mario kart 8 deluxe
⚖️
6.87/10
TLDR: Mario Kart 8 Deluxe delivers stunning tracks, deep mechanics, and nostalgic fun, but it lacks strong co-op features and can feel unbalanced for new or casual players.
Listen to our full review on YouTube
Reviewed by: 🐯 Alokin (Advanced Gamer) & 🐺 Oceanwolv (Casual Gamer)
OVERVIEW
Price: $60+DLC
Our playtime: 60+ hours
Coop style: Couch, Local
Where to buy: Nintendo
About: Race as classic and new Nintendo characters, or your Mii, on 40+ intense tracks in the Mushroom Kingdom inspired by real-world cities, unlocking special rewards with each cup you win.
✅ pros
ALOKIN
Scaffolding difficulty
Beautiful art and strong mechanics
Variety of courses and drivers
OCEANWOLV
So many tracks, characters, outfits
You get to hold two items at once
Smart Steering is made optional
❌ cons
ALOKIN
Getting ‘Mario Karted’ RNG
Limited viewport on multi-player
Large skill gap for 200cc cup
OCEANWOLV
City maps were not intuitive
First player controller has it hard
Item performance is hit or miss
🤼🏽 co-op ability: 3.5/10
(how well the game supports teamwork and collaboration between players)
ALOKIN’S RATING: 4/10
You cannot really play cooperative in MK8 unless you really coordinate the second and first place positions to create gaps with the CPU. Because of this it’s possible but this game is more competitive with other items being able to hurt your team if you try.
OCEANWOLV’S RATING: 3/10
Even though Mario Kart is fun with others, whether competing or supporting (we do the latter), it lacks accessible team-play features. The vertical split-screen limits visibility, and team mode is locked behind a paywall. Ultimately, Mario Kart is designed for solo play, where competition is prized and only one player will claim first place.
🎨 production quality: 9/10
(the design, artwork, components, and overall craft of the game's materials)
ALOKIN’S RATING: 8/10
The DLC really improved the production quality with the added racers and courses. This makes the game incredibly rich and adds variety for every type of player. There are a lot of rewards to earn too. The music is classic Nintendo and matches every mood and race cup.
OCEANWOLV’S RATING: 10/10
No other game dominates arcade racing like Mario Kart. I grew up with Crash Team Racing and really wish it evolved like this series. The Deluxe version brings next-level tracks that I didn’t even know was possible. I love the Mii suits and seeing my character in-game the most, which matters to me because I put so much effort into my look.
🎮 gameplay mechanics: 7.5/10
(the game's rules, flow, balance, and how engaging and intuitive the gameplay feels)
ALOKIN’S RATING: 9/10
The game rewards high-level mechanics in drifting, precision, and map (shortcut) knowledge. It’s simple enough to get ramped up and complex enough to keep the racing really interesting as you level up skills and learn the best corners with race and kart combos.
OCEANWOLV’S RATING: 6/10
With 12 racers, three groups naturally form, making catch-up possible on every track.
Front-runners (1st-3rd): Any can easily win, with 2-3 getting red shells the most.
Mid-pack (4th-8th): The most chaotic, with instant and constant position shifts.
Stragglers (9th-12th): 9-10 have a chance to catch up with items and coins to support your progression into the next group, while 11-12 just balance the race.
🤩 overall fun: 7.5/10
(how enjoyable and entertaining the game is for immediate play and long-term re-playability)
ALOKIN’S RATING: 7/10
Nintendo knows how to create fun games that have strong replay value. Incredibly fun for players who learn how to pick up drifting and invest in planning their fastest times. But this game can be very difficult for those who can’t close the skill gap but can’t.
OCEANWOLV’S RATING: 8/10
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is for fans and skilled drifters since it’s an advanced version. The Deluxe tracks are made of unclear turns, multiple routes, and/or continuous roads that never loop back, allowing racers to strategize their own victory. The 200cc cup will have you cursing and your thumbs aching, but earning three stars on every track is worth it!
TIPS TO START
(helpful insights as you begin the game)
ALOKIN’S
It’s okay to use the new helpful racing features, this game is all about fun! Play at your own pace and feel confident racing in whichever ‘cc’ level you are.
Each vehicle and character combo have different stats, try a lot in the beginning to see which one best fits how you like to drive and race. It matters a lot!
Learning to drift is essential for progressing in the game, if you need help on this there are plenty of tutorials on YouTube.
OCEANWOLV’S
Hacking the Algorithm:
First Controller should play support since the game unfairly targets them.
Second Controller should aim for first place, facing less AI interference.
Understanding Your Roles:
First Controller assists with strategy, items, and defense.
Second Controller takes the lead to secure first place.
