Mario Kart World is shaping up to be an incredible gaming experience. It features an elaborate trick system that allows for advanced maneuvers, while the newly introduced feather item opens up unique strategies for each track. Plus, the inclusion of free roam capability encourages players to explore and study the maps at their leisure. This installment appears to be the most thrilling entry in the Mario Kart franchise yet.
One of the biggest attractions for both newcomers and seasoned players is the free roam mode. In this mode, you can take your preferred character and kart to freely explore the expansive game world. Whether you’re casually wandering around or chasing specific objectives, this highly awaited gameplay style has something enjoyable for everyone.
Drive From Course to Course in Free Roam
Discover a Wealth of Secrets in the Open World
While not everyone’s top priority, bringing open-world exploration to Mario Kart is high on my list. The classic race and cup mechanics remain intact, but as a long-time fan of the Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater series, I’m excited about the ability to freely roam without the pressure of a race. You’ll be able to thoroughly explore the intricate details of each environment. The free roam mode stands as a fully distinct gameplay feature on its own.
The Nintendo Direct presentation highlighted various avenues for exploration— from themed rides featuring Pokey in desert landscapes to driving through seaside areas and even leaping off cliffs as the unfortunate penguin racer. With a diverse array of biomes and tracks, it looks like the game’s world map will be remarkably extensive, providing a huge interconnected area for exploration. In addition to the activities planned by Nintendo, racing around and uncovering hidden gems in the free roam world is sure to be a fun experience.
P-Switches for Coin-Gathering Missions
Classic Mario Mechanics Revamped for Karting
In the Nintendo Direct preview, it was revealed that the free roam map will contain fun activities and challenges, the most notable being the P-Switches that require players to find them. Nintendo has promised “hundreds” of challenges, including nostalgic blue coin collection tasks where players have to gather eight blue coins in a limited time.
The thought of “hundreds” of challenges may sound intimidating, but early glimpses suggest they won’t be time-consuming to complete. For instance, one challenge starts with a timer of 25 seconds, indicating that these exploration activities are designed to fit into bite-sized play sessions. This setup encourages players to explore without feeling stuck in one area for too long.
In the Nintendo Direct, one challenge, referred to as the “Slackline Course,” hints that each task may have unique titles.
Uncover Hidden Coins and Panels
Expect Puzzles to Challenge Players
Whether you’re into collectibles or not, Mario Kart World seems to have plenty to discover. One item is a series of hidden coins players must drive over to collect. Given the vast number of tracks and hidden spots, players will likely spend a lot of time finding all the game’s secrets. For example, a hidden coin shown in the Direct was quite visible, resting beneath an open-air tent, but I expect the final game will have more elusive hiding spots crafted by the developers of various collect-a-thon titles.
Interestingly, while Nintendo refers to them as “hidden coins,” there seems to be a specific subset called “Peach Medallions,” as indicated by an on-screen message.
In keeping with tradition, Mario Kart will also feature question mark blocks alongside other hidden panels to discover in the free roam mode. The first one we’ve seen is located near the finish line of Whistlestop Summit, showcasing the interconnected nature of this open world. When players activate a hidden panel, they receive an on-screen notification indicating it has been activated, alongside a trail of coins appearing nearby.
Capture Moments in a Full-Featured Photo Mode
Every Game Could Benefit from a Photo Mode
Photo modes can be a polarizing topic in gaming, especially if they’re not available right away. However, Nintendo appears to be ready to introduce a comprehensive photo mode at launch. We’ve seen how detailed this mode can be during a gameplay pause featuring Baby Peach, and players will be able to use it “whenever they like.” That’s a fantastic addition to the game.
Here are some options currently expected in Mario Kart World‘s photo mode:
- Zoom
- Tilt
- Position
- Expression
- Face Camera
- Focus
- Frame
Beyond just snapping pictures, Nintendo illustrated how players can add some flair to their photos with Polaroid themes or fullscreen images. Given the long lifecycle of Mario Kart games in recent years, it’s likely that Nintendo will expand the photo mode with additional features down the line.
Fortunately, the photo mode isn’t limited to just free roam; it will also be available during online play. This, along with the confirmed GameChat feature and the return of the screenshot button from the original Switch, makes it compatible with as many gameplay modes as possible— a smart choice in today’s socially connected gaming landscape.
