Introduction

Mario Kart Tour is a mobile game developed and published by Nintendo for iOS and Android devices. It was released worldwide on September 25, 2019, as a costless-to-play game with in-app purchases. Mario Kart Tour is the third Mario Kart game available on mobile devices, after Mario Kart GP on feature phones and Mario Kart Tour on smartphones.

To be specific, the game features characters, tracks, items and mechanics familiar to the Mario Kart series. Players can control characters like Mario, Luigi, Peach, Yoshi, Bowser and others from the Mario universe as they race against computer-controlled opponents through a variety of racetracks inspired by real-world locations. Courses are based on cities like New York, Paris and Tokyo. Mario Kart Tour introduces gliders that allow karts to perform drifting boosts in midair. The game controls by tapping the screen to accelerate, steer and drift.

Pros and Cons

√ Mario Kart Tour successfully brings back the nostalgia of the original Mario Kart games, allowing fans to relive those cherished moments.

√ The game offers a wide selection of stunning and intricate racecourses that are inspired by iconic locations from the Mario series, keeping the gameplay fresh and exciting.

√ With a vast roster of classic and new characters, including Mario, Luigi, and Princess Peach, players have plenty of options for their racing adventures.

√ The touch-screen controls are responsive and easy to use, allowing players to execute precise maneuvers and drifts effortlessly.

√ Mario Kart Tour allows players to compete against friends and other players worldwide, creating a social and competitive atmosphere.

× The game heavily leans on microtransactions, which can hinder progress and often feels like a pay-to-win structure.

× The touchscreen controls are not as precise as a dedicated console, leading to occasional frustrations.

× Requires a constant internet connection, making it difficult to play on-the-go for some users.

× The ranked system can sometimes feel unfair, especially when competing against players with higher-tier gear.

Review

Upon opening Mario Kart Tour for the first time, the vibrancy and attention to detail that has been a staple of the series shines through. The graphics, while understandably not as polished as its console counterparts, still retain the charm and whimsy that fans have come to expect. The world tour concept is indeed a masterstroke, with tracks like “Tokyo Blur” or “Paris Promenade” breathing fresh life into the series, making every lap a delightful journey.

The driving mechanics, while simplified, remain intuitive. Drifting around corners, performing jumps, and using power-ups feels natural after a few races. However, the lack of precision in touchscreen controls can sometimes lead to unexpected mishaps. More than once, I found myself screaming at my device as I accidentally threw a shell forward instead of backward.

Mario Kart Tour’s gacha system is a double-edged sword. On one hand, the thrill of unlocking a favorite character or a coveted kart is undeniably exciting. On the other hand, the game’s reliance on luck can be frustrating, especially when faced with duplicates or undesired items. This is further compounded by the heavy emphasis on microtransactions. To truly excel, especially in the ranked matches, there’s a palpable push towards spending real money.

One of the notable absentees at launch was the real-time multiplayer mode, a staple of Mario Kart games. While this was added later, its omission at launch was puzzling and disappointing for many fans, including myself.

However, it’s not all a bumpy ride. The regular updates and challenges introduced by Nintendo ensure that there’s always something new to look forward to. Whether it’s racing against the hauntingly hilarious King Boo during the Halloween tour or the festive frenzy of the Holiday tour, these events make each log-in feel like a fresh experience.

Mario Kart Tour, while a commendable effort to bring the console experience to mobile devices, is a mixed bag. It captures the heart and soul of the Mario Kart series but is occasionally bogged down by its mobile game monetization strategies. For die-hard fans and casual gamers alike, it offers a slice of racing fun, albeit with a few bumps along the way.