First off, let me say that I have played and completed every Mario Kart game, and THIS is the best... by far. Mario Kart has always been a series about fun, and the Wii version holds up to this, as the game is VERY fun, addictive too.

The game can be controlled in a number of ways. Wiimote, Wii Wheel, Wiimote + Nunchuk, the Classic Controller, and the Gamecube Controller. All make for an exciting way to drive through the courses. The Wii Wheel wasn't as good for me as I thought, and I ended up using the Wiimote + Nunchuk setup, although I've seen people play the game online with the Wii Wheel having no problems at all. I suppose it works differently for everyone, depending on how you like to play.

The graphics are great in this game, and they really do stand out as some of the best on the platform. Sure, you're not getting Crysis graphics, or even Call of Duty, but next to Super Mario Galaxy, Metroid Prime 3, and Super Smash Bros. Brawl, this game is definitely up there.

But as most people should know by now, the Wii isn't about having great graphics anyway. It's about having fun and playing games. Mario Kart is great in that section, being really, really fun to play in single player, multiplayer, AND online.

Just like the DS and Gamecube version, Mario Kart Wii includes older tracks from past games. Playing old stages is a blast, seeing Mario Kart DS tracks on a TV makes me smile.

There are new weapons as well, like the classic POW block from Mario Bros. which makes karts spin, jump, etc. The Mega Mushroom makes characters huge so they can run over other characters. Throughout the game, you can pull off stunts. Making your player do a stunt in the air gives you a mini-boost when you land, giving you a small advantage to those who don't do it. This is really helpful sometimes, especially if you're coming in second, and just need that little extra boost near the end of the last lap.

Online play in this game has almost no lag at all, and if you do get any, it's most likely a problem on your side. Wifi makes the game even more fun, playing world-wide, in your area, or against friends when ever you want is great. You don't need online play to make the game fun, as the game's single player has a lot to offer with the tracks, weapons, and multiple control setups.

Overall, I highly recommend this Wii game, as it has everything a good game should, from good graphics to great online play. Whether you're new to the series or a long time fan, this is a must-have game for all Wii owners.

89%