisper look that really shines both in docked and handheld forms. While it is disappointing that no new race tracks were added, the completely overhauled Battle Mode complete with eight arenas makes up for that easily, making Mario Kart 8 Deluxe the definitive Mario Kart experience to date.
Deluxe may be the wrong word for it, but this is the definitive Mario Kart 8 experience, which ultimately makes it one of the best kart-racers ever made.
When it comes to passing final judgement on a re-release like this it's tricky - do we scale back praise because it's content we've mostly seen before, or simply judge a release on its own merits? We've opted for the latter here, and so we have a definitive version of a fantastic Wii U game that adds its own extras to spruce up the experience.Mario Kart 8 Deluxe delivers a huge amount of racing goodness right out of the box, and it's a polished version of a Wii U entry that was a proper Battle Mode away from being top of class. Now that issue has been addressed, what we have is arguably the best Mario Kart release we've seen. Some will argue about where this entry stands in the pantheon of the franchise, but for our money it's competing for top spot.It's the definitive Mario Kart 8 experience, content-rich and a delightful feast of comedic, cartoonish karting action. It's a game that continually raises a smile and, occasionally, induces that trademark Mario Kart rage as shells strike and positions are lost. It's addictive and unifying, unfiltered fun that draws in anyone daring enough to take up the wheel. If you're a Switch owner, it's an easy choice.
This is how you spiff up an older game. What could have been a cynical attempt to double-dip into Nintendo fans' wallets actually turns out to be the Mario Kart series' definitive entry. The racing looks and feels just as great as it did on the Wii U, but the addition of battle modes finally makes it feel like a complete package. Add in the new characters and the Wii U DLC content, and Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is a fantastic addition to the Switch's early library.
It's a damn fine remaster of a truly magnificent game.
At the end of the day, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is a Mario Kart game and (predictably) fantastic. With a fully upgraded Battle Mode and all the portability that comes with Nintendo Switch, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is undoubtedly the definitive version of the game — maybe even the series. However, with limited offerings for Mario Kart veterans who shelled out nearly $100 on the last experience, the title will be significantly less rewarding.
A better Battle mode and new ways to play with friends are great perks, but perhaps not enough to make some fans buy the same game twice
'Mario Kart 8 Deluxe' bring racing chaos, and great multiplayer to the Switch.
"Mario Kart 8 Deluxe" feels like the most complete game in the series, with 23 remade tracks from earlier games and 25 originals, yet the racing feels like it's been tamed by the mild courses and gentle drifting system.
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe plays exceptionally well and its pick-up-and-play nature feels right at home on Nintendo Switch. There may not be any game-changing additions, but new items and characters, as well as an insanely fun Battle mode, help round out an already-impressive package.
Mario Kart 8 is as deliriously entertaining as it was when it was released three years ago.
Nintendo's karting franchise is designed to get everyone racing together no matter what their individual ability. This Switch remaster achieves that and more
If you don't own a Switch and you've already done Mario Kart 8 on Wii U, then there's no reason to fall for this iteration that brings too little to the bottom. In all other cases, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is the most accomplished experience of the saga, with a gameplay with small onions and a consequent game background.
Review in French | Read full review
Original Mario Kart 8 made gameplay almost perfect, but Mario Kart 8 Deluxe goes even further and improves the game to the masterpiece, offering a full set of arcade fun and allowing you to play at home and on the road, enjoying deep mechanics, bright graphics and phenomenally thoughtful and really interestingly designed tracks. It's hard to imagine what Nintendo should do in order to make the next game even better. Without a doubt, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is the best installment in the series and just an ideal arcade racing that will brighten up the expectation of a full new ninth game.
Review in Russian | Read full review
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is a hard game to review. On one hand, the value is insane. The tracks, modes, and sheer amount of content found in the game are unmatched. On the other hand, hardly any of it is new for those of us who bought the game on Wii U. Another factor in the mix is that the Switch simply is lacking another big blockbuster to purchase after Zelda, so MK8 Deluxe is certainly tempting. Either way the game is still just as fun as it was on Wii U, and that is the most important bullet point.
At its heart, playing Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is a completely different experience to playing Mario Kart 8 precisely because of how, and where, you play it. The feel and fun of the thing is an intrinsic part of gaming and there's just so much fun to be had when you throw portability and local multiplayer into the fray.
We had a ton of fun with Mario Kart 8 for Wii U. And even if Mario Kart 8 Deluxe doesn't add that much of news (except for the re-designed battle mode), it's still one of the best racing games ever made.
Review in Swedish | Read full review
Ultimately, this might just be the best version of the very best Kart racer there is. If you're a Mario Kart 8 veteran then I'm not sure how much here will draw you in, but new players and multiplayer fanatics will find dozens of hours of fun.
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is one of the greatest multiplayer experiences Nintendo has produced in a long time.
This is undoubtedly the biggest, funniest and best Mario Kart ever. If you already have the new Nintendo console, well, it's a no-brainer, really. If you don't, well, it could be the right time to Switch.
Review in Italian | Read full review