A new Nintendo Direct video was streamed this morning by the gaming company, and it focused entirely on Mario Kart 8. We learned more about the game, as well as an upcoming Wii U Mario Kart 8 bundle. I'll focus on the video (below), which contained nearly 40 minutes of Mario Kart goodness.
There's plenty of gameplay footage to be had in the video from today's Nintendo Direct and the game continues to look gorgeous. The Wii blew us away with how great Mario Galaxy looked, and I think a similar thing is happening here with Wii U. Mario Kart 8 is an extremely attractive game, and I don't think most would argue it's the Wii U's most graphically impressive game yet.
The video doesn't just offer straight gameplay, though: there is narration and developer commentary to go along with it, giving some insights into Nintendo's design choices. We learn, for instance, that the entertaining new anti-gravity sections were inspired by a desire to keep Mario Kart's history of track variety alive and well.
It's something the developers had not included before, and allowed them to create new types of tracks that players hadn't experienced in the many past Mario Kart titles. The video goes on to explain how you activate anti-gravity mode, and what its benefits are.
Another major addition is kart customization, which allows you to change the chassis, tires, and glider on your vehicle. These are more than aesthetic changes--different configurations give the karts different ratings in the various attribute categories. Your choices will affect your speed, acceleration, weight, cornering, and grip, which presumably all influence how your kart controls on the course.
We also get a quick rundown of the new characters with which you can race. It includes the Koopalings Larry, Roy, Iggy, Lemmy, Morton, Wendy, and Ludwig, as well as new additions Baby Rosalina, Pink Gold Peach, which put the total at 30 playable racers.
The rest of the video goes over some other goodies and design choices, as well as a look back on past Mario Kart titles. Watch below to see the classic Nintendo charm for yourself, and enjoy what looks like what could be the Wii U's best title yet. Mario Kart 8 and the Wii U bundle including the game will be available May 30.
