I know, I’m basically the King ofMario Kart, unequivocally, but it’s so lonely at the top. Hear my plea: I’m always so far ahead of the NPC racers that I forget they’re even there, at least until I see their Green Shells flying past me.
Yeah, sure, I win against the computer, but there’s no fun in it anymore. WithMario Kart World, I finally decided to step out of my comfort zone - aka play in online multiplayer - and I love losing.
So That’s What The Back Of Some Of These Characters Looks Like?
In all of my years of beingtoo goodat these games, I’d never realised Bowser had spikes on the back of his shell. And is that what Toad’s hat/head/hair looks like from behind? I’m learning so much from this humbling experience.
Okay, for real, I suck at Mario Kart when I’m pitted against real players. I’m notbad, and I consider myself pretty good at drifting, but I’m certainly not able to pull off any wild maneuvers or shortcuts to cut to the front of the crowds. My cushioned experience of single-player life means I’m seeing players do things I didn’t even know were possible, and Mario Kart World only raises that skill ceiling with wall riding, grinding, and entirely new tracks to learn.
But most importantly, I’m suddenly having a great time amid 23 other players all trying to battle it out mid-race. Is it complete and utter chaos? Yes. Will I beat all of them and win? No, probably not. But losing in multiplayer is more fun than winning in single-player.
Finally, I Can Be The One To Throw The Blue Shells
I no longer have to pray for a Super Horn to repel Blue Shells, because I’m the one throwing them, watching whoever is at the front panic. They know there’s no way I’m going to catch up, but I can at least make their day a little worse.
In fact, I’d almost forgotten how many items there are in Mario Kart; if you’re at the front of the race, you’re pretty much just going to get Super Horns, Coins, or Green Shells. But if you’re in the thick of the chaos, you’ll get Blue Shells, Bullet Bills, Bombs, Piranha Plants, or even the wonderful Star Power. This isn’t news to anyone, but man, I’d gotten so comfortable with experiencing the least of what these games offer.
Now, I don’t even want to win (not a coping mechanism I promiseit’s fine); I just want to have fun on these faster races, with unpredictable opponents who are wildly skilled, and do my best to not come last, knowing that I won’t win the gold cup anytime soon. It’s actually more fun that way.
