As someone who skipped every Mario Kart between this and 64, I'm left with a puzzling sensation. At what point exactly did this franchise lose it's magic? 64 comparatively felt like a weighty racing game where a single error could cost you a race, where power ups were used strategically, and the courses had to be committed to memory to come out on top of a circuit. Maybe I'm being dramatic and I sound super old, but to me now, it's just this numbing barrage of flashing lights, flipping upside down and all around, constant power ups flying around, aggressive rubber banding, courses that are pretty but visually overwhelming, annoying motion controls and auto-driving that are on by default... it's all just a lot. It's also probably just due to the fact that I was good at 64 and I SUCK at this one. It does seem like this franchise needs a serious back-to-basics approach for the next one... if there ever is one (the Switch version is one of the best selling video games of all time at the point so don't count on it.) Ah well, it's not like the game isn't any fun anymore and I'm not so salty from losing that I can't see some entertainment value in this. I just feel like I got left out in the dark and when I came back in, the place had completely changed.

While I haven't quite unlocked everything in Mario Kart 8, I think it's time to mark it complete and write a review. The last few things will get unlocked as I continue to play multiplayer into the future. Mario Kart 8 is an interesting entry in the series. It's intended new feature is the anti-gravity driving, but given the way the camera angle stays oriented to the car it's hard to really feel the effect of it. It sadly just doesn't feel all that different.

What I think is truly the "new" feature is wonderful HD graphics for once in this series. It's just a beautiful game and I finally feel like I'm playing a modern Mario Kart for the first time in 7 or 8 years. The curated instant replay feature really does a wonderful job highlighting the beautiful visuals and it's a great addition to the series.

The racing feels great. Executing drifts is a pleasure and hitting a series of corners just right is incredibly gratifying. The track challenges ramp up really well, especially in 150cc on the new course cups. Special Cup is a true challenge that makes it so you feel like you can learn the courses and improve. The retro courses are varied and a bit too focused on N64 courses for my liking, but the courses from Super Mario Kart and Super Circuit are awesome to play in this new style.

The blue shell makes it's return, which is super lame, though at least it stays on the course possibly hitting other racers for most of the time on it's way to first place. The Piranha Plant is a wonderful addition and I hope it sticks around. Other items aren't all that new and exciting, but they are still classic Mario Kart.

My main problem with the game is that it seems to lack some polish in the overall package. Why isn't there a settings menu to tweak controls or adjust music and/or sound effects volume? Why can't I easily view and challenge the time trial ghosts of people on my friends list? Why aren't there any stats about my overall win/loss record? Who knows...

I'm really happy I bought Mario Kart 8 and I love playing it multiplayer. Here's to hoping we'll see some DLC in the future to add new courses and maybe some improved features.