Mario Kart 8

Mario Kart 8 is a single-player and multiplayer kart racing game. The game follows the familiar structure of the Mario Kart series, where characters from the Super Mario universe compete in high-speed races across fantastical circuits. Players choose a racer and vehicle before taking part in cup tournaments, time trials, or multiplayer battles, with the objective of finishing ahead of rivals by mastering drifting, speed boosts, and the strategic use of items.

The core gameplay includes 32 tracks, split evenly between 16 new circuits and 16 retro courses returning from earlier entries in the series. A major addition to this installment is anti-gravity racing: sections of tracks allow karts and bikes to defy physics by driving along walls and ceilings. During these segments, collisions with other racers or special track objects trigger spin boosts, rewarding aggressive maneuvering. Vehicles can also be customized with interchangeable parts, including bodies, wheels, and gliders, which alter performance attributes such as speed, acceleration, traction, and handling.

The roster consists of thirty characters at launch, with 21 veterans from previous titles and 9 newcomers. New racers include Baby Rosalina, Pink Gold Peach, and all seven Koopalings (Larry, Morton, Wendy, Iggy, Roy, Lemmy, and Ludwig) making their first playable appearance in the series. Items play a central role in shaping races, and Mario Kart 8 introduces several new power-ups: the Boomerang Flower, which can be thrown and returns; the Piranha Plant, which bites nearby opponents and obstacles; the Super Horn, capable of deflecting shells and other hazards; and the Crazy Eight, which grants eight items at once.

Several game modes are available. Grand Prix allows players to race through themed cups, Time Trial focuses on racing against the clock, VS Race supports customized competitions, and Battle Mode repurposes tracks for item-focused skirmishes where players attempt to deplete opponents’ balloons. The game supports both local split-screen multiplayer and online play, with up to twelve participants in a single race.

A notable new feature is Mario Kart TV, a replay system that records races and allows players to edit and share highlight reels showcasing overtakes, crashes, or item usage. The game also incorporates Miiverse and social sharing options for replays and screenshots.