Mario Kart 8 Deluxe (Switch) Review

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Review:

• If you never had it on WiiU, you’ve got to get it – biggest and best MK, probably ever
• Even if you did have it and didn’t get the DLC it’s worth it – DLC tracks and battle mode combine for worthwhile MK game on their own
• If battle mode is your thing, you have to get it

Thoughts on changes/additions:
-all the DLC from MK8 (4 cups) – still annoyed DLC mixed around new and retro tracks
-new characters: King Boo, Dry Bones, Bowser Jr., Inkling Boy/Girl
unlockable gold Mario
-200cc staff ghosts
-dual item capacity – why can’t I switch between them though?
-extra level of drift boost (purple sparks)
-smart steering
-Revamped battle mode: 8 courses (include SNES Battle Course 1 and a cool Splatoon map), Modes are balloon battle, bob-omb blast, coin runners, shine thief

Litany of random complaints:
-Why can’t I easily see which time trials I’ve beaten the staff ghost on?
-Why can’t I easily race my friends’ time trial ghosts?
-This game needs full-on Smash style customization (pick everything from maps, laps, items, etc., especially for battle)

THE CHARACTERS:
-the new additions are nice: King Boo, Dry Bones, Bowser Jr, Inkling kids
-we have FOUR Marios and FOUR Peaches
-tanooki/cat suit and silver/gold/pink gold are not characters, they -should be power-ups! Why not have a metal block power up – forget the animals, bring back the tail item
-babies are an abomination, cut them all
-meanwhile, DK stands alone. Where’s Diddy, Funky, Dixie, and Cranky?