Mario Kart games have always been exceptionally popular. Super Mario Kart was the 3rd best selling game on the on the Super Nintendo Entertainment System, Mario Kart 64 was the 2nd best selling game on the Nintendo 64 and Mario Kart: Double Dash was the 3rd best selling game on the Gamecube. Can Mario Kart Wii be as popular as its predecessors, or will it be left lagging behind?

One feature that has always added to the Mario Kart series' popularity, is the fact that there is normally a whole load of Nintendo based characters for the player to choose from. Most of these characters are back along with a few extras and the added function to allow your Mii to get behind the wheel. If you purchased Super Mario Galaxy, you will even get a bonus character.

Everybody will be glad to know that Nintendo have got the control methods absolutely spot-on in Mario Kart Wii. This is not just because the Official Nintendo Wheel that the game comes bundled with feels incredibly comfortable, but because the wheel is not the only way that the player can control their kart. If for whatever reason, you do not feel like using the wheel, you can use the nunchuck and Wii-mote, plug in your Nintendo Classic Controller or you could even dig out your old Gamecube controllers.

Weaponry has always been an important feature in Mario Kart, and this latest instalment is certainly no exception. Hindering your opponents on their way to the line is a necessity to get your own kart out in front. There has never been a better time for utilising these weapons than when your racing in a 12-player Wi-Fi race.

Just like with any wii game, the graphics are not really going to stun. With this game though, that really doesn't matter because the handling of the karts is as good as it has ever been, the gameplay is as fun and the added feature of being able to pull off stunts whilst in mid-air is fantastic.

SCORE: 8.5 / 10

9:00am Friday 25th April 2008

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