Mario Kart 8 Deluxe – Every Track Reviewed Part 2

 Welcome back to me reviewing digital race tracks that ultimately no one on the internet is going to see. I will be reviewing the next 16 tracks in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe. Some of these are nitro tracks and the others are going to be retro tracks so let’s a go.

 

Special Cup –

 

Cloudtop Cruises – Despite me wanting to give this stage a 10/10 just for the all the Mario Galaxy references, I will actually properly review it. This track has you going from cloud to cloud and you end up shooting from a canon out of a space ship (literally) into a thunderstorm. This is one the most well-designed tracks that take you on a adventure which is why there is only one score I can give. 10/10

 

 

 

Bone Dry Dunes – This one is really disappointing since I generally don’t like desert levels but also since the design is generally just boring after we god like ten chad tracks where this one is more of a virgin track. There’s just nothing special and then on top of that, it’s a desert track. 3/10

Bowser’s Castle – I’m generally not a big fan of bowser’s castle and I’m still not a fan of this one, but I can acknowledge that this track is incredibly built, especially the part with the giant bowser punching the ground to make it move. Even though I’m not a fan, it still makes me appreciate it, even though I do feel like it’s a bit unfair for anyone that’s not playing as Bowser. 8/10

Rainbow Road – This is another disappointing one, especially since there are two other rainbow roads in this game. Usually rainbow roads are either majestic tracks or just complete chaos but this one just feels like it plays it safe. The colours aren’t as bright as they could be and the design isn’t as crazy considering the designers can go crazy with anti gravity. 5/10

 

 

 

Shell Cup –

 

Moo Moo Meadows – This one’s a fun one, and the didn’t change much in terms of the original but I do appreciate how much prettier it is than the original. I really enjoy does driving through this one as a simplistic track but if you want intense driving, this isn’t it. 6/10

 

 

 

Mario Circuit – This one changes the original to have anti gravity but honestly doesn’t change much, this track is still very simplistic with a very simple theme. I think it would help if they changed the time of day these plainer tracks are like with Moo Moo Meadows so it keeps it interesting, but it has a good recognition for Nintendo’s toy making history. 3/10

Cheep Cheep Beach – I really like this one since they added driving underwater which helps make this different. The overall design is fairly well done with nothing really standing out but it’s still a good track. I really don’t have much to say. 5/10

 

 

 

Toad’s Turnpike – I’m a bit conflicted with this one, on one hand, it’s generally fun to play with the addition to anti gravity section and gliding and tricking off cars but it’s also pretty easy compared to the original. I do think there can be more cars or chaos but it’s still a good one. I also think they could’ve changed the overall design instead of it being a figure eight. 6/10

 

Banana Cup –

 

Dry Dry Desert - This track is dryer than California droughts, both literally and metaphorically. It’s another desert track which means it looks and feels bland, but it also doesn’t have great design. The best part I guess is the part where you trick off geysers in a pond in the oasis. 2/10

Donut Plains – I know that I’ve judged a lot of tracks for being the generic grass land during the middle of the day but something about this track makes me love it. It might be because the track is all turns and the one floor look fantastic but I can’t say much negative about this track. 7/10

 

 

 

Royal Raceway – This one might be my favourite retro track, especially since the original was well designed. I love the feeling of driving through a festival and it visually looks great. It has bright colours with a lot happening in the environment. The track is also really well designed with you driving around a pond and then flying over a river. 9/10

 

Dk Jungle – This is another great retro track that didn’t really change much from its former version. It has you driving through temples, jungles and cliff sides. It’s honours the Dk franchise incredibly well which makes sense since Retro Studios made this track. I just hope that this can convince Nintendo to make Diddy Kong Racing for the switch but unfortunately, dreams are only dreams. 9/10

 

 

 

I wanted to explain my way of reviewing retro tracks, instead of solely basing it on design and environment, I also base it on the original material. If it doesn’t change the original for the better, I won’t like it. If it stays the same but the original was good, then I’ll like it. Retro tracks have always been hit or miss for me but the good thing about Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is that since the visuals are stunning, every track at least looks good compared to the original. Next time, I’ll continue to review these tracks despite people probably being pissed at my opinions.