After long sessions with Mario Kart World, I can confidently say that the end result wasn't what many expected.
This game is really unorthodox, and I truly believe most reviewers out there won't fully grasp what this game is going for. It is even being unfortunately subject to discourse and reaction engagement that stems from things outside of the game itself. But, despite everything, this is a BotW moment for MK, from a design standpoint and for how much it roots itself in tradition to build something entirely new. Even if the review scores won't reflect that. (1/?) I should preface the rest of this critical overview by making it clear to folks who don't know me that I'm in no way, shape or form a brand loyalist. I can't believe I have to say this in 2025, but we still live in an age where console warriors exist and controversy fodder is sought after like we're in a gold rush. Regardless of my taste and online alias, I'm no stranger to criticizing Nintendo titles, including high caliber ones like Zelda TotK. Company practices and other duds are also things I'm well aware of, but my concern here is purely addressing the work on its own, its proposed goals, and how well it achieves them. There will be praise here, but criticism won't be absent. (2/?)