Mario Kart 3DS Uncovered: What We Know So Far
By:
Andre Segers
|
June 25, 2010, 6:45 pm

Nintendo made waves with the announcement that Mario Kart would be  making its way to the 3DS, but we decided to dig a little deeper to find out all we could about this still-somewhat mysterious title. Here’s everything that we’ve uncovered.

 Mario and Luigi are the only characters confirmed thus far.
 

 In a nod to the very first Super Mario Kart, the characters will now glance at their rivals as they pass by--a neat touch.

 Go-Karts were the only vehicle on display; whether or not the motorcycles from Mario kart Wii return remain to be seen.
 
 
 As far as items are concerned, both Bananas and shells have been confirmed to return, but The Blooper item was the only one on display. It functions in much the same way as before, covering the top-screen with ink, making it harder to see. Unfortunately, since the demo didn’t make use of the touchscreen (aside from displaying the game’s logo), it’s unknown whether the Blooper’s effects will impact that one as will, much as it did in Mario Kart DS which used the lower screen to display a map.
 
 Power-sliding is back, and seems to function similar to Mario Kart DS, as opposed to the time-based Wii version.
 

 Wuhu Island, made famous in Wii Fi and Wii Sports Resort, is apparently now a racetrack in Mario Kart 3DS. Interestingly, Wuhu island was also featured in the Pilotwings 3DS demo, adding further credence to Miyamoto’s statement last year that they wish to turn the island into a "character" and use it in many different games.
 

 
The music featured in the demo was a remixed version of Mario Kart 64’s title screen theme.
 
 Miis are in the game, as they can be found lining the Wuhu Island racetrack as spectators. Whether or not they're playable, as in Mario Kart Wii, remains to be seen.
 
 
 The bouncy mushrooms from Mario Kart Wii’s Mushroom Gorge return--these ‘shrooms help the racers cross long chasms by bouncing them into the air as soon as they touch them,
 
 Based on what we’e seen, three tracks appeared to be shown. One that takes place around the Peach’s castle grounds (like in Mario Kart 64 and Wii), the aforementioned Wuhu Island, and cliffside racetrack reminicent of Mario Kart Wii’s Koopa Cape.
 
 
 Although the wireless features weren’t demonstrated, it was confirmed that the game will support both local and online multplayer, as well as a way to exchange “Ghost Data” (your personal replays of your best race times).
 
 For the first time, racers will actually race through Peach’s castle itself--hopefully Peach doesn’t mind!
 
 
 Gombas could be found waddling around the tracks--perhaps in an homage to the super-sized levels in previous Mario games, such as Mario 3, Super Mario 64, and Mario Galaxy 2.
 
 Speaking of enemies, the bats are back. First introduced in Mario Kart 64’s Banshee Boardwalk, they saw their return in Mario Kart Wii’s Wario’s Gold Mine, and were seen fluttering around the 3DS's “cliff side” level.
 
And that's all we know about Mario Kart 3DS! There's still much we want to find out though, such as what characters will make the cut, will there be any new items, will the game use moton controls, and finally, how awesome is it to actually play Mario Kart in 3D. Hopefully we won't have to wait long to find out!


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