The following contains spoilers forMario Kart World.
It’s undeniable that speed is the name of the game with kart racers; they’re called racers for a reason. While not every fan of the genre has a “gotta go fast” urge, the more intense speed leads to better challenges. In some games, it also gives out better unlockable rewards. For the longest time,Mario Karthas offered three speed settings with 50cc, 100cc, and 150cc.Mario Kart 8introducedthe highest setting to date, 200cc, which earned its own fans over the last decade who were sad to see it get taken away inMario Kart World.
So many fans have voiced their displeasure at the lack of 200cc races in the newestMario Kartthat the producer ofMario Kart Worldhas stated that it might be considered for a post-launch update. However, now that players have experiencedMario Kart World, there’s a chance that 200cc might be unnecessary. On the one hand, players come toMario Kartfor out-of-control and chaotic races, but on the other,Mario Kart Worldis trying so many new things that 200cc might make a big mess out of it all, failing to satisfy those that enjoy the speed of 200cc. Ultimately, it’s hard to say which is the best choice for the game and its players will be, as a case can be made for and against its return.
The Pros and Cons With Mario Kart World Adding 200cc
Mario Kart World With 200cc Could Be Great For Early Adopters and Thrill Seekers
Mario Kart 8’s 200cc earned plenty of fans due to how fast and challenging it was. Even though 200cc was a new addition in the lastMario Kartentry, fans still had 11 years to enjoy and adjust to the mode beforeMario Kart Worldcame out. If it were to be added now, it would work bestas a post-launch updatea few months down the line as opposed to something that gets added soon. This would give players who’ve been with the game from the start an extra challenge, but a manageable one, as they’ll have had a while to adapt to the newer gameplay style. 200cc could very well bring back a bit of the unpredictable chaos the series is known for, meshing well with the items and the lead opponents could gain from using them. Players might also enjoy using the new charge jump tricks and shortcuts they’ve learned at a faster pace, as quicker reflexes would be essential to pulling them off.
200cc Could Take Away From Mario Kart World’s Unique Experience
Even thoughMario Kart 8dominated the franchise for a long time, it doesn’t erase the fact that 200cc is ultimately a recent (and currently one-off) addition toMario Kart. There’s nothing wrong withMario Kart Worldgoing back to the franchise’s rootsin terms of what it offers, and it’s abundantly clear thatMario Kart Worldwas designed with 150cc being the fastest option. With its open-world exploration and unique Grand Prix interludes,Worldis a racing game that encourages players to take in the sights while keeping up with the competition. Making things faster could lead to the race being so fast that turns end in an instant and the surroundings don’t stick out to fans.
Rainbow Road in particular is designed with these themes in mind, opting to amazeMario Kart Worldplayers with its presentation and gorgeous visuals rather than the difficulty the course has been known for in the past. At the same time, though, Rainbow Road is the longest course in the game, with plenty of long-winded turns and segments that could make it the best course to race on as fast as possible. There’s potential behind 200cc’s return, but a few thematic sacrifices would have to be made if it were utilized. As previously mentioned, though,Mario Kart World’s producer is considering the option, so 200cc fans may get their wish after all. Players will simply need to wait and see what happens with the game in the future.