Summary
Mario Kart Worldmay do a lot of things differently than everyMario Kartentry that has preceded it, but it isn’t without a nostalgic flair that wraps the series' longest-standing fans in a big, warm hug. While there are plenty of classic features and mechanics embedded into its design, one of the more obvious is its revival of classic tracks from pastMario Kartgames. InMario Kart World, players can visit these tracks at any time in its Free Roam mode, but they are also included in other modes like Grand Prix andKnockout Tour.
Mario Kart Worldis far from the first entry in the series to bring back classic tracks, but its revival of one cult-classic track from theMario Kart 64era speaks to its priorities.Mario Kart 64has long been considered the gatekeeper to the franchise’s success, despite not being the first entry, as many fans who still follow the series today were first introduced to it on the Nintendo 64 in 1996. As such, the fact thatMario Kart Worldhas now brought back one ofMario Kart 64’s most familiar tracks for the first time in the series just proves it knows its audience.
Mario Kart World Is Playing to Its Nostalgic Strengths
Wario Stadium’s Long-Awaited Return
For the first time since itsMario Kart 64debut in 1996, Wario Stadium has returned inMario Kart World.Mario Kart DSdid include a track called “Wario Stadium,” but it was an entirely different track and really similar in name only.Mario Kart World’s Wario Stadium, on the other hand, is a modernized replica of the original Nintendo 64 version. Effectively, it keeps the original 1996 layout nearly intact, albeit with updated graphics, smoother flow, and brand-new shortcuts.
Some design elements ofMario Kart World’s Wario Stadium have been simplified, like the middle section being shortened. Even so, it’s clearly modeled after the original N64 circuit, marking the track’s first appearance in 29 years.
WhileMario Kart 64’s Wario Stadium isn’t widely considered one of themost beloved tracks inMario Karthistory, it did leave a positive impression on players in the 1996 kart-racing classic. Most notably, Wario Stadium was one of the longest tracks inMario Kart 64and remains to this day one of the longest tracks in the series. The countless jumps and wall-hugging turns also granted it a higher skill ceiling than most tracks, making it fun for those who enjoy being challenged. Finally, Wario Stadium had an infamous shortcut that allowed players to hop over a wall early in the race, so it was well-received by speedrunners and trolls.
A Nod to the Mario Kart 64 Generation
Ultimately,Mario Kart World’s faithful revival of Wario Stadium isn’t just a fun bit of fan service. Rather, it shows thatMario Kart Worldand Nintendo still have a love and appreciation for the series' oldest fans.Mario Kart Worldknows not all of its players are going to be new, and many of them are now even in their late 30s and still enjoying theMario Kartexperience they always loved. This is, of course, not to mention the fact thatMario Kart Worldalso revivesMario Kart 64’s Choco Mountain and Koopa Troopa Beach, though they have returned before in previousMario Kartgames.
Mario Kart Worldis far from the first entry in the series to bring back classic tracks, but its revival of one cult-classic track from theMario Kart 64era speaks to its priorities.
Mario Kart Worldmay be embracing the future with open arms, but its thoughtful return to Wario Stadium proves it’s still listening to the fans who got it here. By bringing back one of the Nintendo 64’smost unique and demandingMario Karttracksin a way that honors its legacy without scrapping its identity,Mario Kart Worldproves that nostalgia and innovation don’t have to be mutually exclusive. It’s a quiet but meaningful reminder that, no matter how much changes,Mario Karthasn’t forgotten who’s been in the driver’s seat all along.
