We are on the heels of the official unveiling of Mario Kart for Wii U, and in the short time that we have left, let’s take a moment to look back at some of the great features of past iterations that we would like to see return. While each Mario Kart title generally sticks with the standard formula, there are definitive features that help make each one stand out on its own. Many of these features are on our list, but not everyone wants them all to return! Regardless, check them out below, and make sure to leave your own thoughts in the comments!
Partners
From: Mario Kart: Double Dash!!
Mario Kart: Double Dash!! was the first title in the series to feature two players riding together in one kart, and unfortunately, it was also the last. This feature has not appeared in any titles since the GameCube release, despite the fact that fans widely loved the idea. For this Mario Kart, give the option to play matches with and without partners, as both types of play are great in their own ways.
Interesting Battle Modes
From: Mario Kart: Double Dash!!, Mario Kart DS
Balloon Battle is a must in every Mario Kart, but that doesn’t mean it has to be the only kind of battle play. The last two games, Mario Kart Wii and Mario Kart 7, brought us Coin Runners, a simple mode that has players trying to collect as many coins as possible before the time limit runs out. It’s a good mode, but what happened to the hectic and fun battle games like Bob-omb Blast and Shine Thief from Mario Kart: Double Dash!!? These games had you on the edge of your seat, something that is lacking in the last few iterations of Battle Mode. Time to bring some of these back!
Fly/Underwater Mechanics
From: Mario Kart 7
One of the main selling points of Mario Kart 7 involved karts that were capable to glide through the sky, as well as drive in underwater areas. It was a simple concept that added just enough to continue making things interesting. While this shouldn’t be the next Mario Kart’s main new feature, it has no reason not to come back.
Coins
From: Super Mario Kart, Mario Kart: Super Circuit, Mario Kart 7
Some may argue that coins hinder the gameplay of Mario Kart, but one can definitely see the additional goal of collecting coins during the race as a nice addition. Players who collect more coins are able to slightly bump up their top speed, and if you’re able to collect that amount without losing them, you should be rewarded. If some fans really don’t want to see coins return, at least give us the option to turn them on and off.
Customizable Karts
From: Mario Kart 7
With each Mario Kart game, the focus on the karts has increased, giving us more options and more reasons to care about the vehicle we choose. From giving us character specific karts to the ability to ride bikes, customization of karts has been getting better and better, with the most recent Mario Kart 7 allowing you to pick from a selection of wheels, a body, and a glider. Take customization to the next level, adding more parts and color options to the mix.
Character Specific Items
From: Mario Kart: Double Dash!!
There is a lot of Mario Kart: Double Dash love going around, and rightfully so. The game presented many features brand new to the series, yet so many of them never made it to the next game. Character specific items were a blast to use, and helped make the characters much more meaningful. Items like the Bowser Shell, the Giant Banana, and the Heart all helped take that hectic fun to another level, all without sacrificing skill and implementing too much luck. Can you imagine what some of the newer characters like Dry Bones and Rosalina might possess? Bring them back!