Mario Kart 8: Difference between revisions

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|genre=[[Mario Kart (series)|Racing]]

|ratings={{ratings|esrb=e|pegi=3|usk=0|acb=g|cero=A|dejus=L}}

|platforms=[[Wii U]]

|input={{input|wiiu=1|wiiununchuk=1|wiiuclassic=1|wiiusideways=1|wiiuwheel=1|wiiupro=1}}

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A prominent new addition is [[anti-gravity]], allowing players to drive on almost any surface. Elements from ''[[Mario Kart Wii]]'' and ''Mario Kart 7'' are reused, such as 12-racer fields, [[Bike|bikes]] and 2-Player online from ''Mario Kart Wii''; and gliding, [[underwater driving]], and kart customizing from ''Mario Kart 7''. In addition, [[All-Terrain Vehicle|ATVs]] join the returning [[kart]]s and bikes as a new class of vehicle. The game also features more detail in courses, specifically retro tracks, which appear more redesigned than their original appearances. The game is also the best-selling title for the Wii U, selling 8 million copies as of September 30, 2016, surpassing sales of both ''[[Mario Kart: Super Circuit]]'' and ''[[Mario Kart: Double Dash!!]]''.

A [[Nintendo Switch]] port titled ''[[Mario Kart 8 Deluxe]]'' was released in 2017, which retains much of this game's base and downloadable content while adding other new content.

Mii amiibo MK8.png|[[Mii]] ([[amiibo]] version) [[File:MK8 Mii Emblem.png|32px]]<br>'''Any^***'''

</gallery>

====Downloadable drivers====

<gallery widths="128px" heights="128px">

MK8 Tanooki Mario Icon.png|[[Tanooki Mario]] [[File:MK8 Tanooki Mario Emblem.png|32px]]<br>'''<span style="color:green">Medium</span>'''

</gallery>

=====''Animal Crossing'' x ''Mario Kart 8''=====

<gallery widths="128px" heights="128px">

MK8 Dry Bowser Icon.png|[[Dry Bowser]] [[File:MK8 Dry Bowser Emblem.png|32px]]<br>'''<span style="color:red">Heavy</span>'''

</gallery>

<gallery perrow=8 widths="128px" heights="128px">

MK8 Red Yoshi Icon.png|[[Yoshi (species)|Red Yoshi]] [[File:MK8 Red Yoshi Emblem.png|32px]]<br>'''<span style="color:green">Medium</span>'''

MK8 Light-Blue Yoshi Icon.png|[[Yoshi (species)|Light-blue Yoshi]] [[File:MK8 Light-Blue Yoshi Emblem.png|32px]]<br>'''<span style="color:green">Medium</span>'''

MK8 Yellow Yoshi Icon.png|[[Yoshi (species)|Yellow Yoshi]] [[File:MK8 Yellow Yoshi Emblem.png|32px]]<br>'''<span style="color:green">Medium</span>'''

MK8 Green Shy Guy Icon.png|[[Shy Guy|Green Shy Guy]] [[File:MK8 Shy Guy Emblem.png|32px]]<br>'''<span style="color:dodgerblue">Light</span>'''

MK8 Blue Shy Guy Icon.png|[[Shy Guy|Blue Shy Guy]] [[File:MK8 Shy Guy Emblem.png|32px]]<br>'''<span style="color:dodgerblue">Light</span>'''

MK8 Black Shy Guy Icon.png|[[Black Shy Guy]] [[File:MK8 Shy Guy Emblem.png|32px]]<br>'''<span style="color:dodgerblue">Light</span>'''

MK8 White Shy Guy Icon.png|[[Shy Guy|White Shy Guy]] [[File:MK8 Shy Guy Emblem.png|32px]]<br>'''<span style="color:dodgerblue">Light</span>'''

</gallery>

<small>The CPU drivers do not drive as the different colored [[Yoshi (species)|Yoshi]]s and [[Shy Guy]]s.</small>

====Mii Racing Suits====

|-

|-

|- align="center" style="background: #FFFFFF"

| colspan=2 | [[File:MK8 Mii Racing Suit Red.png|70px]]

| colspan=2 | [[File:MK8 Mii Racing Suit Blue.png|70px]]

|-

|- align="center" style="background: #FFFFFF"

| colspan=2 | [[File:MK8 Mii Racing Suit Cyan.png|70px]]

|}

|-

|-

|- align="center" style="background: #FFFFFF"

| colspan=2 | [[File:MK8 Mii Racing Suit Mario.png|70px]]

| colspan=2 | [[File:MK8 Mii Racing Suit DK.png|70px]]

|- align="center" style="background: #FFFFFF"

|- align="center" style="background: #FFFFFF"

| colspan=2 | [[File:MK8 Mii Racing Suit Link.png|70px]]

|-

|-

|- align="center" style="background: #FFFFFF"

|- align="center" style="background: #FFFFFF"

| colspan=2 | [[File:MK8 Mii Racing Suit Toad.png|70px]]

| colspan=2 | [[File:MK8 Mii Racing Suit Wario.png|70px]]

|-

|- align="center" style="background: #FFFFFF"

| colspan=2 | [[File:MK8 Mii Racing Suit Rosalina.png|70px]]

| colspan=2 | [[File:MK8 Mii Racing Suit Animal Crossing.png|70px]]

|-

|- align="center" style="background: #FFFFFF"

| colspan=2 | [[File:MK8 Mii Racing Suit Mega Man.png|70px]]

====Unlocking criteria====

Mii is the only character not randomly unlocked and is instead always the eighth character unlocked, unless the player uses an amiibo to unlock a Mii costume, in which case it will be unlocked immediately. Miis will never appear as CPU racers.

{|border="1" cellpadding="3" style="background:#f5f5f5;text-align:center;width:100%;border-collapse:collapse;margin-bottom:2px;" align=center

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{|border="1"cellpadding="3" style="background:#f5f5f5;text-align:left;border-collapse:collapse;margin-bottom:5px;width:100%;"align=center

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|align=center|[[File:MK8D Barrel.jpg|100px]][[File:BarrelMK8.png|100px]]<br>[[Barrel]]

|align=center|[[File:MK8 Car Model.png|100px]]<br>[[Car (obstacle)|Car]]

|align=center|{{classic-link|N64|Toad's Turnpike}}

|-

|align=center|[[File:Chain ChompMK8.png|100px]]<br>[[Chain Chomp|Chain Chomp (chained)]]

|align=center|[[File:ChompMK8.png|100px]]<br>[[Chain Chomp|Chain Chomp (unchained)]]

|align=center|{{classic-link|N64|Rainbow Road}}

|-

|align=center|[[File:Cheep CheepMK8.png|100px]]<br>[[Cheep Cheep]]

|align=center|[[File:Drain PipeMK8.png|100px]]<br>[[Drain Pipe]]

|align=center|{{classic-link|3DS|Piranha Plant Slide}}

|-

|align=center|[[File:MK8 Solo Dry Bones Screenshot.png|100px]]<br>[[Dry Bones]]

With the discontinuation of digital purchases for Wii U in March 2023, it is no longer possible to buy the paid downloadable vehicle parts, though they can still be downloaded by those who purchased them when they were available.

===Available parts===

*'''Bold''' = Part is available at the start.

*<nowiki>*</nowiki> = Changes color, depending on the character.

*<nowiki>**</nowiki> = Changes color for the [[Koopalings]].

*<nowiki>***</nowiki> = Changes color for [[Daisy]], [[Baby Daisy]], [[Rosalina]], and [[Baby Rosalina]].

The "8" logos on the parts are replaced with the character's symbol, except on the Gold Standard and Gold Glider.

====Karts====

As in all ''Mario Kart'' games, ''Mario Kart 8'' keeps the use of items during the races. Four new items have been added to the list, being the [[Boomerang Flower]], the [[Potted Piranha Plant|Piranha Plant]], the [[Super Horn]], and the [[Crazy Eight]]. The [[Coin]] also makes a return as an item for the first time since its first appearance in ''[[Super Mario Kart]]''.  

<center>

{|class="wikitable"

===Items found on the track===

|-

|Gives the player a random item. Items given are based on the player's distance from first place.

|-

|Gives the player a small boost and increase top speed when more are collected, up to a maximum of ten.

|-

|The equivalent of a coin, used for [[Hyrule Circuit]]. They replace coins in the item roulette and in the track.

|-

|The equivalent of a coin, used for [[Animal Crossing]]. They replace coins in the item roulette and in the track.

|-

===New items===

|-

|Can be thrown up to three times, hitting racers forward/backward and when it returns to its user after the first and second use.

|-

|Automatically chomps on obstacles and other racers, giving a short speed boost for each bite.

|-

|Emits a radial shockwave hitting racers, as well as destroying all obstacles, including the Spiny Shell.

|-

|Generates eight items ([[Coin]], [[Bob-omb]], [[Dash Mushroom|Mushroom]], [[Star]], [[Blooper]], [[Green Shell]], [[Red Shell]], and a [[Banana]]) that circle around the player for them to use.

|-

===Returning items===

|-

|Grants the player two extra coins and a micro boost.

|-

|Travels in a straight line and knocks over a kart it hits.

|-

|Three green shells that orbit the player's kart, protecting them from incoming attacks.

|-

|Homes in on the closest kart in front of the player and knocks it over.

|-

|Three red shells that orbit the player's kart, protecting them from incoming attacks.

|-

|Protects the player from incoming items, and spins out other racers that hit it.

|-

|Three bananas that orbit the player's kart, protecting them from incoming attacks.

|-

|Provides the player's kart with a small speed boost.

|-

|Orbits the player's kart, providing them with three separate speed boosts.

|-

|Provides the player's kart with continuous speed boosts for a short time.

|-

|Allows the player to throw fireballs for a short time that cause other karts to spin out on impact.

|-

|Provides the player invincibility from all terrain and items, and also giving a speed boost.

|-

|Sprays ink on all racers ahead and reduces their visibility. The racers hit also lose some of their traction while sprayed.  

|-

|Explodes after a short time when thrown or dropped, knocking over any kart in its blast radius.

|-

|Targets the racer in first place, knocking over all other karts in its path.

|-

|Causes all opponents to drop their items, shrink, and drive slowly for a short time.

|-

|Transforms the player into a Bullet Bill, rocketing through the track with auto-pilot, and providing invincibility from all terrain and items.

|}

As of the version 2.0 update, ''Mario Kart 8'', like ''[[New Super Mario Bros. 2]]'', includes an in-game shop feature through which players can purchase and pre-order downloadable content packs, as well as adding prompts where the character and cup icons are when purchased. Alternatively, players can purchase content packs through the Nintendo eShop like normal. Nintendo has released free vehicle parts as part of a collaboration with Mercedes-Benz, and then announced the game will receive two add-on packs, which both include three additional characters, four vehicles, and eight courses in two cups.

===Mercedes-Benz × ''Mario Kart 8''===

[[File:Mk8-dlc.jpg|thumb|Mario, Princess Peach, and Luigi driving karts themed after Mercedes-Benz vehicles.]]

As part of a collaboration between [[Nintendo]] and {{wp|Mercedes-Benz}}, a free downloadable content pack was released featuring kart bodies based on several Mercedes-Benz vehicles, including the [[GLA]] (based on the {{wp|Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class|Mercedes-Benz GLA}}), the [[W 25 Silver Arrow]] (based on the {{wp|Mercedes-Benz W25|W 25}} {{wp|Silver Arrows|Silver Arrow}}), and the [[300 SL Roadster]] (based on the {{wp|Mercedes-Benz 300SL|300 SL Roadster}}), as well as a set of [[GLA Tires]].<ref>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vDaCFD32Uhs</ref> The content was released in all regions on August 27, 2014.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20141007005444/http://www.mercedes-benz.com/en/mercedes-benz/lifestyle/culture/mercedes-benz-in-nintendos-new-mario-kart-8/ Mercedes-Benz in Nintendo's new Mario Kart 8]. Mercedes-Benz. Retrieved May 14, 2015.</ref>

===''The Legend of Zelda'' × ''Mario Kart 8''===

[[File:MK8 DLC 1 Poster.png|thumb|left|Screenshots of Add-On Pack 1]]

The first pack, titled "''The Legend of Zelda'' × ''Mario Kart 8''", which was released on November 13, 2014,<ref>http://store.nintendo.co.uk/wii-u-ddc/the-legend-of-zelda-x-mario-kart-8-aoc-pack-digital-download/10991121.html</ref> includes [[Tanooki Mario]], [[Cat Mario|Cat Peach]], and [[Link]] from ''[[Zeldawiki:The Legend of Zelda|The Legend of Zelda]]'' franchise. It also includes additional vehicle parts, such as the returning [[B Dasher]] and the new [[Tanooki Kart]]. The cups included are the [[Triforce Cup]] and the [[Egg Cup]]. Additional courses include both classic ones, such as [[Wii Wario's Gold Mine|Wario's Gold Mine]] from ''[[Mario Kart Wii]]'', new courses inspired by non-''Super Mario'' franchises such as the ''Excitebike''-based [[Excitebike Arena]], and completely new ones such as [[Dragon Driftway]].

===''Animal Crossing'' × ''Mario Kart 8''===

[[File:MK8 Animal Crossing DLC Alternate Poster.png|thumb|Screenshots of Add-On Pack 2]]

The second pack, titled "''Animal Crossing'' × ''Mario Kart 8''", which was released on April 23, 2015, includes [[Villager]] and [[Isabelle]] from ''[[nookipedia:Animal Crossing: New Leaf|Animal Crossing: New Leaf]]'', as well as [[Dry Bowser]], returning from ''Mario Kart Wii''. The cups included are the [[Crossing Cup]] and the [[Bell Cup]].<ref name="Direct April 1>[https://youtu.be/IMedqo8mLaQ?t=44m23s Nintendo Direct 4.1.2015]. Posted to YouTube by Nintendo of America on April 1, 2015. Retrieved April 1, 2015.</ref> Like ''The Legend of Zelda'' x ''Mario Kart 8'', additional courses include classic ones such as [[GBA Cheese Land|Cheese Land]] (returning from ''[[Mario Kart: Super Circuit]]''), courses based on non-''Super Mario'' franchises like [[Big Blue]] from the ''F-Zero'' series, and completely new ones like [[Wild Woods]].

==Update history==

===Ver. 2.0===

[[File:Mk8-update-map.jpg|thumb|upright=1.5|The map display on the TV screen.]]

The 200cc engine class is 150% the speed of the 150cc engine class (for comparison, the speed of the 50cc and 100cc engine classes are respectively 80% and 90% of the speed of the 150cc engine class)<ref>Mister Wu (June 11, 2015). [https://web.archive.org/web/20181021015617/https://forums.mkboards.com/threads/the-relative-speed-of-the-engine-classes.16403/ The relative speed of the engine classes]. ''MKBoards''. Retrieved February 19, 2018. For a frame-by-frame comparison using direct game time instead of MKTV, see ''Raw Results'' and ''Results'' of [https://web.archive.org/web/20181021015812/https://forums.mkboards.com/threads/the-tables-of-top-speed-in-km-h-as-function-of-speed-value-and-coins.24123/ The tables of top speed in km/h as function of speed value and coins], in particular ''200cc class. 1.0 speed without coins: the speed increase with respect to the same case in the 150cc engine class is 50 ± 1 %''.</ref> and causes acceleration to change every time the acceleration statistics changes,<ref>For more information, see the [[Mario Kart 8 in-game statistics#Acceleration (AC)|section on the in-game acceleration statistics]] and the [[Mario Kart 8 in-game statistics#Speed (SL, SW, SA and SG)|section on the in-game speed statistics]].</ref> and a new braking technique, triggered only when braking while drifting: orange sparks come out of the driving wheels that start rotating at a low speed, a braking sound can be heard and the deceleration is slower, allowing tighter turns without necessarily losing the Mini-Turbo charge.<ref>Mister Wu (October 7,2015). [https://web.archive.org/web/20181021015821/https://forums.mkboards.com/threads/mk8-techniques-thread.14076/page-2 post 37 of the "MK8 Technqiues Thread".] ''MKBoards''. Retrieved November 8, 2015.</ref> Furthermore, in this engine class the Star item significantly increases both acceleration and maximum speed, unlike in 150cc where maximum speed is mostly unaffected.

Twenty-one of the tracks are also altered to accommodate for the different 200cc physics, such as modifying the boost value of the ramps with Dash Panels on them or locally increasing gravity in various areas including jumps or glider sections<ref>[https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1CiijrS6P6gqLAfzqKQLpZGd-CeljqzuDFvfLg6ThW3A/edit#gid=1771969346 A list of elements used in Mario Kart 8]. The Adjuster200cc is among the Objects, and its effect is to increase gravity. Retrieved June 26, 2016.</ref>. The following is an alphabetized list of all racetracks that have different 200cc physics:

Most of the game's musical tracks are orchestrated, making this game the first ''Mario Kart'' game to feature orchestrated tracks.<ref>https://www.reinodocogumelo.com/2014/04/nintendo-revela-que-mario-kart-8-tera.html?m=1</ref><ref>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VvWfvVzIU6U</ref><ref>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vEqt-E6VTPE</ref>

==Promotion and advertising==

*''[[Yoshi Topsy-Turvy]]'': Yoshi's artwork which depicts him using his tongue is used as a firework in <small>N64</small> Rainbow Road.

*''[[Mario Kart DS]]'': [[DS Cheep Cheep Beach|Cheep Cheep Beach]], [[DS Tick-Tock Clock|Tick-Tock Clock]], and [[DS Wario Stadium|Wario Stadium]] return as retro courses. Also the [[B Dasher]], a kart from this game, returns as a part of the first downloadable content pack. Also, this is the second 3D ''Mario Kart'' game where the players can also use the D-Pad to steer. In addition, the new Battle Mode system is also partially based from this game.

*''[[Super Mario Galaxy]]'': An image of a Luma can be seen on an airplane (from Galaxy Air airlines) in Sunshine Airport, as well as on the [[Star Cup]] trophy. Also, part of Cloudtop Cruise's music is a cover of "[[Gusty Garden Galaxy (theme)|Gusty Garden Galaxy]]". In addition, a large rotating [[Grand Star]] is featured in <small>N64</small> Rainbow Road, as well as the [[Launch Star]]s. In Twisted Mansion, the arch leading to the underwater section bears [[Bouldergeist]]'s likeness.

*''[[Mario Kart Wii]]'': Twelve player races and [[Bike|motorbikes]] return. The ability to perform tricks on ramps and boost panels returns. [[Wii Moo Moo Meadows|Moo Moo Meadows]] and [[Wii Grumble Volcano|Grumble Volcano]] also return as retro courses along with [[Wii Wario's Gold Mine|Wario's Gold Mine]] which returns as add on content. The [[Rainbow Road (Mario Kart 8)|new Rainbow Road]] is set above the Earth, just like [[Wii Rainbow Road|Rainbow Road]] from this game and both Rainbow Roads feature a part that is similar; the road splits into two paths after a launch segment and also have prominent pink shades. [[Super Bell Subway]] has the Coconut Café and an ad for the Fountain Café, referencing two businesses found in [[Wii Coconut Mall|Coconut Mall]]. Various characters have several of their voice clips reused from this game.

*''[[Mario Super Sluggers]]'': Several voice clips are recycled from this game.

*''[[Super Mario Galaxy 2]]'': Part of Cloudtop Cruise's music includes a cover of the [[Sky Station Galaxy]]'s music. The tunnel at the beginning of [[Dragon Driftway]] is modeled after [[Gobblegut]]. [[Boulder]]s are modeled after [[Rock Mario]]'s boulder form, sharing an identical rock plate configuration.

*''[[Super Mario 3D Land]]'': [[Goomba Tower]]s appear as obstacles in [[Mario Circuit (Mario Kart 8)|Mario Circuit]]. The [[Biddybuggy]] resembles a [[Para-Biddybud]]. The [[Boomerang Flower]] appears as an item. A silhouette of [[Tanooki Mario|Tanooki Mario's]] artwork can be seen on the back of the [[Leaf Cup]] trophy. Tanooki Mario is an available racer via add-on content, and [[Statue Mario]] is one of his [[trick|tricks]].

*''[[Mario Kart 7]]'': The title is a follow-up game of this installment. Gliders and underwater areas return. [[3DS Music Park|Music Park]], [[3DS Piranha Plant Slide|Piranha Plant Slide]], and [[3DS DK Jungle|DK Jungle]] return as retro courses while [[3DS Neo Bowser City|Neo Bowser City]] returns as a DLC retro course. Vehicle customization returns from this game. The beat that is added to the music when the player is in first place also returns from this game.<ref>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tkslNWnOQ84</ref> [[Mount Wario]], {{classic-link|N64|Rainbow Road}} and [[Big Blue]] are split into three sections just like [[Wuhu Loop|the]] [[Maka Wuhu|three]] [[3DS Rainbow Road|courses]] from this game. [[Electrodrome]] has some similarities with Music Park, which is when players drive on the instruments, they make their own sound. It also has ''Mario Kart 7'''s point system where each racer gets a point regardless of their position. Some of [[Metal Mario]] and [[Lakitu]]'s voice clips are reused. Various kart parts that originated from this game return. The biggest difference is that the ability to retract the Gliders while in the air has been removed unless getting hit by items launched by opponents.

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==Trivia==

*''Mario Kart 8'' is the only game in the ''Mario Kart'' series where no two race tracks share the same background music.

==External links==

*[http://mariokart8.nintendo.com/wiiu/ Official American Website] ([https://web.archive.org/web/20170116150122/http://mariokart8.nintendo.com/ Archive])

*[https://www.nintendo.co.uk/Games/Wii-U-games/Mario-Kart-8-765384.html Official European Website]