Kamek might not be behind the wheel anymore inMario Kart World, but he still has a remarkably important role to play. The most talented of Magikoopas has only played a small role inMario Kart’s history so far with his two playable appearances. InMario Kart World, his place in the game seemed to get even smaller. However, taking a look at Kamek’s history with the series can put his latest appearance in a new light when viewed from another angle. Kamek still has a very important role to play even without a kart of his own to drive.
The manynew characters inMario Kart Worldhave given the game the series' largest roster thus far. Part of this was likely necessary due to the game now featuring a field of 24 characters for each race, doubling the previous maximum of 12. In addition to the deluge of new racers, the roster is stretched even further by the presence of alternate costumes. Taking a cue fromMario Kart Tour, many characters have alternate costumes that occupy character slots of their own. The end result is a selection of drivers that no consoleMario Kartcould have dreamed of before.
Kamek is Mario Kart World’s Most Important NPC
Kamek Didn’t Come Back to Race in Mario Kart World
Despite so many new drivers, there’s onepast character who missedMario Kart World’s roster. Kamek made his playable debut inMario Kart Tour, then joinedMario Kart 8 Deluxeas a part of the Booster Course Pass. However, inMario Kart World, Kamek is instead an item that has the power to transform racers and place obstacles on the track. With Kamek having just made his proper debut, it’s rather disappointing to see him get dropped from the roster in the very next game. At least he’s still present inMario Kart World, but being an item isn’t the same as being a playable driver.
Kamek Unlocks New Drivers in Mario Kart World
Kamek actually plays an important part in the game. Whenusing Kamek inMario Kart World, he will fly forward and transform other drivers into a certain kind of character, that is present in the area. For example, a beach being observed by Piantas will result in racers being turned into Piantas. If Kamek turns a player into a character that they haven’t unlocked yet, then that character will be unlocked as a playable driver. A large portion of the roster can only be unlocked through this method. Thanks to this mechanic, Kamek’s role inMario Kart Worldis invaluable to players.
Kamek’s ability actually ties into his history with theMario Kartseries. According topre-release footage ofMario Kart 64, Kamek was originally slated to be on the roster. Instead, he was left out and didn’t become playable until over 20 years later. It should be noted that most of the characters that Kamek unlocks, like Conkdor, Cataquack, and Dolphin, are rather unlikely choices. This gives off the impression that after Kamek got his chance to race, he decided to spread the opportunity to other characters who haven’t had the chance yet. This casts Kamek’s presence inMario Kart Worldin a new light.
The only character unlocked via Kamek that was playable in a previousMario Kartis Chargin' Chuck, fromMario Kart Tour.
It is a shame that Kamek didn’t get to return to the track inMario Kart World. However, his help inbuildingMario Kart World’s rosteris indispensable. It’s through him that players will unlock most of the game’s more unique drivers. After all, Kamek was Bowser’s mentor, and with this new role, he might as well be a mentor in racing to these characters as well. While Kamek might not be playable anymore, he still has one of the most important jobs inMario Kart World.
Mario Kart World
WHERE TO PLAY
Hit the open road with Mario and friends!Zip around courses in a vast world where everything is connected. Race along grassy plains, bustling cities, wide-open waters, big ol' volcanos, and more—plus everything in between.A sprawling world of courses.Speed across plains, cities, water, volcanos, and much more. Everything is connected!Go beyond the course.There’s more to racing than just the course. Hop off the course and race the distance to the next one!Free Roam - Drive wherever your heart takes you.Where to? That’s up to you! Take off in any direction in this new mode. Explore areas that pique your interest, and maybe even snap some in-game pics at scenic spots.Play Together - Have a blast with friends, whether near or far.Up to 4 players can race on the same system. Play using your choice of button controls or motion controls. Attach a Joy-Con 2 controller to the optional Joy-Con 2 wheel accessory towheelyfeel like you’re driving. You can also play using Nintendo Switch Joy-Con controllers connected wirelessly.
