Around 2016, Nintendo hinted that they would be changing mobile gaming. They proceeded to release a few games, one of which is Dr. Mario, a Tetris-like game that seemed to fizzle out. Upon the announcement of Mario Kart Tour Mobile, everyone went bananas. Hoping for the best features of the console games, gamers were ready, so ready. But then the mobile version was finally released and everyone was left feeling underwhelmed and then some.
Just like Mario Kart everyone knows and loves, the mobile game sets up players to race against each other using the weapons given to you to set other players back. The goal is to be first and keep moving up the ranks while getting better cars and accessories. Each level is meant to challenge you and give you thrills as much as it can.
Sadly, there is a big setback to this game. Alright, maybe a couple. The first is that the controls are very basic. Either you can drift the whole time through a game or drive normally. Both require the sliding of your finger which turns more into awkward tapping trying to get your racer in the right direction all of the time. There is no “other way” to steer better. At the same time, you have to tap when you get items. Second, there is no way to work your way up the ranks to the highest races because that section is blocked unless you pay a subscription fee of $5.99 monthly. Did I mention that other microtransactions are required in order to get accessories too?
For a game that really holds the hearts of millions of players, the execution with all of the microtransactions really killed the game, right next to the poor controls. I mean, the levels look great but I only played the game twice before deciding I was too frustrated to even give the game another chance. That’s really bad guys.
Personally, I can’t even recommend this game for the kids. If it’s frustrating enough to adults both monetarily and physically, why would kids want to keep playing either? And let’s remember too, kids would need to ask permission to buy everything in the game too. Unfortunately, Nintendo may have released this game way too fast or they were looking at the numbers and the game just didn’t land well. A lot of hearts were broken this time with Mario Kart Tour Mobile.
3/10
Available on: IOS and Android
