By Stevie Smith Feb 20, 2008, 13:48 GMT
The appearance of Mario Kart on each successive piece of Nintendo hardware is about as obvious and predictable as Katie Price’s yo-yoing breast size -- although considerably less taxing on the eyes -- which is why commitment to the cause, not fervent passion, sees us informing you of Mario Kart Wii’s European release date.
Nintendo's Mario Kart Wii set to screech into Europe on April 11. Credit: Nintendo.
Set to leave trails of shredded rubber across a plethora of winding tracks, Mario Kart Wii and its bundled Wii Wheel controller accessory will be combining to send Nintendo fans into cartoon overdrive this coming April 11.
Those not enamoured by the concept of slipping their Wii Remote into a wireless wheel for improved karting authenticity can also use any number of alternate control approaches, which include the Wii Wheel, the Wii Remote turned sideways, the Wii Remote in conjunction with the Nunchuk, the Classic Controller, and even the old GameCube gamepad.
Beyond all the usual “much-loved” features inherent throughout the Mario Kart series, Mario Kart Wii will offer up a wealth of new tracks, characters, weapons and vehicles, while up to 11 players can race against one another via the Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection. Those looking to tear up more local opposition (a.k.a. friends sitting before a single TV) can utilise the game’s Multiplayer Mode, which opens the game up to instant four-way multiplayer racing.
“Mario Kart Wii encompasses the core spirit of Mario Kart: an incredibly rich and deep gameplay experience that provides never ending fun,” trumpeted Laurent Fischer, MD of marketing and public relations for Nintendo of Europe. “And with the Wii Wheel, every member of the whole family will feel comfortable to join in and experience kart racing regardless of whether they are a karting champion or a complete new beginner.”
And, if the prospect of tackling 32 tracks (16 new, 16 classic) doesn’t fire up your engine, then how about a brand new form of driveable transport, namely wheelie-friendly bikes. Player will also be able to use their personal Mii creations in-game alongside the usual selection of Nintendo faces and a host of new characters too.
If you’ve room to digest any more Mario Kart goodness, then you’ll be fit to bursting at the knowledge that Nintendo will be launching the Mario Kart Channel for those gamers who take their Wii’s online. The Mario Kart Channel will monitor multiplayer rankings, allow players to set up pre-race chat rooms, and also deliver international race events organised by Nintendo.
Yes, the Italian blur you currently see blasting past retail’s chequered flag is indeed Mario Kart Wii.
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