Nintendo’s recent patch for Mario Kart World has caused quite a stir among fans, with many expressing frustration over the changes to online play. The update, version 1.1.2, adjusted the course selection system for online races, particularly the Random option in VS mode. Previously, players could rely on the Random option to skip ‘intermission tracks’-those lengthy stretches between racecourses in the open world.
However, the new update has made it more likely for these intermission tracks to appear, as Random now includes nearby courses, rather than just picking distant tracks for the usual 3-lap races.
This change has sparked backlash from players who prefer the traditional Mario Kart experience. One fan, GreenMamba, expressed the sentiment that Nintendo was disregarding the player base’s preferences, stating, ‘Nintendo has basically stepped in and said ‘no, you’re supposed to play this way.’ They saw players clamoring for a more traditional online mode and did… the exact opposite of what they wanted.’ Others voiced concerns that the beloved Rainbow Road track would become even rarer, as it can only be accessed through specific Grand Prix selections, and now players have to rely on the Random course option for a chance to play it.
While some fans defend the open-world mechanics as an interesting addition, many agree that the balance between open-world exploration and classic Mario Kart racing has been skewed. The highways in the open world are often wide and straight, which detracts from the fun of navigating the more intricate, challenging race tracks. IGN’s review of Mario Kart World noted, ‘The highways aren’t bad – in fact, some of them can be very fun – but they’re often extremely wide and straight, leading to long portions of each race that aren’t as demanding or enjoyable as the dedicated levels.’
The debate continues, with suggestions to introduce a dedicated three-lap online mode, or at the very least, to provide more options for players who prefer traditional tracks. As the patch rolls out, the question remains: Will Nintendo listen to the feedback, or will this be yet another case of ignoring fan input?
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