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Difference between revisions of "User:ShyGuy8/sandbox"

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'''''Mario Kart 8''''' is a game in the [[Mario Kart (series)|''Mario Kart'' series]] for the [[Wii U]]. It is the eighth installment in the main ''Mario Kart'' series (hence the game's name) and, including the arcade games, the eleventh overall. This installment is a follow-up game of the [[Nintendo 3DS]] title ''[[Mario Kart 7]]''. Like other Nintendo 3DS and Wii U games, this game can be purchased both physically at retail and digitally through the [[Nintendo eShop]], with the digital version requiring 4949.8 MB (approx. 4.83 GB) of memory to be installed.
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'''''Mario Kart 8''''' is a game for the [[Wii U]]. It is the eighth installment in the main ''Mario Kart'' series and including the arcade games, the eleventh overall. This installment is a follow-up game of the [[Nintendo 3DS]] title ''Mario Kart 7''. Like other Nintendo 3DS and Wii U games, this game can be purchased both physically at retail and digitally through the Nintendo eShop, with the digital version requiring 4949.8 MB (approx. 4.83 GB) of memory to be installed.
  
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A prominent new addition is [[anti-gravity]], allowing players to drive on almost any surface. Elements from ''[[Mario Kart Wii]]'' and ''Mario Kart 7'' are reused, such as [[Bike|Bikes]] and 2-Player online from ''Mario Kart Wii'', and gliding, underwater driving, and kart customizing from ''Mario Kart 7''. In addition, [[All-Terrain Vehicle|ATVs]] join the returning [[kart]]s and bikes as a new class of vehicle. The game also features more detail in courses, specifically Retro Tracks, which appear more redesigned than their original appearances.
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A prominent new addition is anti-gravity, allowing players to drive on almost any surface. Elements from ''[[Mario Kart Wii]]'' and ''Mario Kart 7'' are reused, such as Bikes and 2-Player online from ''Mario Kart Wii'', and gliding, underwater driving, and kart customizing from ''Mario Kart 7''. In addition, ATVs join the returning karts and bikes as a new class of vehicle. The game also features more detail in courses, specifically Retro Tracks, which appear more redesigned than their original appearance.
  
 
==Gameplay==
 
==Gameplay==
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[[File:WiiU MarioKart8 scrn01 E3.png|thumb|250px|left|Mario demonstrating the anti-gravity mechanic in [[Mario Circuit (Wii U)|Mario Circuit]].]]
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The gameplay maintains the traditional elements of previous ''Mario Kart'' games, mostly from the two recent installments on the Wii and Nintendo 3DS respectively. Karts, which feature similar designs from ''Mario Kart 7'', can be customized once again, alongside the returning bikes, which handle similar to the karts now and can only perform a wheelie via a boost, and the newly introduced ATVs. The hang-glider and underwater mechanics also return, as well as [[Coin]]s, with the player being able to collect up to ten in one race as in ''Mario Kart 7''. Like ''[[Mario Kart Wii]]'', twelve racers are present in normal races<ref>[http://e3.nintendo.com/games/detail/mario-kart-8/ ''Mario Kart 8'' at E3 2013]</ref>. Tricks and the ability to look behind also return in this game.
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The gameplay maintains the traditional elements of previous ''Mario Kart'' games, mostly from the two recent installments on the Wii and Nintendo 3DS respectively. Karts, which feature similar designs from ''[[Mario Kart 7]]'', can be customized once again, alongside the returning bikes, which handle similar to the karts now and can only perform a wheelie via a boost, and the newly introduced ATVs. The hang-glider and underwater mechanics also return, as well as [[Coin]]s, with the player being able to collect up to ten in one race as in ''Mario Kart 7''. Like ''[[Mario Kart Wii]]'', twelve racers are present in normal races<ref>[http://e3.nintendo.com/games/detail/mario-kart-8/ ''Mario Kart 8'' at E3 2013]</ref>. [[Trick]]s and the ability to look behind also return in this game.
 
  
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The newest feature for the series is anti-gravitational segments that not only allow for more dynamic track design, but also for racers to drive across walls, ceilings, and other seemingly unusual places. When in anti-gravity, if a racer bumps into another racer, the kart spins rather than just bumping and both racers receive a speed boost. This is called "[[Spin Boost|spin boosting]]".
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The newest feature for the series is anti-gravitational segments that not only allow for more dynamic track design, but also for racers to drive across walls, ceilings, and other seemingly unusual places. When in anti-gravity, if a racer bumps into another racer, the kart spins rather than just bumping and both racers receive a speed boost. This is called spin boosting.
  
 
The game also features Wii U GamePad integration. In addition to the standard Off-TV Play, players also have the option of displaying the course map, and when neither the television gameplay nor the map are being displayed, the GamePad can be used as a horn button. Players have the option to toggle between these features at will.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AYtzinjKsMA]</ref> The GamePad can also be used to toggle on and off the gyroscopic steering, and in its default display and when displaying the map the GamePad also displays the current rankings.
 
The game also features Wii U GamePad integration. In addition to the standard Off-TV Play, players also have the option of displaying the course map, and when neither the television gameplay nor the map are being displayed, the GamePad can be used as a horn button. Players have the option to toggle between these features at will.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AYtzinjKsMA]</ref> The GamePad can also be used to toggle on and off the gyroscopic steering, and in its default display and when displaying the map the GamePad also displays the current rankings.
  
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There is also [[Miiverse]] integration, which allows players to share their replay videos and comment on others' videos, in a feature called [[Mario Kart TV]].<ref>http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2013/06/mario_kart_tv_will_allow_you_to_share_your_racing_skills_on_miiverse</ref> Another change is that in 2-player mode, the screen splits vertically instead of the horizontally in the other console ''Mario Kart'' games, a feature that was [[List of Mario Kart 64 beta elements|originally intended to be in]] ''[[Mario Kart 64]]'' but was removed from the final game. Additionally, if the player falls off the edge of the track, Lakitu will pick them up and drop them back on to the track more quickly when compared to how he did this in past installments. This makes glitches involving falling into areas impossible.
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There is also Miiverse integration, which allows players to share their replay videos and comment on others' videos, in a feature called [[Mario Kart TV]].<ref>http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2013/06/mario_kart_tv_will_allow_you_to_share_your_racing_skills_on_miiverse</ref> Another change is that in 2-player mode, the screen splits vertically instead of the horizontally in the other console ''Mario Kart'' games, a feature that was [[List of Mario Kart 64 beta elements|originally intended to be in]] ''[[Mario Kart 64]]'' but was removed from the final game. Additionally, if the player falls off the edge of the track, Lakitu will pick them up and drop them back on to the track more quickly when compared to how he did this in past installments. This makes glitches involving falling into areas impossible.
  
 
Point management works similar to ''Mario Kart Wii'', except that racers below top 3 get an extra point. Below is a chart of the point spread comparison between these eight games:
 
Point management works similar to ''Mario Kart Wii'', except that racers below top 3 get an extra point. Below is a chart of the point spread comparison between these eight games:
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{{main|Animal Crossing x Mario Kart 8{{!}}Animal Crossing × Mario Kart 8}}
 
{{main|Animal Crossing x Mario Kart 8{{!}}Animal Crossing × Mario Kart 8}}
 
[[File:MK82ndDLC.png|thumb|right|Screenshots of Add-On Pack 2.]]
 
[[File:MK82ndDLC.png|thumb|right|Screenshots of Add-On Pack 2.]]
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The second pack, titled "[[Animal Crossing x Mario Kart 8|''Animal Crossing'' × ''Mario Kart 8'']]" which was released on April 23, 2015, includes [[Villager]] and [[Isabelle]] from ''[[nookipedia:Animal Crossing: New Leaf|Animal Crossing: New Leaf]]'' as well as [[Dry Bowser]]. The cups included are the [[Crossing Cup]] and the [[Bell Cup]].<ref name="Direct April 1">[https://youtu.be/IMedqo8mLaQ?t=44m23s Nintendo Direct 4.1.2015]. Posted to YouTube by Nintendo of America on April 1, 2015. Retrieved April 1, 2015.</ref> New courses include a new ''Animal Crossing: New Leaf''-themed course and a completely new course; [[Wild Woods]].
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The second pack, titled "[[Animal Crossing x Mario Kart 8|''Animal Crossing'' × ''Mario Kart 8'']]" which was released on April 23, 2015, includes [[Villager]] and [[Isabelle]] from ''[[nookipedia:Animal Crossing: New Leaf|Animal Crossing: New Leaf]]'' as well as [[Dry Bowser]]. The cups included are the [[Crossing Cup]] and the [[Bell Cup]].<ref name="Direct April 1">[https://youtu.be/IMedqo8mLaQ?t=44m23s Nintendo Direct 4.1.2015]. Posted to YouTube by Nintendo of America on April 1, 2015. Retrieved April 1, 2015.</ref> New courses include a new '
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Purchasing both this and ''The Legend of Zelda × Mario Kart 8'' pack unlocks eight color skins for both Yoshi and Shy Guy.<ref name="site dlc"></ref>
 
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{{br}}
 
  
 
==Updates==
 
==Updates==
 
===Ver. 2.0===
 
===Ver. 2.0===
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[[File:Mk8-update-map.jpg|thumb|270px|right|The map display on the TV screen.]]
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On the same day as the release of the Mercedes DLC, an update for the game also was released which adds an option to display the map on the TV screen (just like in past ''Mario Kart'' games) by pressing {{button|wii|-}} on the {{button|wiiu|GamePad}}, and a records section, which shows how many coins have been collected, online wins and losses (just like ''Mario Kart 7''), and other statistics. The update also saves the players' last used vehicle combo (excluding DLC vehicle parts), lets them edit other players' highlight reels, and improves online stability.
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On the same day as the release of the Mercedes DLC, an update for the game also was released which adds an option to display the map on the TV screen (just like in past ''Mario Kart'' games) by pressing {{button|wii|-}} on the {{button|wiiu|GamePad}}, and a records section, which shows how many coins have been collected, online wins and losses (just like ''[[Mario Kart 7]]''), and other statistics. The update also saves the players' last used vehicle combo (excluding DLC vehicle parts), lets them edit other players' highlight reels, and improves online stability.
 
  
 
Additionally, the maximum online race and battle ratings have increased from "9999" to "99999", like in ''Mario Kart 7''. The rating system has also been altered in that the amount of points that the players win or lose after an online race or battle is more drastic if there's a large rating difference between participating players. In tournaments without race or battle limits, players can now have more than 1024 points during a tournament period; without the update, players with at least 1024 points have their score reset to zero for the next race/battle. Players must download the update in order to continue playing online.
 
Additionally, the maximum online race and battle ratings have increased from "9999" to "99999", like in ''Mario Kart 7''. The rating system has also been altered in that the amount of points that the players win or lose after an online race or battle is more drastic if there's a large rating difference between participating players. In tournaments without race or battle limits, players can now have more than 1024 points during a tournament period; without the update, players with at least 1024 points have their score reset to zero for the next race/battle. Players must download the update in order to continue playing online.
  
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The update also swaps the 'Next Race/Round/View Results' and 'View Highlight Reel' buttons in offline mode, and adds a Shop button on the main menu, where players can download the Mercedes DLC, and pre-order Add-On Content.<ref>[http://www.nintendo.co.uk/News/2014/August/Nintendo-adds-three-Mercedes-Benz-cars-and-enhancements-to-Mario-Kart-8-from-27th-August-909198.html Nintendo adds three Mercedes-Benz cars and enhancements to Mario Kart 8 from 27th August]</ref> The character icons on the map HUD are also altered.
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The update also swaps the 'Next Race/Round/View Results' and 'View Highlight Reel' buttons in offline mode, and adds a Shop button on the main menu, where players can download the Mercedes DLC, and pre-order Add-On Content. Nintendo adds three Mercedes-Benz cars and enhancements to Mario Kart 8 from the 27th of August. The character icons on the map HUD are also altered.
  
 
===Ver. 3.0===
 
===Ver. 3.0===
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On November 13, 2014, the update to version 3.0 was made available. The update includes compatibility with [[amiibo]] figures and enables the first downloadable content pack for those who purchased it.<ref>http://mariokart8.nintendo.com/amiibo/</ref><ref>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h74J_vHZcAo</ref> The update also allows the game to save any last used vehicle combo that uses any of the DLC vehicle parts or characters. Also, when a light racer bumps into a heavier one, it will be pushed less far away.<ref>http://www.gamespot.com/articles/mario-kart-8-director-talks-dlc-hyrule-circuit-sec/1100-6423677/</ref><ref>http://nintendoeverything.com/mario-kart-8-director-on-choices-behind-the-nintendo-dlc-tracks-small-tweak-to-improve-lightweight-racers/#more-179710</ref>
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On November 13, 2014, the update to version 3.0 was made available. The update includes compatibility with amiibo figures and enables the first downloadable content pack for those who purchased it.The update also allows the game to save any last used vehicle combo that uses any of the DLC vehicle parts or characters. Also, when a light racer bumps into a heavier one, it will be pushed less far away.
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In terms of online, the race and battle rating system has been modified to be less punishing to players who do poorly in a race or battle. Additionally, players can now set up tournaments that have cup limitations. The update is required to continue playing online, but players cannot play in rooms or tournaments that include the downloadable tracks until they have purchased them. Players that have not purchased the add-on packs can still encounter the included characters and vehicles online, but cannot select them.
 
In terms of online, the race and battle rating system has been modified to be less punishing to players who do poorly in a race or battle. Additionally, players can now set up tournaments that have cup limitations. The update is required to continue playing online, but players cannot play in rooms or tournaments that include the downloadable tracks until they have purchased them. Players that have not purchased the add-on packs can still encounter the included characters and vehicles online, but cannot select them.
  
 
===Ver. 4.0===
 
===Ver. 4.0===
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[[File:Engine Classes (Mario Kart 8).jpg|thumb|right|The addition of 200cc in Ver. 4.0.]]
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Update version 4.0 was released on April 23, 2015, the same day as the ''Animal Crossing × Mario Kart 8'' downloadable content pack. In addition to the downloadable content and some bug fixes, the update adds nine additional amiibo racing suits and compatible figures, and adds a "200cc" engine class. ComcingSon new Miiverse stamps have also been added. The update also allows players to enable the on-screen map using any controller, rather than just the {{button|wiiu|gamepad}}.
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Update version 4.0 was released on April 23, 2015, the same day as the ''Animal Crossing × Mario Kart 8'' downloadable content pack. In addition to the downloadable content and some bug fixes, the update adds nine additional amiibo racing suits and compatible figures, and adds a "200cc" engine class.<ref>[http://www.comingsoon.net/games/news/425767-nintendo-announces-new-details-on-mario-kart-8-super-smash-bros-and-more Nintendo Announces New Details on Mario Kart 8, Super Smash Bros. and More]. ComcingSoon.net (April 1, 2015). Retrieved April 1, 2015.</ref> Ten new Miiverse stamps have also been added.<ref>[http://www.4gamer.net/games/220/G022038/20150415041/] 4gamer.net -Version 4.0 update notes</ref> The update also allows players to enable the on-screen map using any controller, rather than just the {{button|wiiu|gamepad}}.
 
  
 
In online mode, players can add CPU players when playing with custom rules, though only human players will count for scoring.<ref>[http://mynintendonews.com/2015/04/22/heres-the-mario-kart-8-patch-notes-for-4-0-update/ Here's The Mario Kart 8 Patch Notes For 4.0 Update]. My Nintendo News (April 22, 2015). Retrieved April 23, 2015.</ref> Also, players who left a race/battle will not have their race/battle rating visible for other racers to see after a race/battle. The race rating and battle rating system remains the same as in update version 3.0. Lastly, additional tournament settings have been added to support 200cc and the two cups in the second DLC pack.
 
In online mode, players can add CPU players when playing with custom rules, though only human players will count for scoring.<ref>[http://mynintendonews.com/2015/04/22/heres-the-mario-kart-8-patch-notes-for-4-0-update/ Here's The Mario Kart 8 Patch Notes For 4.0 Update]. My Nintendo News (April 22, 2015). Retrieved April 23, 2015.</ref> Also, players who left a race/battle will not have their race/battle rating visible for other racers to see after a race/battle. The race rating and battle rating system remains the same as in update version 3.0. Lastly, additional tournament settings have been added to support 200cc and the two cups in the second DLC pack.
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===Ver. 4.1===
 
===Ver. 4.1===
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Update version 4.1 was released on May 1, 2015. In addition to general gameplay adjustments and bug fixes, the update adds the Mirror and 200cc engine classes to Grand Prix mode by default, without having to unlock them.<ref>King, Ashley. (May 1, 2015.) [http://wiiudaily.com/2015/05/mario-kart-8-update-now-live/ Mario Kart 8 update 4.1 is now live]. Wii U Daily. Retrieved May 1, 2015.</ref>
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Update version 4.1 was released on May 1, 2015. In addition to general gameplay adjustments and bug fixes, the update adds the Mirror and 200cc engine classes to Grand Prix mode by default, without having to unlock them.<ref>King, Ashley. (May 1, 2015.)
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==Differences in multiplayer modes==
 
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When playing in split screen, there are some minor and major differences on the race courses, like in ''[[Mario Kart: Double Dash!!]]'' and ''[[Mario Kart Wii]]''.
 
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*In [[Mario Kart Stadium]], [[Sherbet Land (GCN)|<small>GCN</small> Sherbet Land]], and [[Rainbow Road (N64)|<small>N64</small> Rainbow Road]], the fireworks have less sparkles.
 
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**Also in <small>N64</small> Rainbow Road, most of the fireworks, including the firework that forms Luigi, are absent.
 
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*In [[Rainbow Road (Wii U)| Rainbow Road]]:
 
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**The hologram of the Special Cup trophy is absent from the hologram projector, but the beams of light are still present, much like in ''Mario Kart: Double Dash!!'' how the rainbow sculptures are absent in [[Rainbow Road (GCN)|Rainbow Road]].
 
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**The oval-shaped tube, where the starting and finish line is located in the middle of it, has a line of lights circling clockwise missing at the end where the racers exit.
 
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*In [[Twisted Mansion]], the Boos in the gliding section are absent.
 
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*The airborne road markers on gliding paths are absent on all courses that have them.
 
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*In [[Yoshi Circuit|<small>GCN</small> Yoshi Circuit]], some Yoshis on the track are absent, including the one on the watch tower. Similarly, some of the Shy Guys in the mine entrance of [[Wario's Gold Mine|<small>Wii</small> Wario's Gold Mine]] are absent.
 
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*In [[Baby Park|<small>GCN</small> Baby Park]], most of the Yoshis and Toads are absent.
 
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==amiibo==
 
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[[File:MiiRacingSuits 4.0.png|thumb|left|The [[amiibo]] Mii Racing Suits menu as of version 4.1.]]
 
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{{multiple image
 
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|align = right
 
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|direction =vertical
 
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|footer = Mii outfits alongside their amiibo.
 
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|width = 200
 
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| image1 = amiibo-mariokart8.jpg
 
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| alt1 = ''Mii Racing Suits - Wave 1''
 
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| image2 = Mk8-amiibo2.jpg
 
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| alt2 = ''Mii Racing Suits - Wave 2''
 
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}}
 
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As of the version 3.0 update, ''Mario Kart 8'' includes compatibility with [[amiibo]], Nintendo's series of NFC enabled figurines<ref>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GisRY6h100U</ref>. By scanning certain amiibo, players can unlock one of ten costumes for use by Miis based upon the amiibo character.<ref>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KsY0T4BNKuE</ref>
 
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The amiibo originally compatible are [[Mario]], [[Luigi]], [[Yoshi]], [[Peach]], [[Donkey Kong]], [[Link]] and [[Toon Link]], [[Kirby]], [[Captain Falcon]], [[Samus]], and [[Fox]].<ref>http://www.gonintendo.com/s/240940-mario-kart-8-getting-amiibo-racing-suits-in-future-update</ref>. Nine more suits were later added with the version 4.0 update, unlockable by using the compatible amiibo figures: [[Mega Man]], [[Sonic the Hedgehog|Sonic]], [[Villager]], [[Pac-Man]], [[Toad]], [[Wario]], [[Olimar]], [[Rosalina]], and [[Bowser]].<ref>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=53RNVupdZ2k</ref>
 
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{{br}}
 
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==Development==
 
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Development for ''Mario Kart 8'' started in 2012. Series producer [[Hideki Konno]] first revealed that he wanted to produce a ''Mario Kart'' game for the Wii U in late 2011<ref>[http://www.ign.com/articles/2011/11/10/nintendo-considering-wii-u-mario-kart]</ref>. A Wii U ''Mario Kart'' game was later revealed to be in development in the January 2013 Nintendo Direct and confirmed to be shown off at E3 that year,<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4MzG6lDA1A0]</ref> with the game being officially revealed during the E3 2013 Nintendo Direct.<ref>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NA6CAgv6p6g</ref>
 
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Some ideas that were scrapped in ''Mario Kart 8'' included a drill that made drivers drive into subterranean depths. The idea was scrapped because the developers thought it was not as interesting as the anti-gravity idea.<ref>[http://wiiudaily.com/2013/06/mario-kart-8-anti-gravity-feature/ Scrapped ideas led to the anti-gravity idea in Mario Kart 8 - Wii U Daily]</ref> The anti-gravity concept stemmed from the Wii U being a powerful console, and with the upgraded hardware, the developers wanted to make courses with a 3D plane in mind rather than the 2D plane as the other tracks in the ''Mario Kart'' series.<ref name="MTV">[http://multiplayerblog.mtv.com/2013/06/17/e3-2013-mario-kart-8-interview/ E3 2013: Nintendo's Hideki Konno Pulls Back The Curtain On 'Mario Kart 8']</ref> The title, ''Mario Kart 8'', also stemmed from the anti-gravity mechanic as, in addition to being the eighth main installment in the series, the "8" used in the official logo was stylized to resemble a [[Wikipedia:Möbius strip|Möbius strip]].<ref name="MTV"/>
 
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Most of the game's musical tracks are orchestrated, making this game the first ''Mario Kart'' game to feature orchestrated tracks.<ref>http://www.reinodocogumelo.com/2014/04/nintendo-revela-que-mario-kart-8-tera.html?m=1</ref><ref>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VvWfvVzIU6U</ref><ref>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vEqt-E6VTPE</ref>
 
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==Promotion and advertising==
 
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===Collaboration with Pennzoil===
 
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Nintendo and [[wikipedia:Pennzoil|Pennzoil]] teamed up to promote ''Mario Kart 8'' by hosting an event in which participants were able to race on real-life modified karts on a specially-designed track.<ref>http://www.joystiq.com/2014/03/08/pennzoil-and-nintendo-to-bring-mario-kart-to-life-at-sxsw/</ref> Icons representing some of the items in the game were spread in the course as well.
 
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===Bonus/Free game promotion===
 
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Between May 30 and July 31, 2014, [[Club Nintendo (rewards program)|Club Nintendo]] members in North America, Europe, and Australia who registered ''Mario Kart 8'' could receive a free download code for one of several Wii U games. In Europe and Australia, players had the choice of: ''[[Nintendo Land]]'', ''[[New Super Mario Bros. U]]'', ''[[Game & Wario]]'', ''[[pikipedia:Pikmin 3|Pikmin 3]]'', ''[[zeldawiki:The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker HD|The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker HD]]'', ''[[sonicretro:Sonic Lost World|Sonic Lost World]]'', ''[[Mario & Sonic at the Sochi 2014 Olympic Winter Games]]'', ''[[wikipedia:Wii Party U|Wii Party U]]'', ''[[wikipedia:The Wonderful 101|The Wonderful 101]]'', and ''[[wikipedia:Monster Hunter Tri|Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate]]''<ref>http://www.nintendo.co.uk/Campaigns/Mario-Kart-8-Bonus-Game-Promotion/Mario-Kart-8-Bonus-Game-Promotion-879238.html</ref>, while North American players were limited to only ''New Super Mario Bros. U'', ''The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker HD'', ''Pikmin 3'', and ''Wii Party U''.<ref>http://www.nintendo.com/whatsnew/detail/Mf9RJDcWmALXECxUdPB0Lf3N9Jb2VtRt</ref>
 
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==Reception==
 
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''Mario Kart 8'' has received mostly favorable reviews, and has been lauded as one of the best games in the series to date. General praise has been given to the game's graphics, the tracks, the music, and the overall gameplay (both single player and multiplayer). The addition of anti-gravity has also been praised, as has the online mode. The roster, however, notably the baby/metal characters, has received criticism, as well as the Battle Mode. The incorporation of the Wii U GamePad has also been a point of contention.
 
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{|cellpadding="4" style="float:left; border: 2px solid black; width:100%; font-size: 100%; text-align: center; margin:5px;" class="wikitable review_template"
 
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!colspan="4" style="font-size:120%; text-align: center; background-color:silver"|Reviews
 
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|-style="background-color:#E6E6E6;"
 
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|Reviewer, Publication
 
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|Score
 
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|Comment
 
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|-
 
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|Jose Otero, [http://www.ign.com/articles/2014/05/15/mario-kart-8-review IGN]
 
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|9/10
 
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|align=left|''Mario Kart 8 is the best kart racing game Nintendo has made in a long time. It strikes a careful balance between refining old ideas while introducing fresh new ones. Admittedly, its gorgeous graphics and jazzy orchestrated soundtrack bolster its presentation, but you’re getting a lot more than just looks with this one – although I spent an awful lot of time gawking at the details in slow-motion, the fast and furious pace of racing with friends both locally and online is what really kept me coming back.''
 
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|-
 
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|Tom Mc Shea, [http://www.gamespot.com/reviews/mario-kart-8/1900-6415760/ GameSpot]
 
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|8/10
 
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|align=left|''Nintendo has done an admirable job of keeping Mario Kart relevant. How many franchises can you think of that have remained in top form for more than two decades? Not too many. I do admit that my first impression of Mario Kart 8 was pretty close to a yawn. Mario Kart is one of my favorite franchises, but it's hard to get excited for the same old thing. But the more I played, the more I appreciated the many small changes, and grew to love my time in the Mushroom Kingdom. And now that yawn has changed to a shout of joy. It's more Mario Kart! I'm happy Nintendo still understands what makes this series so darn fun.''
 
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|-
 
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|Thomas Whitehead, Nintendo Life
 
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|9/10
 
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|align=left|''Mario Kart 8 has perhaps taken a little longer than we expected to arrive, but it’s been worth the wait. The vehicles and racers have never handled better, the collection of courses is possibly the best yet, while replayability through Ghost Races or — primarily — online races and Tournaments is almost endless. A few design oddities aside, this joins the list of must-have Nintendo games on the Wii U; it’s an accomplished effort that pushes the franchise forward. In years to come the debates over the best Mario Kart games in the series will, inevitably, feature this as a contender.''
 
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|-
 
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|Michael Damiani, [http://www.gametrailers.com/reviews/cojfj2/mario-kart-8-review GameTrailers]
 
−
|8.6/10
 
−
|align=left|''So not everything is perfect, but Mario Kart 8’s stellar visuals, tight controls, and improved online experience make it a great racing game that embraces Nintendo’s lighthearted nature. It's still one of the best in the business when it comes to multiplayer experiences, something we've all come to expect from the Mario Kart series. The overall high quality of the game is so impressive that it doesn't really matter that much that the zero-gravity gimmick barely adds anything that’s truly new. Next time around, though, Nintendo might need to come up with new tricks if it hopes to keep us coming back for more.''
 
−
|-
 
−
|Andrew Fitch, [http://www.egmnow.com/articles/reviews/egm-review-mario-kart-8/ Electronic Gaming Monthly]
 
−
|7.5/10
 
−
|align=left|''Mario Kart 8 looks spectacular, sounds impressive, and delivers solid racing action worthy of the series. But it’s also that rare Nintendo game that manages to be less than the sum of its impressive parts thanks to some ill-advised design choices, half-baked ideas, and gimped Battle Mode.''
 
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|-
 
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!colspan="4" style="background-color:silver; font-size:120%; text-align: center;"|Aggregators
 
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|-style="background-color:#E6E6E6;"
 
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|colspan=2|Compiler
 
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|colspan=2|Platform / Score
 
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|-
 
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|colspan=2|Metacritic
 
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|colspan=2|[http://www.metacritic.com/game/wii-u/mario-kart-8 88]
 
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|-
 
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|colspan=2|GameRankings
 
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|colspan=2|[http://www.gamerankings.com/wii-u/700050-mario-kart-8/index.html 88.40%]
 
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|}
 
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Over the weekend of its launch, ''Mario Kart 8'' sold 1.2 million units worldwide, making it the fastest-selling [[Wii U]] title so far<ref>[http://www.polygon.com/2014/6/2/5772826/mario-kart-8-nintendo-fastest-selling-wii-u]</ref> and the 3rd best selling title for the Wii U as well, selling approximately 2.82 million copies worldwide as of July 30, 2014.<ref>[http://au.ign.com/articles/2014/07/30/nintendo-financials-reveal-mario-kart-8-wii-u-sales-figures/]</ref> As of September 30, the game sold over 3.49 million copies worldwide.<ref>Makuch, Eddie (October 31, 2014). [http://www.gamespot.com/articles/about-half-of-all-wii-u-owners-have-a-copy-of-mari/1100-6423308/ About Half of All Wii U Owners Have a Copy of Mario Kart 8]. GameSpot. Retrieved November 1, 2014.</ref> In January 2015, it was announced that over 1.7 million total copies (both physical and digital) had been sold in the United States alone<ref>Makuch, Eddie (January 16, 2015). [http://www.gamespot.com/articles/mario-kart-8-us-sales-reach-1-7-million-amiibo-up-/1100-6424699/ Mario Kart 8 US Sales Reach 1.7 Million, Amiibo Up to 2.6 Million]. GameSpot. Retrieved April 26, 2015.</ref>, and by March sales had reached 1.9 million.<ref>Duwell, Ron. (April 17, 2015.) [http://www.technobuffalo.com/2015/04/17/majoras-mask-3d-edges-towards-1-million-sales-in-the-states/ Majora's Mask 3D edges towards 1 million sales in the States]. TechnoBuffalo. Retrieved April 26, 2015.</ref> As of March 31, 2015, the game has sold 5.11 million copies worldwide.<ref>Lee, Tyler. (May 7, 2015). [http://www.ubergizmo.com/2015/05/mario-kart-8-sales-crosses-the-5-million-mark/ Mario Kart 8 Sales Crosses The 5 Million Mark]. Ubergizmo. Retrieved May 7, 2015.</ref>
 
−
 
 
−
''Mario Kart 8'' won two awards at The Game Awards 2014, being the "Best Family Game" and the "Best Sports/Racing Game".<ref>http://thegameawards.com/nominees/</ref>
 
−
 
 
−
==References to other games==
 
−
*''[[Famicom Grand Prix: F-1 Race]]'': A sign in [[Water Park]] shows two submarines; one is of an "original 1987 model", which was the year this game came out, and the first time that Mario was in a racing game.
 
−
*''[[Famicom Grand Prix II: 3D Hot Rally]]'': The Mario's Motors logo is seen at the starting line of Mario Circuit. In addition, Mario's artwork from the game can be faintly seen above the logo itself.
 
−
*''[[Super Mario Bros.]]'': Various sprites of enemies and scenery can be seen on pots in [[Bone-Dry Dunes]]. Part of [[Cloudtop Cruise|Cloudtop Cruise's]] course layout involves a large [[? Block]] with a beanstalk coming out of it. [[Super Bell Subway|Super Bell Subway's]] music has pieces of the cave theme from this game.
 
−
*''[[Super Mario Bros. 2]]/[[Doki Doki Panic]]'': The Shy Guy Metals sign seen at [[Toad Harbor]] says that they've been around since 1987, which is the year of the Shy Guys' first appearance.
 
−
*''[[Super Mario Bros. 3]]'': Many aspects of Cloudtop Cruise, particularly the airships, are inspired by this game. [[Gray Bowser Statue]]s that shoot lasers appear in [[Bowser's Castle (Wii U)|Bowser's Castle]]. The sprite of the [[Angry Sun]] can be seen in the yellow ornamental fabrics near the start of Bone-Dry Dunes.
 
−
*''[[Super Mario World]]'': Various advertisements seen throughout the game reference this game with the original artwork of [[Dolphin]]s. [[Ball 'n' Chain]]s appear in Bowser's Castle. Also, [[Cape Feather]]s appear on desks in [[Sunshine Airport]]. Also, Tanooki Mario's horn uses the same sound effect as the Spin Jump and Cape Attack.
 
−
*''[[Super Mario Kart]]'': [[Donut Plains 3 (course)|Donut Plains 3]] returns as a retro track while [[Rainbow Road (SNES)|Rainbow Road]] also appears as add-on content. The Coin item returns with the same function as it does in this game. [[Rainbow Road (Wii U)|Rainbow Road]] and [[Rainbow Road (N64)|<small>N64</small> Rainbow Road]] have their design similar to the Rainbow Road from that game. A portion of the title screen music is a cover of the ''Super Mario Kart'' title screen music. The desks in [[Sunshine Airport]] have feather pens with the same design as the [[Cape Feather]] from this game and consequently ''[[Super Mario World]]''.
 
−
*''[[Super Mario 64]]'': The merry-go-round music from [[Big Boo's Haunt]] can be heard when near the Aqua Cups ride in Water Park. Some of Tanooki Mario's voice clips are recycled from this game.
 
−
*''[[Mario Kart 64]]'': The game features engine sounds during the start-up screen, which is similar to this game's start-up screen. [[Toad's Turnpike]], [[Royal Raceway]], [[Yoshi Valley]], and [[Rainbow Road (N64)|Rainbow Road]] return as retro tracks. In Toad's Turnpike, a sign shows a highway advisory radio station running at the frequency "64 MHz", referencing both the system and the game it came from. When in two-player mode, the screen splits vertically instead of horizontally, a feature originally intended for this game.
 
−
*''[[Super Mario Advance]]'': Several of Tanooki Mario's voice clips are recycled from this game.
 
−
*''[[Mario Kart: Super Circuit]]'': [[Mario Circuit (GBA)|Mario Circuit]] returns as a retro course. Cloudtop Cruise's name in Japanese is "Sky Garden", the same as [[Sky Garden (course)|a course]] from this game. [[Cheese Land]] and [[Ribbon Road]] return as retro tracks in DLC Pack 2.
 
−
*''[[Luigi's Mansion]]'': The [[Luigi's Mansion (place)|mansion]] can be seen in the background of [[Baby Park]].
 
−
*''[[Super Mario Sunshine]]'': Sunshine Airport has a [[Shine Sprite]] in its logo. The European release date is used as a serial number on some storage crates in Sunshine Airport (55402MS= Oct 4th, 2002). Voice clips from this game are used for Tanooki Mario.
 
−
*''[[Mario Kart: Double Dash!!]]'': Like in this game, characters hold items in their hands and players can honk their horns when they are out of items (except for the Super Horn). Also, they hold items in their left hands instead of their right. [[Dry Dry Desert (course)|Dry Dry Desert]] and [[Sherbet Land (GCN)|Sherbet Land]] return as retro courses. [[Yoshi Circuit]] and [[Baby Park]] also return as DLC retro courses. [[Rainbow Road (N64)|<small>N64</small> Rainbow Road]] takes place above a city, much like [[Rainbow Road (GCN)|<small>GCN</small> Rainbow Road]].
 
−
*''[[Yoshi Topsy-Turvy]]'': Yoshi's artwork which depicts him using his tongue is used as a firework in <small>N64</small> Rainbow Road.
 
−
*''[[Mario Kart DS]]'': [[Cheep Cheep Beach]], [[Tick-Tock Clock]], and [[Wario Stadium (DS)|Wario Stadium]] return as retro courses. Also the [[B Dasher]], a kart from this game, returns as a part of the first downloadable content pack. Also, this is the second 3D ''Mario Kart'' game where the players can also use the D-Pad to steer.
 
−
*''[[Super Mario Galaxy]]'': An image of a Luma can be seen on an airplane (from Galaxy Air airlines) in Sunshine Airport, as well as on the [[Star Cup]] trophy. Also, part of Cloudtop Cruise's music is a cover of [[Gusty Garden Galaxy]]'s music.
 
−
*''[[Mario Kart Wii]]'': Twelve player races and [[Bike|motorbikes]] return. The ability to perform tricks on ramps and boost panels returns. [[Moo Moo Meadows]] and [[Grumble Volcano]] also return as retro courses along with [[Wario's Gold Mine]] which returns as add on content. The [[Rainbow Road (Wii U)|new Rainbow Road]] is set above the Earth, just like [[Rainbow Road (Wii)|<small>Wii</small> Rainbow Road]]. [[Super Bell Subway]] has the Coconut Café and an ad for the Fountain Café, referencing two businesses found in [[Coconut Mall]].
 
−
*''[[Mario Super Sluggers]]'': Several voice clips are recycled from this game.
 
−
*''[[Super Mario Galaxy 2]]'': Part of Cloudtop Cruise's music includes a cover of the [[Sky Station Galaxy]]'s music. The tunnel at the beginning of [[Dragon Driftway]] is modeled after [[Gobblegut]].
 
−
*''[[New Super Mario Bros. Wii]]'': One of the planes in Sunshine Airport has a logo for [[Propeller Mario|Propeller Toad]] Transport with an insignia of a [[Propeller Mushroom]].
 
−
*''[[Super Mario 3D Land]]'': [[Goomba Tower]]s appear as obstacles in [[Mario Circuit (Wii U)|Mario Circuit]]. The [[Biddybuggy]] resembles a [[Para-Biddybud]]. The [[Boomerang Flower]] appears as an item. A silhouette of [[Tanooki Mario|Tanooki Mario's]] artwork can be seen on the back of the [[Leaf Cup]] trophy. Tanooki Mario is an available racer via add-on content, and [[Statue Mario]] is one of his [[trick|tricks]].
 
−
*''[[Mario Kart 7]]'': The title is a follow-up game of this installment. Gliders and underwater areas return. [[Music Park]], [[Piranha Plant Slide]], and [[DK Jungle (Mario Kart)|DK Jungle]] return as retro courses while [[Neo Bowser City]] returns as a DLC retro course. Vehicle customization returns from this game. The remixed music that occurs when the player is in first place also returns from this game.<ref>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tkslNWnOQ84</ref> [[Mount Wario]], [[Rainbow Road (N64)|<small>N64</small> Rainbow Road]] and [[Big_Blue_(race_course)|Big Blue]] are split into three sections just like [[Wuhu Loop|the]] [[Maka Wuhu|three]] [[Rainbow Road (3DS)|courses]] from this game. [[Electrodrome]] has some similarities with [[Music Park]], which is when players drive on the instruments, they make their own sound. It also has ''Mario Kart 7'''s point system where each racer gets a point regardless of their position. Various kart parts that originated from this game return.
 
−
*''[[New Super Mario Bros. 2]]'': [[Twisted Mansion]]'s entrance has a statue of a [[Boohemoth]] above it, an enemy from this game. [[Bone Piranha Plant]]s also make an appearance in Bone-Dry Dunes.
 
−
*''[[New Super Mario Bros. U]]'': The [[Mecha Cheep]] appears in this game and there is a glider based on a [[Waddlewing]].
 
−
*''[[Super Mario 3D World]]'': The [[Potted Piranha Plant]] appears as an item. Furthermore, most of the fireworks in [[Rainbow Road (N64)|<small>N64</small> Rainbow Road]] use [[Stamp (Super Mario 3D World)|stamp]] images from this game which replaces the neon-lit signs of the eight playable characters (Mario, Luigi, Peach, Bowser, Toad, Yoshi, Wario, and Donkey Kong) and a portrait of a Boo and Mushroom in ''Mario Kart 64''. An ad on Toad Harbor for Tropical Grocery has a [[Double Cherry]] on it. [[Cat Peach]] is an available racer via add on content, and the logo for the Bell Cup is the [[Super Bell]].
 
−
*[[Super Smash Bros. (series)|''Super Smash Bros.'' series]]: [[Captain Falcon]]'s signature taunt, "Show me your moves!", which originates from this series, appears in several jumbotrons near the end of the track of the DLC course [[Mute City (course)|Mute City]].
 
−
*[[Mario vs. Donkey Kong (series)|''Mario vs. Donkey Kong'' series]]: [[Mini Toad]]s appear at the starting line of [[Ribbon Road|<small>GBA</small> Ribbon Road]].
 
−
 
 
−
==References in later games==
 
−
*''[[Super Smash Bros. for Wii U]]'': Mario Circuit reappears as [[Mario Circuit (Super Smash Bros. for Wii U)|a stage]]. The songs "[[Mario Kart Stadium]]", "[[Mario Circuit (Wii U)|Mario Circuit (Mario Kart 8)]]", "[[Cloudtop Cruise]]", and "[[Rainbow Road (Wii U)|Rainbow Road (Mario Kart 8)]]" appear as music tracks for the stage; Cloudtop Cruise was remixed with both the regular and thundercloud versions mixed.
 
−
 
 
−
==Gallery==
 
−
{{morepic}}
 
−
<gallery>
 
−
File:Mario Kart 8 Logo.png|The game's logo.
 
−
File:MK8MarioKartStadium1.png|[[Mario Kart Stadium]].
 
−
File:MarioMK8.png|[[Mario]] in [[anti-gravity]].
 
−
File:LuigiMK8.png|[[Luigi]].
 
−
File:Koopalings Artwork - Mario Kart 8.png|The [[Koopalings]].
 
−
</gallery>
 
−
 
 
−
==Beta elements==
 
−
{{main|List of Mario Kart 8 beta elements}}
 
−
''Mario Kart 8'' has featured several changes from earlier builds to the final build of the game. For example, ''Mario Kart Wii'' and ''Mario Kart 7'' mechanics were used as placeholders in the E3 2013 build of the game. Several small changes, such as [[Twisted Mansion]] originally being called "Boo House" and [[Toad Harbor]]'s racing banner originally having a Galaxy Airline logo were present in earlier trailers of the game. Several of the music featured in earlier builds, such as [[Mario Circuit (Wii U)|Mario Circuit]]'s music, was more synthesized than orchestrated in final build of the game.
 
−
 
 
−
==Media==
 
−
{{main|List of Mario Kart 8 media}}
 
−
{{Media
 
−
|type1=audio
 
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|name1=Mario Kart 8 Music - Mario Kart Stadium
 
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|pipe1=Mario Kart Stadium
 
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|description1=Music for [[Mario Kart Stadium]].
 
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|caps1=off
 
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|type2=audio
 
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|name2=Mario Kart 8 Music - Mario Circuit
 
−
|pipe2=Mario Circuit
 
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|description2=Music for [[Mario Circuit (Wii U)|Mario Circuit]].
 
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|caps2=off
 
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|type3=audio
 
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|name3=Mario Kart 8 Music - Dolphin Shoals
 
−
|pipe3=Dolphin Shoals
 
−
|description3=Music for [[Dolphin Shoals]]
 
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|caps3=off
 
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}}
 
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==Soundtrack==
 
−
[[File:Soundtrack JP - Mario Kart 8.jpg|thumb|200px|The soundtrack with two discs.]]
 
−
An [[Mario Kart 8 Original Sound Track|official soundtrack]] can be pre-ordered for [[Club Nintendo (rewards program)|Club Nintendo]] members in Japan, Europe and Australia featuring sixty-eight songs from the game, including those from the two DLC packs.
 
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{{br}}
 
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==Glitches==
 
−
{{main|List of Mario Kart 8 glitches}}
 
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=== {{conjecturaltext|Spiny Shell Attacks Incorrect Racer}} ===
 
−
This glitch is most common in N64 Yoshi Valley due to the numerous paths drivers may follow, though it can happen under specific circumstances in other courses such as Bone-Dry Dunes. Occasionally when a Spiny Shell is deployed and the racers in at least first and second place are in a section where the road forks in two, the Spiny Shell may initially follow the racer in first place and then change its target to the one in second place or the highest place out of those in the other path. This is caused by some courses–in particular Yoshi Valley–having the checkpoint markers that determine the place of the racers being inadequately calibrated with the other routes. This is demonstrated by driving down the old bridge path while in first place: the player drops position while in the turn and then returns to first place once the paths join up again.<ref>[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9urS96lDvdU YouTube - Mario Kart 8 - (N64) Yoshi Valley - Spiny Shell's Bad Day]</ref>
 
−
 
 
−
==Staff==
 
−
{{main|List of Mario Kart 8 staff}}
 
−
[[Nintendo EAD|Nintendo Entertainment Analysis and Development]] developed ''Mario Kart 8'' in cooperation with [[Bandai Namco Games|Bandai Namco Studios]]. The music composition is credited to Shiho Fujii, Atsuko Asahi, [[Ryo Nagamatsu]], and Yasuaki Iwata, with longtime series composer [[Kenta Nagata]] serving as sound director with the music performed by the [[Mario Kart Band]]. [[Shigeru Miyamoto]] and Eiji Aonuma were the general producers, though the latter goes uncredited, and [[Satoru Iwata]] was the executive producer.
 
−
 
 
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==Trivia==
 
−
<!-- Do not put anything about memes and Internet status here! -->
 
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*Including the downloadable tracks, ''Mario Kart 8'' has the most tracks in a single ''Mario Kart'' game, with 48. This record was previously held by ''[[Mario Kart: Super Circuit]]'', which has 40.
 
−
**It is also the first ''Mario Kart'' since the introduction of returning courses that features more nitro courses than retro courses, with 25 nitro over 23 retro.
 
−
*This is the first ''Mario Kart'' game in which each course features its own background music, with no tracks sharing music. All previous titles in the series included at least two tracks sharing the same music, most commonly the regular circuit music.
 
−
*This is the first ''Mario Kart'' game to feature courses that have [[Boost Pad|boost pads]] become inactive under certain matter.
 
−
*Unlike several previous installments of the ''Mario Kart'' series, the retro courses use their respective ''Mario Kart'' logo; the tracks from SNES to GCN use an updated version of the classic logo, while tracks from DS to 3DS use the current one. [[Yoshi Circuit|<small>GCN</small> Yoshi Circuit]], [[Cheese Land|<small>GBA</small> Cheese Land]], and [[Ribbon Road|<small>GBA</small> Ribbon Road]], however, use the logo from ''Mario Kart DS'' as opposed to that of their original game.
 
−
*This is the first main series ''Mario Kart'' game for which each playable character does not receive official artwork.
 
−
*''Mario Kart 8'' features three [[Rainbow Road]] tracks, the most in any game in the series to date.
 
−
 
 
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==External links==
 
−
*[http://mariokart8.nintendo.com/ Official North American Website]
 
−
*[http://www.nintendo.co.uk/Games/Wii-U/Mario-Kart-8-765384.html Official European Website]
 
−
*[http://www.nintendo.co.jp/wiiu/amkj/index.html Official Japanese Website]
 
−
*[http://gamesites.nintendo.com.au/mario-kart-8/ Official Australian Website]
 
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==References==
 
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<references/>
 
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{{BoxTop}}
 
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{{Wii U}}
 
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[[Category:Mario Kart 8|*]]
 
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[[Category:Mario Kart Series]]
 
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[[Category:Racing Games]]
 
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[[Category:Games]]
 
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[[Category:Mario Games]]
 
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[[Category:Wii U Games]]
 

Revision as of 16:47, 9 June 2015

Mario Kart 8

Mario Kart 8 is a game for the Wii U. It is the eighth installment in the main Mario Kart series and including the arcade games, the eleventh overall. This installment is a follow-up game of the Nintendo 3DS title Mario Kart 7. Like other Nintendo 3DS and Wii U games, this game can be purchased both physically at retail and digitally through the Nintendo eShop, with the digital version requiring 4949.8 MB (approx. 4.83 GB) of memory to be installed.

A prominent new addition is anti-gravity, allowing players to drive on almost any surface. Elements from Mario Kart Wii and Mario Kart 7 are reused, such as Bikes and 2-Player online from Mario Kart Wii, and gliding, underwater driving, and kart customizing from Mario Kart 7. In addition, ATVs join the returning karts and bikes as a new class of vehicle. The game also features more detail in courses, specifically Retro Tracks, which appear more redesigned than their original appearance.

Gameplay

The gameplay maintains the traditional elements of previous Mario Kart games, mostly from the two recent installments on the Wii and Nintendo 3DS respectively. Karts, which feature similar designs from Mario Kart 7, can be customized once again, alongside the returning bikes, which handle similar to the karts now and can only perform a wheelie via a boost, and the newly introduced ATVs. The hang-glider and underwater mechanics also return, as well as Coins, with the player being able to collect up to ten in one race as in Mario Kart 7. Like Mario Kart Wii, twelve racers are present in normal races[1]. Tricks and the ability to look behind also return in this game.

The newest feature for the series is anti-gravitational segments that not only allow for more dynamic track design, but also for racers to drive across walls, ceilings, and other seemingly unusual places. When in anti-gravity, if a racer bumps into another racer, the kart spins rather than just bumping and both racers receive a speed boost. This is called spin boosting.

The game also features Wii U GamePad integration. In addition to the standard Off-TV Play, players also have the option of displaying the course map, and when neither the television gameplay nor the map are being displayed, the GamePad can be used as a horn button. Players have the option to toggle between these features at will.[2] The GamePad can also be used to toggle on and off the gyroscopic steering, and in its default display and when displaying the map the GamePad also displays the current rankings.

There is also Miiverse integration, which allows players to share their replay videos and comment on others' videos, in a feature called Mario Kart TV.[3] Another change is that in 2-player mode, the screen splits vertically instead of the horizontally in the other console Mario Kart games, a feature that was originally intended to be in Mario Kart 64 but was removed from the final game. Additionally, if the player falls off the edge of the track, Lakitu will pick them up and drop them back on to the track more quickly when compared to how he did this in past installments. This makes glitches involving falling into areas impossible.

Point management works similar to Mario Kart Wii, except that racers below top 3 get an extra point. Below is a chart of the point spread comparison between these eight games:

Point Spread Comparisons (GP)
1st 2nd 3rd 4th 5th 6th 7th 8th 9th 10th 11th 12th
Super Mario Kart
Mario Kart 64
Mario Kart: Super Circuit		 9 6 3 1 0 0 0 0 - - - -
Mario Kart: Double Dash!!
Mario Kart DS		 10 8 6 4 3 2 1 0 - - - -
Mario Kart Wii 15 12 10 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0
Mario Kart 7 10 8 6 5 4 3 2 1 - - - -
Mario Kart 8 15 12 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1
Grove-green bg signifies victory results (great clapping, character(s) cheering), best after-race music
Yellow-limegreen bg signifies moderate results (mild clapping, moderate character reaction), same music in Wi-Fi as winner (different in MKDS GP)
Normal bg signifies losing results, losing music; - means not available
In Super Mario Kart, Mario Kart 64, and Mario Kart Super Circuit, 5th or worse forces the player to retry the race. If the racer fares this badly three times, the Grand Prix must be started over. Starting with Mario Kart: Double Dash to recent installments including this one, the Grand Prix normally goes forth.

Controls

Action(s) Input(s)
Wii U GamePad
Wii U Pro Controller
Wii Classic Controller 		Wii Remote + Nunchuk Wii Remote (sideways)
Wii Wheel
Navigating menus
Select Template:Button / Template:Button Template:Button Template:Button
Confirm Template:Button Template:Button Template:Button
Cancel Template:Button Template:Button Template:Button
Racing
Accelerate / Rocket Start Template:Button / Template:Button / Template:Button (tilt forward) Template:Button Template:Button
Brake/reverse Template:Button / Template:Button (tilt back) Template:Button Template:Button
Steer Template:Button / Template:Button / Tilt GamePad Template:Button Tilt Wii Remote / Template:Button
Hop / drift Template:Button / Template:Button Template:Button / Template:Button
Trick Template:Button / Flick Wii Remote / Template:Button
Use item / stop item roulette / honk Template:Button / Template:Button Template:Button Template:Button / Template:Button
Pause / Resume Template:Button
Display/remove TV Map Template:Button
Home Menu Template:Button
Rear view Template:Button Template:Button Template:Button

Game modes

There are various game modes for Mario Kart 8. All modes available on single player (some also on local and online multiplayer) are listed here.

Grand Prix

File:ElectrodromeGlidingSecond.png
Baby Luigi participating in a Grand Prix Race.

Mario Kart 8's Grand Prix works similar to past installments. Like past games the 50cc, 100cc, and 150cc engine classes are available by default, and completing 150cc unlocks Mirror; for the former three, however, Grand Prix rankings carry over to the lower engine classes after being completed on a higher engine class. In addition, and for the first time in the series, a 200cc engine class has been added as of the version 4.0 update, which is available by default alongside Mirror as of version 4.1. Only the Mushroom and Shell Cups are available at the start of the game, with the others being unlocked after completing the cup before, and are available in every engine class after being unlocked. The player starts out with five coins on the first race of any cup. There is the usual four-race marathon. Players now have the option to do a multiplayer Grand Prix up to four players, unlike in most previous home console Mario Kart games, where only up to two players can race in Grand Prix. Template:Br

Time Trials

File:Rocket Start (Mario Kart 8).jpg
A Time Trial run has started at Twisted Mansion.

Time Trial mode lets the player complete a selected course in the fastest time possible. Among the other features, in addition to viewing ghost data, players can upload their own ghost data onto Miiverse, which other players can download and comment on. In addition, beating one of Nintendo's Staff Ghosts in a race earns the player a stamp based on the course they raced on which they can use in Miiverse posts. Leaderboards as seen in Mario Kart Wii also return. Template:Br

VS Race

File:MK8 Multiplayer Race.jpg
Four Miis in a multiplayer race.

VS mode can be played locally with up to four players. Players can set rules like which items appear, the difficulty level of the CPUs, and Team or Solo racing. Players can also set how the courses appear, choose a course after one is finished, or play all tracks randomly or in order. In this game, Mirror Mode appears as a default engine class, even if it isn't unlocked in Grand Prix. Template:Br

Battle

File:MK8 Battle Mode.png
A team battle.

Battle mode now features race tracks remixed to fit battle mode rather than containing all-new separate arenas. Balloon Battle can be played in teams or in free-for-all mode. It combines survival battle mode from Mario Kart DS and earlier installments and the timed points battle mode introduced in Mario Kart Wii; all players start with three points and three balloons each. Successfully making an opponent lose a balloon awards the player a point, and losing a balloon through any method will cause the player to lose a point. Balloons can never be regained (unless one is stolen from another player with a Mushroom or a Super Star), and if all balloons are lost, points can no longer be lost or gained. Defeated players can still drive and attack players as a Ghost, although they cannot receive points. Players can also now adjust the time limit from one to five minutes, and they can set up to 32 rounds in set intervals. Template:Br

Online

File:MK8 Online Menu.jpg
Main menu for the Online mode.

As with Mario Kart Wii, one or two local players can play over the Internet against other remote players. Players can race and battle with up to eleven other players from around the world or in their region, and can join and race with friends from the Friends menu. Finally, players are able to join a worldwide room using custom rules. Players can also set up their own rooms for friends and can race with custom rules, such as engine class, whether items are on or off, vehicle types available, control method, whether to play with computer players or not. As of version 3.0, players can also toggle whether they want to play on just the original 32 courses, the original courses and one of the two sets of DLC courses, or every available course by pressing Template:Button after selecting Worldwide or Regional[4], as well as when setting up a room for friends. When playing online worldwide or regional, players once again earn VR points based upon their ranking at the end of a race or battle like in Mario Kart Wii and Mario Kart 7; like in Mario Kart 7 a player's VR starts at 1000, though like Mario Kart Wii players have different VR rankings for races and battles.

Players can also create their own tournaments, similar to the communities from Mario Kart 7. When creating a tournament, players can choose an icon and a name for their tournament as well as set the rules, including engine class, whether to play in teams or not, whether to have items or not, vehicle types, whether there are computer players or not, and, as of version 3.0, available courses (the original 32 courses, every course including DLC courses, just the DLC courses, or, as of version 4.0, the original courses and one of the DLC packs). Players can also set times in which the tournament is available (weekly, daily, or between a fixed period and at what day and time the tournament begins and ends), the number of races before scores are totaled, and whether the groups shuffle after every four matches or not. Finally, the availability can be set, including whether it is open or a code is required or it is open to anybody, whether it is open to anyone worldwide or just regional, and whether only players of certain ratings can play. When looking for a tournament, players can enter a code, search by type, or look at active tournaments. In addition, playing in a tournament that allows the DLC tracks to be selected requires purchasing the DLC before the player can enter.

After entering a room, players can choose one of three predetermined tracks or "Random", which chooses one of any of the game's tracks at random if the player's option is ultimately chosen; when playing with friends, however, players can select from any of the tracks available depending on the settings. Once every player has selected a track a roulette selects one of these options as the track to be raced on.

Mario Kart TV

File:MK8 Mario Kart TV.jpg
Mario Kart TV menu.
NintendoWiki logo.png  Main article: Mario Kart TV 

Mario Kart TV is an Internet-based feature in which players can view and share highlights of their and others' race and battle highlights. In the Mario Kart TV menu, the game automatically saves the twelve most recent race and battle replays, and the player can favorite up to six at one time. Players can view and edit theirs and others' replays by changing the duration of the replay and the focus characters and actions and can slow down, speed up, and rewind the replay while watching. Players can also share their highlights on Miiverse and YouTube; up to sixty seconds of video can be uploaded at one time, however. Template:Br

Characters

Drivers

File:CharSelect-DLC-MK8.jpg
The full character select screen, including the downloadable characters.

There are 36 total playable characters in Mario Kart 8, consisting of 16 default characters, 14 unlockable characters, and 6 characters obtainable by purchasing the add-on packs.[5] Including the add-on characters, there are 14 new playable characters, being the seven Koopalings (indicated by an * in the gallery), Baby Rosalina, Pink Gold Peach (indicated by an **), Tanooki Mario, Cat Peach, Link, Villager, and Isabelle. There are three weight classes dependent on the size of the vehicle the characters drive (with the exception of Metal Mario and Pink Gold Peach): light, medium, and heavy.[6]

The add-on packs contain three new characters each (see here for more info), but if both are purchased, the player will gain access to eight new colors for Yoshi and Shy Guy, ultimately expanding the character roster by 22 characters. Updates have been released that allowed suits to be unlocked by using amiibo, which allow Miis to resemble characters such as Samus Aran and Sonic the Hedgehog. Template:Br

Starting drivers

Unlockable drivers

* - Mario Kart debut
** - Mario franchise debut
*** - Mii's weight is determined by the height and weight of the Mii the player chooses to race as.

Downloadable characters

Included in the game's two downloadable content packs (The Legend of Zelda × Mario Kart 8 and Animal Crossing × Mario Kart 8) are three additional racers, making six total. In addition, by purchasing both packs the player immediately obtains eight new colors for both Yoshi and Shy Guy. The Villager, included with the Animal Crossing pack, also has both a male and female variant.

Additional characters
Pack Characters
The Legend of Zelda × Mario Kart 8 32x32px32x32px32x32px
Animal Crossing × Mario Kart 8 50px 32x32px 32x32px
Color skins
Colored Yoshis 32x32px32x32pxLight-blue Yoshi32x32px32x32px32x32px32x32px32x32px
Colored Shy Guys Green Shy GuyBlue Shy GuyLight-blue Shy GuyYellow Shy GuyPink Shy Guy32x32px32x32pxOrange Shy Guy

Unlocking criteria

Unlike previous Mario Kart games, characters (other than Mii) are unlocked at random by completing cups; however, another character cannot be unlocked by replaying a cup, making this title the first and only Mario Kart game that was done so. In previous games, fixed characters are unlocked by completing specific cups with specific engine classes. Additionally, for the first time in the series, unlockable characters appear as CPUs during races when they are still locked.[7]

Mii is the only character not randomly unlocked and is instead always the eighth character unlocked, unless the player uses an amiibo to unlock a Mii costume, in which case it will be unlocked immediately. Miis will never appear as CPU players.

Driver statistics

Like in Mario Kart 7, drivers in a specific group have their own stats.[6][8]

  • Speed: The top speed of the vehicle. Does not affect off-road travel.
    • Ground Speed: The top speed of the vehicle on land with normal gravity.
    • Water Speed: The top speed of the vehicle while driving underwater.
    • Air Speed: The top speed of the vehicle while gliding.
    • Anti-Gravity Speed: The top speed of the vehicle in anti-gravity mode.
  • Acceleration: The rate of the vehicle it takes to reach its top speed from a standing position.
  • Weight: The weight of the vehicle. Vehicles with higher weight knock away vehicles with lower weight.
  • Handling: The turning ability of the vehicle. A higher stat means vehicles turn sharper.
    • Ground Handling: The turning ability of the vehicle on land with normal gravity.
    • Water Handling: The turning ability of the vehicle while driving underwater.
    • Air Handling: The turning ability of the vehicle while gliding.
    • Anti-Gravity Handling: The turning ability of the vehicle in anti-gravity mode.
  • Traction (Grip in PAL version): The grasp of the vehicle. Vehicles with higher traction slip less on certain terrain and can stay stable on the road better. Not to be confused with handling.
  • Mini-Turbo: The strength of the vehicle's mini-turbo speed boosts.

Only ground speed, acceleration, weight, ground handling, and traction are visible in-game. The other stats, known as hidden stats, exist, but are not visible in-game.

The units are out of 6, displaying the different stats. Just like in Mario Kart Wii, Miis can be Light, Medium, or Heavy, depending on their height and weight. Character icons are sorted by how they're ordered in-game.

Driver Statistics
Weight Class Speed Acceleration Weight Handling Traction Mini-Turbo
Ground Water Air Anti-Gravity Ground Water Air Anti-Gravity
Light 32x32px32x32px32x32px32x32px
32x32px32x32px32x32px 		2.25 2.75 2.25 2.5 3.25 2.25 4.75 4.75 4.5 5 4.5 3
32x32px32x32px32x32px*32x32px
32x32px32x32px32x32px32x32px 		2.75 3.25 2.75 3 3 2.75 4.25 4.25 4 4.5 4.25 2.75
Medium 32x32px32x32px 3.25 3.75 3.25 3.5 3 3 3.75 3.75 3.5 4 4 2.5
32x32px32x32px32x32px* 3.25 3.75 3.25 3.5 2.75 3.25 3.75 3.75 3.5 4 4 2.5
32x32px32x32px 3.75 4.25 3.75 4 2.75 3.5 3.25 3.25 3 3.5 3.75 2.25
32x32px32x32px32x32px32x32px32x32px 3.75 4.25 3.75 4 2.5 3.75 3.25 3.25 3 3.5 3.75 2.25
Heavy 32x32px32x32px32x32px32x32px32x32px 4.25 4.75 4.25 4.5 2.25 4.25 2.75 2.75 2.5 3 3.5 2
32x32px32x32px 4.25 4.75 4.25 4.5 2 4.75 2.75 2.75 2.5 3 3.25 1.75
32x32px32x32px32x32px32x32px32x32px 4.75 5.25 4.75 5 2 4.75 2.25 2.25 2 2.5 3.25 1.75

* Denotes a character with multiple color changes, see here for more info.

Body frame sizes

Depending on the character, the size of the vehicle can change. The size can influence how big of a target the vehicle is. The body frame size that the Mii uses depends on its weight class.

Vehicle Body Frame Sizes
Size Characters
Small 32x32px32x32px32x32px32x32px32x32px32x32px32x32px32x32px32x32px32x32px32x32px32x32px32x32px32x32px
Medium 32x32px32x32px32x32px32x32px32x32px32x32px32x32px32x32px32x32px32x32px32x32px50x50px
Large 32x32px32x32px32x32px32x32px32x32px32x32px32x32px32x32px32x32px

Other characters

Vehicle parts

There are 17 karts, 9 bikes, 3 ATVs (26 bodies in total), 19 tires, and 12 gliders.[9][10] Eight additional karts are also included in the downloadable content packs, four of them appearing in each one, with the Blue Falcon, B Dasher, Master Cycle and Tanooki Kart downloadable in the The Legend of Zelda × Mario Kart 8 pack, and the Streetle, City Tripper, P-Wing, and Bone Rattler in the Animal Crossing × Mario Kart 8 pack.[11] The parts are listed as they appear in-game, and the stat boost/drop values are out of 6 and are relative to the standard parts for each type. However, it is impossible for a vehicle to have any stat less than 1 or greater than 5.75. The "8" logos on the parts are replaced with the character's symbol, except on the Gold Standard and Gold Glider.

Template:MarioKart8Parts

Unlocking criteria

Vehicle parts are unlocked by collecting coins from Grand Prix, VS Mode, Time Trials, and online races.[12] Coins collected by additional players are counted. Coins will count towards the player's coin total only for completed races -- if the player collects coins then quits during a race, the coins from that race will not be added to their coin total.

There are 38 unlockable parts, excluding golden parts. Players can unlock new parts for every 50 coins, but once players have collected 1000 coins, 100 coins are instead needed to unlock new parts. Like in Mario Kart 7, players can see how many coins they've collected by viewing the statistics screen from the main menu (this feature is available for only Ver. 2.0 and further of Mario Kart 8, however).

  • 50
  • 100
  • 150
  • 200
  • 250
  • 300
  • 350
  • 400
  • 450
  • 500
  • 550
  • 600
  • 650
  • 700
  • 750
  • 800
  • 850
  • 900
  • 950
  • 1000
  • 1100
  • 1200
  • 1300
  • 1400
  • 1500
  • 1600
  • 1700
  • 1800
  • 1900
  • 2000
  • 2100
  • 2200
  • 2300
  • 2400
  • 2500
  • 2600
  • 2700
  • 2800

Special parts

Special gold parts are unlocked with the following criteria:

Courses

There are 32 tracks in the main game (excluding DLC Cups), consisting of 16 new tracks and 16 retro tracks, featuring one track each from Super Mario Kart and Mario Kart: Super Circuit, four tracks from Mario Kart 64, two each from Mario Kart: Double Dash!! and Mario Kart Wii, and three each from Mario Kart DS and Mario Kart 7. As with the retro tracks from the 3DS installment, the retro tracks in this game feature altered sections that incorporate the game's hang-glider, underwater, and anti-gravity features. The game features live-recorded music for all of the new tracks and most of the retro tracks. The tracks have been described as more narrow when compared to previous Mario Kart tracks, specifically those from Mario Kart Wii[14]. Names in italics are names used in the PAL version.

Nitro Courses

File:MK8 MushroomCuptv.svg
Mushroom Cup 		File:MK8 FlowerCuptv.svg
Flower Cup 		File:MK8 StarCuptv.svg
Star Cup 		File:MK8 SpecialCuptv.svg
Special Cup
File:MK8- Mario Kart Stadium.PNG
white 		File:MK8- Mario Circuit.PNG
white 		File:MK8- Sunshine Airport.PNG
white 		File:MK8- Cloudtop Cruise.PNG
white
File:MK8- Water Park.PNG
white 		File:MK8- Toad Harbor.PNG
Toad Harbour 		File:MK8- Dolphin Shoals.PNG
white 		File:MK8- Bone-Dry Dunes.PNG
Bone Dry Dunes
File:MK8- Sweet Sweet Canyon.PNG
white 		File:MK8- Twisted Mansion.PNG
white 		File:MK8- Electrodrome.PNG
white 		File:MK8- Bowser's Castle.PNG
white
File:MK8- Thwomp Ruins.PNG
white 		File:MK8- Shy Guy Falls.PNG
white 		File:MK8- Mount Wario.PNG
white 		File:MK8- Rainbow Road.PNG
white

Retro Courses

File:MK8 ShellCuptv.svg
Shell Cup 		File:MK8 BananaCuptv.svg
Banana Cup 		File:MK8 LeafCuptv.svg
Leaf Cup 		File:MK8 LightningCuptv.svg
Lightning Cup
File:MK8- Wii Moo Moo Meadows.PNG
white 		File:MK8- GCN Dry Dry Desert.PNG
white 		File:MK8- DS Wario Stadium.PNG
white 		File:MK8- DS Tick-Tock Clock.PNG
white
File:MK8- GBA Mario Circuit.PNG
white 		File:MK8- SNES Donut Plains 3.PNG
white 		File:MK8- GCN Sherbet Land.PNG
white 		File:MK8- 3DS Piranha Plant Slide.PNG
3DS Piranha Plant Pipeway
File:MK8- DS Cheep Cheep Beach.PNG
white 		File:MK8- N64 Royal Raceway.PNG
white 		File:MK8- 3DS Music Park.PNG
3DS Melody Motorway 		File:MK8- Wii Grumble Volcano.PNG
white
File:MK8- N64 Toad's Turnpike.PNG
white 		File:MK8- 3DS DK Jungle.PNG
white 		File:MK8- N64 Yoshi Valley.PNG
white 		File:MK8- N64 Rainbow Road.PNG
white

Downloadable courses

4 additional cups, each one containing 4 tracks for a total of 16, are included in the game's two downloadable content packs.[11] Of those 16 tracks, 7 of those are retro tracks, adding one track from Super Mario Kart, Mario Kart Wii and Mario Kart 7 and two from Mario Kart: Super Circuit and Mario Kart: Double Dash!!. The other nine tracks consist of four original tracks and five tracks based upon other Nintendo franchises, including Excitebike, F-Zero, The Legend of Zelda, and Animal Crossing.

The Legend of Zelda × Mario Kart 8 Animal Crossing × Mario Kart 8
File:MK8 EggCuptv.svg
Egg Cup 		File:MK8 TriforceCuptv.svg
Triforce Cup 		File:MK8 CrossingCuptv.svg
Crossing Cup 		File:MK8 BellCuptv.svg
Bell Cup
File:MK8-DLC-Course-icon-GCN YoshiCircuit.png
white 		File:MK8-DLC-Course-icon-Wii Wario'sGoldMine.png
white 		File:MK8-DLC-Course-icon-GCN BabyPark.png
white 		File:MK8-DLC-Course-icon-3DS NeoBowserCity.png
3DS Koopa City
File:MK8-DLC-Course-icon-ExcitebikeArena.PNG
white 		File:MK8-DLC-Course-icon-SNES RainbowRoad.png
white 		File:MK8-DLC-Course-icon-GBA CheeseLand.png
white 		File:MK8-DLC-Course-icon-GBA RibbonRoad.png
white
File:MK8-DLC-Course-icon-DragonDriftway.png
white 		File:MK8-DLC-Course-icon-IceIceOutpost.png
white 		File:MK8-DLC-Course-icon-WildWoods.png
white 		File:MK8-DLC-Course-icon-SuperBellSubway.png
white
File:MK8-DLC-Course-icon-MuteCity.png
white 		File:MK8-DLC-Course-icon-HyruleCircuit.png
white 		File:MK8-DLC-Course-icon-AnimalCrossing.png
white 		File:MK8-DLC-Course-icon-BigBlue.png
white

Battle stages

Unlike previous installments of the series, there are no stages unique to Battle Mode; instead, 8 of the original 32 tracks in standard race modes are modified and used as stages for battles and can all be played from the start of the game, including those that are originally in cups that need to first be unlocked in the race modes.[15] Tracks enabled for Battle mode are the following:

File:MK8- Wii Moo Moo Meadows.PNG File:MK8- GCN Dry Dry Desert.PNG File:MK8- SNES Donut Plains 3.PNG File:MK8- N64 Toad's Turnpike.PNG
File:MK8- Mario Circuit.PNG File:MK8- Toad Harbor.PNG File:MK8- GCN Sherbet Land.PNG File:MK8- N64 Yoshi Valley.PNG

Ghosts

Staff Ghosts

Just like in Mario Kart Wii and Mario Kart 7, the player starts out with Staff Ghosts for each course that can be raced against in Time Trial mode. However, unlike with the past Mario Kart installments, Expert Staff Ghosts (or Fast Staff Ghosts) do not appear in this game. Beating the Staff Ghost for each of the game's standard courses unlocks a stamp that can be used in Miiverse posts.

Course Staff Name Country Time Character Vehicle Combination
Body Tires Glider
Mario Kart Stadium Nin★Chris United Kingdom 1:59.781 Mario Sports Coupe Standard Super Glider
Water Park Nin★Massim Italy 2:02.954 Baby Luigi Mr. Scooty Roller Super Glider
Sweet Sweet Canyon Nin★Fausti France 2:12.107 Baby Peach Teddy Buggy Wood Peach Parasol
Thwomp Ruins Nin★Sophia Germany 2:11.157 Donkey Kong Varmint Monster Super Glider
Mario Circuit Nin★Sho Japan 2:07.436 Mario Standard Kart Standard Super Glider
Toad Harbor Nin★Alice United States 2:31.066 Toadette Cat Cruiser Retro Off-Road Plane Glider
Twisted Mansion Nin★Mark Netherlands 2:16.195 Luigi Mach 8 Slim Super Glider
Shy Guy Falls Nin★Frank United Kingdom 2:19.528 Shy Guy Flame Rider Retro Off-Road Super Glider
Sunshine Airport Nin★Leonel United States 2:24.429 Rosalina Circuit Special Standard Super Glider
Dolphin Shoals Nin★Skip United States 2:19.160 Wendy Landship Wood Bowser Kite
Electrodrome Nin★Yuya Japan 2:24.747 Larry Sport Bike Monster Super Glider
Mount Wario Nin★Elena Russia 2:06.283 Waluigi The Duke Monster Wario Wing
Cloudtop Cruise Nin★Maria Portugal 2:26.347 Baby Rosalina Biddybuggy Standard Super Glider
Bone-Dry Dunes Nin★Elena Russia 2:13.391 Morton Tri-Speeder Monster Super Glider
Bowser's Castle Nin★Polly United Kingdom 2:23.872 Bowser Badwagon Standard Super Glider
Rainbow Road Nin★Mizuho Japan 2:23.967 Pink Gold Peach Comet Slim Super Glider
Wii Moo Moo Meadows Nin★Chris United Kingdom 1:46.099 Daisy Varmint Hot Monster Super Glider
GBA Mario Circuit Nin★Rie Japan 1:49.158 Baby Mario Yoshi Bike Standard Super Glider
DS Cheep Cheep Beach Nin★Massim Italy 2:11.220 Koopa Troopa Steel Driver Metal Parachute
N64 Toad's Turnpike Nin★Alice United States 2:08.059 Toad Standard Bike Standard Parachute
GCN Dry Dry Desert Nin★Maria Portugal 2:29.678 Peach Standard Bike Slim Super Glider
SNES Donut Plains 3 Nin★Frank United Kingdom 1:39.148 Lakitu Pipe Frame Monster MKTV Parafoil
N64 Royal Raceway Nin★Skip United States 2:21.371 Peach Prancer Wood Peach Parasol
3DS DK Jungle Nin★Rie Japan 2:26.900 Donkey Kong Varmint Monster Super Glider
DS Wario Stadium Nin★Mizuho Japan 2:14.213 Wario Tri-Speeder Off-Road Wario Wing
GCN Sherbet Land Nin★Fausti France 2:21.192 Lemmy Sneeker Standard Super Glider
3DS Music Park Nin★Sho Japan 2:24.468 Baby Daisy Biddybuggy Standard Super Glider
N64 Yoshi Valley Nin★Mark Netherlands 2:28.814 Yoshi Wild Wiggler Standard Flower Glider
DS Tick-Tock Clock Nin★Sophia Germany 2:13.712 Iggy Standard Bike Monster Super Glider
3DS Piranha Plant Slide Nin★Polly United Kingdom 2:23.991 Ludwig Jet Bike Slim Super Glider
Wii Grumble Volcano Nin★Yuya Japan 2:18.305 Roy Badwagon Off-Road Super Glider
N64 Rainbow Road Nin★Leonel United States 1:33.731 Metal Mario Standard ATV Monster Super Glider
GCN Yoshi Circuit Nin★Adrien France 2:11.299 Red Yoshi B Dasher Standard Super Glider
Excitebike Arena Nin★Pedro Spain 2:06.483 Mario Standard Bike Slim Super Glider
Dragon Driftway Nin★Kaori Japan 2:05.487 Lakitu Varmint Monster Cloud Glider
Mute City Nin★Laura United States 2:10.427 Mario Blue Falcon Roller Super Glider
Wii Wario's Gold Mine Nin★Pit Germany 2:19.782 Wario Standard Kart Monster Super Glider
SNES Rainbow Road Nin★Anne Netherlands 1:46.599 Cat Peach Cat Cruiser Retro Off-Road Super Glider
Ice Ice Outpost Nin★Pavel Russia 2:07.868 Tanooki Mario Tanooki Kart Monster Super Glider
Hyrule Circuit Nin★Claudi United Kingdom 2:11.156 Link Master Cycle Triforce Tires Hylian Kite
GCN Baby Park Nin★Joost Netherlands 1:22.562 Baby Mario Biddybuggy Standard Super Glider
GBA Cheese Land Nin★Aracel Spain 2:09.601 Orange Yoshi Pipe Frame Monster Parafoil
Wild Woods Nin★Akira Japan 2:04.480 Villager (Boy) Streetle Leaf Tires Paper Glider
Animal Crossing Nin★Marie United States 1:58.273 Isabelle City Tripper Slim Paper Glider
3DS Neo Bowser City Nin★Guile United States 2:09.513 Dry Bowser Bone Rattler Metal Super Glider
GBA Ribbon Road Nin★Giulia Italy 2:11.839 Villager (Girl) Teddy Buggy Button Super Glider
Super Bell Subway Nin★Juliet France 2:07.175 Pink Shy Guy City Tripper Slim Super Glider
Big Blue Nin★Dylan United Kingdom 1:44.100 Mario P-Wing Blue Standard Super Glider

Kart of Champions

These are Nintendo's best times for each of the 32 base courses, as shown in the Prima Official Game Guide. Ghost data does not exist for the following times in-game.

Course Staff Name Time Character Vehicle Combination
Body Tires Glider
Mario Kart Stadium Addison K. 1:44.503 Bowser Sport Bike Slick Bowser Kite
Water Park Jeff C. M. 1:48.231 Wario Sport Bike Cyber Slick Parafoil
Sweet Sweet Canyon Jeff C. M. 1:57.071 Wario Sport Bike Slick Parafoil
Thwomp Ruins Greg R. 1:57.193 Mii Gold Standard Slick Bowser Kite
Mario Circuit Addison K. 1:53.017 Bowser Sport Bike Slick Bowser Kite
Toad Harbor Jeff C. M. 2:11.578 Wario Sport Bike Cyber Slick Parafoil
Twisted Mansion Jeff C. M. 2:01.605 Wario Sport Bike Cyber Slick Parafoil
Shy Guy Falls Jeff C. M. 2:08.775 Wario Sport Bike Cyber Slick Parafoil
Sunshine Airport Jeff C. M. 2:08.177 Wario Sport Bike Cyber Slick Parafoil
Dolphin Shoals Jeff C. M. 2:09.590 Wario Sport Bike Slick Parafoil
Electrodrome Jeff C. M. 2:07.774 Wario Sport Bike Cyber Slick Parafoil
Mount Wario Jeff C. M. 1:53.516 Wario Sport Bike Cyber Slick Parafoil
Cloudtop Cruise Jeff C. M. 2:11.595 Wario Sport Bike Cyber Slick Parafoil
Bone-Dry Dunes Jeff C. M. 2:02.028 Wario Sport Bike Slick Parafoil
Bowser's Castle Jeff C. M. 2:15.686 Wario Sport Bike Slick Parafoil
Rainbow Road Jeff C. M. 2:15.895 Wario Sport Bike Slick Parafoil
Wii Moo Moo Meadows Jeff C. M. 1:31.643 Wario Sport Bike Slick Parafoil
GBA Mario Circuit Jeff C. M. 1:35.290 Wario Sport Bike Slick Parafoil
DS Cheep Cheep Beach Addison K. 1:57.169 Bowser Sport Bike Slick Bowser Kite
N64 Toad's Turnpike Addison K. 1:50.089 Bowser Sport Bike Slick Bowser Kite
GCN Dry Dry Desert Jeff C. M. 2:14.415 Wario Sport Bike Cyber Slick Parafoil
SNES Donut Plains 3 Jeff C. M. 1:24.754 Morton Gold Standard Cyber Slick Cloud Glider
N64 Royal Raceway Jeff C. M. 2:04.626 Wario Sport Bike Slick Parafoil
3DS DK Jungle Jeff C. M. 2:14.917 Wario Sport Bike Slick Parafoil
DS Wario Stadium Jeff C. M. 2:04.685 Wario Sport Bike Slick Parafoil
GCN Sherbet Land Jeff C. M. 2:02.291 Wario Sport Bike Slick Parafoil
3DS Music Park Jeff C. M. 2:06.354 Wario Sport Bike Cyber Slick Parafoil
N64 Yoshi Valley Jeff C. M. 2:08.495 Wario Sport Bike Slick Parafoil
DS Tick-Tock Clock Jeff C. M. 1:59.372 Wario Sport Bike Slick Parafoil
3DS Piranha Plant Slide Jeff C. M. 2:12.079 Wario Sport Bike Slick Parafoil
Wii Grumble Volcano Jeff C. M. 2:10.129 Wario Sport Bike Slick Parafoil
N64 Rainbow Road Jeff C. M. 1:26.548 Wario Sport Bike Slick Parafoil

Items

As in all Mario Kart games, Mario Kart 8 keeps the use of items during the races. Four new items have been added to the list, being the Boomerang Flower, the Piranha Plant, the Super Horn, and the Crazy Eight. The Coin also makes a return as an item since its first appearance in Super Mario Kart.

Mario Kart 8 also features changes to the items' mechanics. While past Mario Kart games allowed the users to gain a different item from the Item Boxes while dragging some other such as a Green Shell or a Banana, in Mario Kart 8, players are restricted to carry only the item they are currently holding or dragging. Releasing the item in use will then allow the player to take another from the boxes. In order to keep gameplay balance, some items are much less frequent to appear, most notably Lightning and the Spiny Shell. Additionally, the Triple Bananas and the Triple Mushrooms surround the vehicle in the same manner as triple shells do, and opponents receive their effects when touching them, giving some disadvantage, or advantage in the case of the triple mushrooms. Racers do not lose their items if they fall from the track. The item icon, located on the top left of the screen, now displays a usage-remaining meter, either time remaining to use or uses remaining, for items with limited repeating usage.

Items found on the track

x75px
Item Box 		Gives the player a random item. Items given are based on the player's position.
x75px
Coin 		Gives the player a small boost and increase top speed when more are collected, up to a maximum of ten.
x75px
Rupee 		The equivalent of a coin found only in Hyrule Circuit. They replace coins in the item roulette and in the track.
x75px
Bell 		The equivalent of a coin found only in Animal Crossing. They replace coins in the item roulette and in the track.

New items

x75px
Boomerang Flower 		Can be thrown up to three times, hitting racers forward and when it returns.
x75px
Piranha Plant 		Automatically chomps on obstacles and other racers, giving a short speed boost for each bite.
x75px
Super Horn 		Emits a radial shockwave hitting racers, as well as destroying all obstacles and items.
x75px
Crazy Eight 		Generates eight items (Coin, Bob-omb, Mushroom, Star, Blooper, Green Shell, Red Shell, and a Banana) that circle around the player for them to use.

Returning items

x75px
Coin 		Grants the player two extra coins and a micro boost.
x75px
Green Shell 		Travels in a straight line and knocks over a kart it hits.
x75px
Triple Green Shells 		Three green shells that orbit the player's kart, protecting them from incoming attacks.
x75px
Red Shell 		Homes in on the closest kart in front of the player and knocks it over.
x75px
Triple Red Shells 		Three red shells that orbit the player's kart, protecting them from incoming attacks.
x75px
Banana 		Protects the player from incoming items, and spins out other racers that hit it.
x75px
Triple Bananas 		Three bananas that orbit the player's kart, protecting them from incoming attacks.
x75px
Mushroom 		Provides the player's kart with a small speed boost.
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Triple Mushrooms 		Orbits the player's kart, providing them with three separate speed boosts.
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Golden Mushroom 		Provides the player's kart with continuous speed boosts for a short time.
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Fire Flower 		Allows the player to throw fireballs for a short time that cause other karts to spin out on impact.
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Star 		Provides the player invincibility from all terrain and items, and also giving a speed boost.
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Blooper 		Sprays ink on all racers ahead and reduces their visibility. The racers hit also lose some of their traction while sprayed.
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Bob-omb 		Explodes after a short time when thrown or dropped, knocking over any kart in its blast radius.
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Spiny Shell 		Targets the racer in first place, knocking over all other karts in its path.
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Lightning 		Causes all opponents to drop their items, shrink, and drive slowly for a short time.
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Bullet Bill 		Transforms the player into a Bullet Bill, rocketing through the track with auto-pilot, and providing invincibility from all terrain and items.

Stamps

NintendoWiki logo.png  Main article: List of stamps in Mario Kart 8 

As in Super Mario 3D World, NES Remix, and NES Remix 2, players can obtain stamps to use in Miiverse posts. There are 100 stamps in the game: 28 are available from the start, while another 62 stamps can be obtained by winning a Grand Prix with every non-DLC character and beating the Staff Ghost on each non-DLC course in Time Trials. In addition, ten more stamps were added with the version 4.0 update. However, beating a Staff Ghost on a DLC course or using a DLC character to complete a Grand Prix will not unlock a stamp.

Downloadable content

As of the version 2.0 update, Mario Kart 8, like New Super Mario Bros. 2, includes an in-game shop feature through which players can purchase and pre-order downloadable content, as well as adding prompts where the character and cup icons are when purchased. Alternatively, players can purchase content through the Nintendo eShop like normal. Nintendo has released free kart parts as part of a collaboration with Mercedes-Benz, and then announced the game will receive two add-on packs, which both include three additional characters, four karts, and eight courses in two cups.

Mercedes-Benz × Mario Kart 8

File:Mercedes.jpg
Mario driving a kart based on the Mercedes-Benz GLA.

As part of a collaboration between Nintendo and Mercedes-Benz, a free downloadable content pack was released featuring kart bodies based on several Mercedes-Benz vehicles, including the Mercedes-Benz GLA, W 25 Silver Arrow, and 300 SL Roadster, as well as a set of GLA tires.[16] The content was released in all regions on August 27, 2014.[17] Template:Br

The Legend of Zelda × Mario Kart 8

NintendoWiki logo.png  Main article: The Legend of Zelda × Mario Kart 8 
File:Add-On Packs.jpg
Screenshots of Add-On Pack 1.

The first pack, titled "The Legend of Zelda × Mario Kart 8", which was released on November 13, 2014,[18] includes Tanooki Mario, Cat Peach, and Link from The Legend of Zelda franchise, as well as the Blue Falcon, the B Dasher and the Tanooki Kart as three of the four karts, as well as a new bike part called the Master Cycle. The cups included are the Triforce Cup and the Egg Cup. New courses include both retro ones, such as Wario's Gold Mine from Mario Kart Wii, new courses inspired by non-Mario franchises such as F-Zero and Excitebike, and completely new ones such as Dragon Driftway.

Purchasing both this and the Animal Crossing × Mario Kart 8 pack automatically gives the player eight alternate color skins for Yoshi and Shy Guy each.[11] Template:Br

Animal Crossing × Mario Kart 8

NintendoWiki logo.png  Main article: Animal Crossing × Mario Kart 8 
File:MK82ndDLC.png
Screenshots of Add-On Pack 2.

The second pack, titled "Animal Crossing × Mario Kart 8" which was released on April 23, 2015, includes Villager and Isabelle from Animal Crossing: New Leaf as well as Dry Bowser. The cups included are the Crossing Cup and the Bell Cup.[19] New courses include a new '

Updates

Ver. 2.0

On the same day as the release of the Mercedes DLC, an update for the game also was released which adds an option to display the map on the TV screen (just like in past Mario Kart games) by pressing Template:Button on the Template:Button, and a records section, which shows how many coins have been collected, online wins and losses (just like Mario Kart 7), and other statistics. The update also saves the players' last used vehicle combo (excluding DLC vehicle parts), lets them edit other players' highlight reels, and improves online stability.

Additionally, the maximum online race and battle ratings have increased from "9999" to "99999", like in Mario Kart 7. The rating system has also been altered in that the amount of points that the players win or lose after an online race or battle is more drastic if there's a large rating difference between participating players. In tournaments without race or battle limits, players can now have more than 1024 points during a tournament period; without the update, players with at least 1024 points have their score reset to zero for the next race/battle. Players must download the update in order to continue playing online.

The update also swaps the 'Next Race/Round/View Results' and 'View Highlight Reel' buttons in offline mode, and adds a Shop button on the main menu, where players can download the Mercedes DLC, and pre-order Add-On Content. Nintendo adds three Mercedes-Benz cars and enhancements to Mario Kart 8 from the 27th of August. The character icons on the map HUD are also altered.

Ver. 3.0

On November 13, 2014, the update to version 3.0 was made available. The update includes compatibility with amiibo figures and enables the first downloadable content pack for those who purchased it.The update also allows the game to save any last used vehicle combo that uses any of the DLC vehicle parts or characters. Also, when a light racer bumps into a heavier one, it will be pushed less far away. In terms of online, the race and battle rating system has been modified to be less punishing to players who do poorly in a race or battle. Additionally, players can now set up tournaments that have cup limitations. The update is required to continue playing online, but players cannot play in rooms or tournaments that include the downloadable tracks until they have purchased them. Players that have not purchased the add-on packs can still encounter the included characters and vehicles online, but cannot select them.

Ver. 4.0

Update version 4.0 was released on April 23, 2015, the same day as the Animal Crossing × Mario Kart 8 downloadable content pack. In addition to the downloadable content and some bug fixes, the update adds nine additional amiibo racing suits and compatible figures, and adds a "200cc" engine class. ComcingSon new Miiverse stamps have also been added. The update also allows players to enable the on-screen map using any controller, rather than just the Template:Button.

In online mode, players can add CPU players when playing with custom rules, though only human players will count for scoring.[20] Also, players who left a race/battle will not have their race/battle rating visible for other racers to see after a race/battle. The race rating and battle rating system remains the same as in update version 3.0. Lastly, additional tournament settings have been added to support 200cc and the two cups in the second DLC pack. Template:Br

Ver. 4.1

Update version 4.1 was released on May 1, 2015. In addition to general gameplay adjustments and bug fixes, the update adds the Mirror and 200cc engine classes to Grand Prix mode by default, without having to unlock them.<ref>King, Ashley. (May 1, 2015.)

  1. ↑ Mario Kart 8 at E3 2013
  2. ↑ [1]
  3. ↑ http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2013/06/mario_kart_tv_will_allow_you_to_share_your_racing_skills_on_miiverse
  4. ↑ http://venturebeat.com/2014/11/06/heres-how-mario-kart-8s-downloadable-content-works-online/
  5. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5fEa51c-wJ8c
  6. ↑ 6.0 6.1 http://mkboards.com/forums/threads/general-mk8-discussion.8/page-28#post-114226
  7. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PTKRtYK5cmo/
  8. ↑ http://mkboards.com/forums/threads/general-mk8-discussion.8/page-31#post-114323
  9. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1JIOu2EELJo
  10. ↑ http://www.mariokartwii.com/6033753-post7.html
  11. ↑ 11.0 11.1 11.2 http://mariokart8.nintendo.com/dlc/
  12. ↑ [2]
  13. ↑ 13.0 13.1 13.2 http://www.crashwiki.com/mario-kart-8-spoilers-found-leaked-guide-photos-shows-simplified-gameplay/
  14. ↑ Mario Kart 8 Team Talk GamePad Features, Track Design And F-Zero @ Nintendo Life
  15. ↑ GameXplain - Mario Kart 8 Q&A: Online, Battle Mode, Rainbow Road, Secrets & more!
  16. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vDaCFD32Uhs
  17. ↑ Mercedes-Benz in Nintendo's new Mario Kart 8. Mercedes-Benz. Retrieved May 14, 2015.
  18. ↑ http://store.nintendo.co.uk/wii-u-ddc/the-legend-of-zelda-x-mario-kart-8-aoc-pack-digital-download/10991121.html
  19. ↑ Nintendo Direct 4.1.2015. Posted to YouTube by Nintendo of America on April 1, 2015. Retrieved April 1, 2015.
  20. ↑ Here's The Mario Kart 8 Patch Notes For 4.0 Update. My Nintendo News (April 22, 2015). Retrieved April 23, 2015.
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