What Makes Mario Kart 8 Deluxe So Perfect?

Mario Kart is a series spanning many decades, and in 2014 we saw the release of the 8th installment, Mario Kart 8. This iteration of Mario Kart is easily the biggest in the series, and today I take a deep dive into what makes it so amazing. This is a Mario Kart 8 retrospective.
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[@Mariomikester]

guys i never say this in videos and youtube is getting mad at me for not, so subscribe if u liked the video or whatever....

[@MariokibmibYT]

Why are they getting mad ☠️

[@Victini862]

​@@MariokibmibYTThat's my question

[@MariokibmibYT]

@@Victini862 aye my favorite mythical

[@erik3371]

Why is KZbin getting mad for you at it?

[@appleandaria6947]

What the h*ell…? What's so wrong with _not_ asking for subscribers?

[@akaimizu1]

One of the things I truly appreciate on the N64 Rainbow Road is all the attention to detail. Not just from the lighted city far beneath, and the character fireworks, but because they have a whole Train with Toads actively tossing coins onto the track. Giving one of the only cases where they actively show how collected coins reappear for other laps or for other racers further behind. It really adds to some immersion factor when they have this active delivery system with a visual explanation for how those coins keeping showing up on the track.

[@artangel420]

Alright fuck it, this video literally made me decide to buy a switch

[@speedtime4228]

Emulate one

[@Gonzo0624]

@@speedtime4228emulate your mom

[@berda7370]

18:40 This sounds weird, but i play the game at top level and the coin actually is not a bad item to pull in some situations. In a room where almost everyone has very good driving, pulling a coin at the first box while in first over a defensive item can really help you keep your lead and front run the track

[@boinqity4621]

coins are very misunderstood by most players. one of the best additions imo i like how theres now a decision to make between taking the best line and getting more top speed. if you're in first you want to take good lines to keep your advantage, in which case coin items are a godsend and the only reason you're able to get max speed while frontrunning

[@themcmuffinator]

when you have a coin you can't get any others so it basically helps guarantee a defensive item most of the time

[@supere4nitro]

3:48 Just a small correction here, Wii and 7 also had alternative character title screens you could unlock by completing every cup in the game like in 8

[@matt9618]

And Double Dash

[@brandoneldridge6611]

And Super Circuit

[@evanmckeever2302]

And 64

[@supere4nitro]

Those games had one alternative title screen but not the character based ones mentioned here

[@evanmckeever2302]

@@supere4nitroyou’re right, I was just adding to the joke with the replies. I think every game, except the first, had an alternative title screen

[@MrSuperleobros]

Mario kart 8 has come along way i remember loving the game back on the wii u in 2014 but it definitely had its flaws. The battle mode sucked, the character roster was disappointing and i hated only being able to use 1 item at a time. Fast forward to the end of the BCP, all those issues were fixed. Improved item system, all the missing favourite characters were back and battle mode was fixed. This game truly was something special.

[@AK_804]

lol

[@Matanumi]

yep..... Except battle mode can still leave something to be desired I think that was the ONE thing that the booster course pass missed

[@AK_804]

yeah@@Matanumi

[@vinkytown100]

Still is special!

[@eldritchdefender7785]

Personally, this game is my favorite track with tick tock clock as a close second. Simply because of the short cut on it, swapping between the two split roads to create a mostly short line is amazing

[@MikooOnYoutube]

I believe the extra title screens are actually unlockables, with the only one available initially being the N64 Rainbow Road one.

[@hihello3372]

How do u unlock them?

[@lamontrankinjr.280]

@@hihello3372get a star on every original cup on 200 CC

[@AK_804]

by beating every cup in the game@@hihello3372

[@Hitlercumslurper]

I think you have to just get first in every 150cc,mirror and 200cc grand prix

[@sixty9inchnails191]

i have finished the game and mine is ALWAYS the 64 one since I finished the switch one in the first year so I don't remember ever seeing different ones how do I even see them???

[@yuco27]

Wii stans after seeing this video:0h wHAt aBouT WII?

[@ross3695_basedhax]

wii 'stan' all played this game before you

[@DeTodoPoco31]

Finally, someone who is not dragging MK8D. Thank you for giving your thoughts about this amazing game!!!

[@greninjamariokartpokemonfan]

The Coin is actually a returning item from Super Mario Kart.

[@JarumaruKnox]

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is by far the best Mario Kart and one of my favorite games of all times.

[@harizonflamingice3167]

The strange thing is I'm actually quite indifferent to a fair amount of tracks that were new to 8 around 2014 but once the DLC and Booster tracks came out I absolutely loved them, and I really enjoy a majority of retro tracks.

[@stupidperson8780]

Bowser Jr saying "Yahoo I won, yay" at the end just sent me for some reason

[@SupaDaBloopa]

I do think MK8DX is a major upgrade over its predecessor, MK8. However, considering I owned MK8 since launch, I personally feel as though I’ve been stuck playing the same Mario Kart game for nearly 10 years now. Despite MK8DX adding in new tracks and characters, the physics and items remain the same. I hate to say that I feel quite burned out with the game. Sure, it is a great game, and I’m glad people enjoy it! But I’m just very ready for the next thing.

[@Droopy95mkDS]

I own MK8 since 2014, and MK8D since... last week. Spent 2017-2023 away from gaming, made a comeback like CM Punk to WWE lmao I get your feeling, I don't have it so far, but I'm baffled in all this time they still did not release a new Mario Kart game with fancy shit like Double Dash brought. It was such a mess even with CPUs, Mario Kart lacks this agressive mayhem from the old era, feels a bit too clean. Thank God we can come back to the classics anytime. The crasiest thing about MK8D is it has 96 tracks, I took a whole week to complete just 50 and 100 cc lmao

[@DaltonFan28]

Every time I'm reminded of the battle mode in the OG Mario Kart 8, a part of me dies internally. But 8 Deluxe's battle mode is peak! My favorite battle course being Urchin Underpass.

[@kirbygamer0640]

Catching one of my new favorite KZbinrs videos hot off the press? What a great day!

[@denbear]

This video is so amazing! Great content. Subscribed and found this amazing mountain of Nintendo content!

[@Cut_it_Cutter]

Hey, loved this video! I appreciate how attentive you were at explaining what each new update/version of this game introduced (while also showing the correct corresponding footage). BUT, I can’t believe you forgot to mention the all-important Mercedes-Benz update!

[@weisstofall2615]

Man, I love the passion with which you speak of these games

[@kritty8962]

definitely feel like you could have talked a bit more about the iconic and beloved DLC courses that made it back into mk8dx, lack of competitive as a topic was kinda sad too but ah well. Good video though :)

[@PopCultureGian]

What software do you use to to edit video ?

[@famosoworld1643]

This had to be the most addicted game on switch😂

[@imtiazbi1112]

AWESOME VIDEO :D

[@vVearon]

23:12 “i almost never experience connection issues when i’m playing online” *”TUTORIAL PLEASE”*

[@ElseAndrecool]

the only Nintendo console I have is a Wii U so seeing all the stuff in this game on the Switch made me a little jealous

[@OTBASH]

I want to play these games very much but I dont have a switch. I was planning on getting one, only for me to realize the switch has been out for 7 years now. Meaning the switch 2 is just around the corner. :P

[@muichiro1439]

I dont like racing games but my friends r telling me to try this game is it worth for someone who doesn’t like racing games?

[@shadeblackwolf1508]

MK8DX could use a polish round over the dlc just to bring the models and textures up to the base game

[@Colorandom]

why is everyone's favorite map sunshine airport?? me included lol

[@marcusgiden1089]

U should do a retrospective on the classics like Mario bros 3 and mario world

[@sixty9inchnails191]

i have finished the game and mine is ALWAYS the 64 one since I finished the switch one in the first year so I don't remember ever seeing different ones how do I even see them???

[@Toastactical]

LOVE IT ❤

[@_Gravy__]

Nobody picks Toad's Turnpike or N64 Rainbow Road online. Good video tho. Btw you can also dodge a blue shell with a mushroom in this game

[@johnathoncunningham8541]

awsome video

[@luiscolin2021]

6:10 they aren't newcomers,they are from tour

[@MusuemBucket]

Yeah but, people don’t really care about a mobile game

[@User1924-se]

2:07 I guess they loved pink gold peach so much more than kamek

[@User1924-se]

Nvm I wasn’t watching enough I thought he was still talking about mk8 lmao

[@moth_farmer]

6:37- 'When you reach this section, you only have one vehicle combo to choose from.' - Most Yoshi Mains

[@thatJAWNraps]

i hope the next game keeps the 'city feature' of 3 unique laps/segments cuz it adds 3x the replayability learning each course

[@monstersponge9096]

Very disappointed that R.O.B. didn't return as a playable character in MK8

[@Blockhead-lc6fr]

I honestly liked the base mk8 battle mode, it tried to be different (although it is lazy). When they made the switch port, instead of replacing the mk8 battle mode, i wish they added battle courses on top of them. Some of the tour tracks would make for fun battle courses imo Edit: "its the best racing game" on switch yeah, but if not, then bold words

[@Mario_mejia]

But I do extremely miss the timed Grand Prix found on DS & Wii & the item hold on Previous Mario Karts

[@Droobie03]

For Rainbow Road, I think it has too many sections that aren't rainbowy and it doesn't utilize anti-gravity all that well.

[@krmsword2807]

I remember playing in grade 4 or close to that with my cousin and other games, the nostalgia

[@CriIp]

You should do a retrospective on Super Paper Mario (wii)

[@Tellr9]

I really can't wait for the day Mario Kart X comes out, but that won't be until next console. (Whenever it comes out!)

[@Mario_mejia]

I enjoy star cup so much on Mario Kart 8

[@gavinleroux-w6o]

bro has peter as a mii W choice

[@adventuresfortwo9148]

4:15 If I remember right, you only unlock the additional title screens once you complete certain achievables in the game. (Does a quick Google search) "To unlock the Alternate Title Screens, you must win Gold Cups in Mirror mode and 200cc in Grand Prix."

[@lamenoir_]

Damn, I’ve never been that early

[@notgoodatgames1475]

Me too

[@thatJAWNraps]

HOT TAKE: i prefer the DLC to the Base 48 after well over 600hrs spent about 2/3 on the base game - and its cuz i never played any MK games after 64/SS so all the retros were new but still, the city tracks and segment tracks made it so much more interesting, instead of one lap over and over you get 3x the content by having to learn 3x as much to master a course, it added so much replayability i could care less if some early waves have weird texgtures as if im looking at the textures while racing lol

[@saniespinosa8323]

i’ve owned a switch with MK on it since like 2019 and I have not once seen the alternate title screens. what’s up w that?

[@sixty9inchnails191]

i have finished the game and mine is ALWAYS the 64 one since I finished the switch one in the first year so I don't remember ever seeing different ones how do I even see them???

[@rodrigoqueirozmontenegro3456]

I think its randon sinse i complete the game and ONLY see them , like 2 times

[@Noodle-oodle]

Wait you can get different title screens??? I never got that

[@Colorandom]

you have to beat the whole game. like in 200cc, 150cc, and mirrored. I think. if you're good at the game, it won't take too long

[@Noodle-oodle]

@@Colorandom i just did it. Does it matter some of the trophies are silver and bronze?

[@Colorandom]

@@Noodle-oodle i think they all have to be gold cuz that's what I did pro tip:150cc can also count for 50 and 100cc

[@boigonmon]

my favorite part is when the

[@brandoneldridge6611]

14:46 What about Excitebike Arena, which is based off of Excitebike.

[@spidre-nw7od]

Imagine if the devs behind crash nitro kart managed to make anti-grav as good as it is in mk8, it is so sad to see it failed

[@MB26535]

MK8 DX succeeded where SSBU failed

[@zaccohen2539]

It's probably the most polished (the base game at least) but I wouldn't go far as saying it's perfect. The item balancing and character roster are big issues.

[@king_poyo64]

They did fix the roster, but I absolutely hate being blued and shocked at least twice per race. And don’t even get me started on how easily you can abuse bullet bill.

[@wump9066]

3:50 um Mario kart Wii had different opening menus too.

[@sixty9inchnails191]

i have finished the game and mine is ALWAYS the 64 one since I finished the switch one in the first year so I don't remember ever seeing different ones how do I even see them???

[@Mike-sp7zv]

MK8 Deluxe is filled with content and gimmicks (gliders, 0 gravity, underwater) that lack the character of MKDD or the mechanics of Wii or even DS. MK8 has the tracks and characters but small details like the lack of expression from wiggler that was more apparent on a 3DS, no more bouncing signs with eyes throughout DD courses like waluigi stadium, the saturated and simplified DLC courses like coconut mall or removed shortcuts such as on yoshi circuit slowly add up and show there's room for people with heart to make a more refined sequel. Courses like baby park feel lifeless in 8 despite the graphics. I'll take less content and lower visuals for more fun mechanics.

[@elca-x1m]

peter griffin jumpscared me

[@guidexyt6375]

Best Mario Kart Ever

[@CoolCoaster]

Is Mario kart 9 gonna be good?

[@amazingplayz2587]

My biggest problem with mario kart 8 deluxe is the lack of locked characters and vehicles that must be unlocked through racing in Grand Prix. My most fond memories of Mario kart games were grinding, losing, retrying and eventually beating Grand Prix tracks to unlock different things. I love the coin system and it works for the vehicle parts well but I very much dislike the fact that all characters are unlocked right when you get the game. It makes the Grand Prix basically pointless to me.

[@Lily_lol574]

2 words, gold mario

[@amazingplayz2587]

@@Lily_lol574 2 words not enough

[@Lily_lol574]

@@amazingplayz2587 ok then, gold mario,kart customization,wheel customization,glider customization.

[@amazingplayz2587]

@@Lily_lol574 ok? That does not change my point that Grand Prix still feels pointless you can get those in any other mode. Besides gold Mario which is only 200 cc

[@amazingplayz2587]

@@Lily_lol574 if you played Mario kart wii or Mario kart ds you would know what I’m talking about, no better feelings then beating a very hard Grand Prix and unlocking a new character.

[@PrincessPooonyPoona]

If coins werent added then this would be my favorite mario kart game of all time

[@omegahaxors3306]

Don't worry, they're only going to be able to keep up that naming trend for.... 55 titles more titles.

[@furballbear]

It's time for a new Mario Kart game that takes advantage of modern 4K 120Hz televisions.

[@TheSKRStudios]

A BOOSTER COURSE VIDEO AND THIS???

[@ryanretrogamer7]

I just wish it had fire hopping and ultra shorts

[@PancakeJake]

Captures tons of gameplay footage… only uses Mr Scooty and Rollers the whole time… 🤦🏼‍♂️

[@jumentoqueanima]

Best game ever.

[@tjeerdtrekkie1030]

I love how the critique for bone dry dunes is that it excists only because Nintendo thinks it "should be" which is wrong, but then rainbow road is bad because it straves too far from what it "should be" and thats also wrong 😂Can we make a choice here lol

[@Kinoparapino]

I actually like Rainbow Road and Bone Dry dunes. SNES rainbow road is my favorite and i like this contnent

[@D4nkfury]

Your points about Bone Dry Dunes and Rainbow Road confuse me. You mention the anti gravity section in Bone Dry Dunes doesant need to be there, like you could argue any of the anti gravity in the game doesnt need to be there if that's the case, and it's actually a faster route than the ground level that you showed when talking about how tight the turn were, making it not fun to race on . You kept talking about how RR had a space station theme, and that they should have just made a space station track, then you say there's not enough space station elements in the track. But that's the thing, it's rainbow road, not space station road or whatever. Also, who says Rainbow Road shouldn't be man made? I've always hated the argument that the new Rainbow Road isnt a propor rainbow road because it's made of technology instead of Rainbow, when it's still colorful and rainbowy. Ultimately nintendo gets to say what a Rainbow Road is, and this is what they made. I will agree it's an underwhelming RR in terms of the layout, and you're obviously welcome to not enjoy it or how it looks, but it just seems silly to claim that it shouldn't be the way it is because it's not Rainbow Road

[@Fathernewman]

Double dash had the most character

[@midknightshade330]

Another comment on why I think Mk8 rainbow road is kinda meh is because the track design tries way to hard to be Wii Rainbow Road, especially in the 2nd half. Star cannon, duel paths, the final large turn in the end. Just seems way too similar.

[@SandyWeed5]

Literally the only bad thing about this game is the coins

[@thatJAWNraps]

if u noticed the antigrav anymore while playing it'd be SO distracting

[@Twitch.streamerYoshigamer07985]

Hi I gave you a like

[@Wileherbal]

Nice video! I still think MKW is better than MK8 and MK8D because I feel like with MK8 they removed the main challenge in the races and really the overall game. With MKW it was challenging, but fun, as there were so many ways to lose your item. If you fell off the stage in MKW, it would play the falling animation and then you would lose your item. MK8, Lakitu immediately picks you up, and you only lose 3 coins. In Wii, you could be squished by the mega mushroom or a car or thwomp, and lose your item, but with 8, they removed the mega mushroom, and you keep your item when squished. In Wii, a POW would make you lose your item. In 8, they removed the POW. If you got hit by a bullet bill, or a chain chomp, or a super star, you would lose your item, but in 8, it only spins you around. Not even the blue shell makes you lose your item in 8. I feel like between Wii and 8, almost all the challenge and a lot of fun was removed.

[@untiefreaking6887]

They love to cater for bad players

[@MusuemBucket]

Wii Stan’s when they see someone liking another Mario kart: uHHH wiII is BeTTTer

[@volt5481]

Who’s Will ?

[@stephaniekrebs8983]

Actually double dash brought the series to FULL on 3D

[@ag3g]

also wii has different title screens aswell

[@sixty9inchnails191]

i have finished the game and mine is ALWAYS the 64 one since I finished the switch one in the first year so I don't remember ever seeing different ones how do I even see them???

[@Gus-68_]

Mk8d 👑

[@turna1216]

Yeah they brought Funny kong back

[@cowboy8713]

Mario Kart Ds and Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is the best ones tbh

[@justicefoster955]

Loved the video! Objectively I'd say that Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is the best Mario Kart soley because it is chock full of good content for your money. However, it's definitely not perfect. I may be a bit biased, but me personally I grew up playing mostly Mario Kart Wii, and I loved the physics and mechanics in that game. They just felt more real to me I don't know how to describe it. Mario Kart 8 is something that's accessible and easy to pick up and learn for anyone but mechanics felt a bit more simplified if that makes sense? I found myself breezing through courses without really being on the edge of my seat like I was on Mario Kart Wii. It had this extreem sports BMX feel that I loved! Another thing is the booster course pass, and how the art style carried from course to course causing inconsistency with the games visuals. Some if the courses you could tell were copy and paste from tour, and for a while the booster course pass felt like a cop out from making a new game bc Nintendo knows that a majority of their fanbase just likes being grass fed new content regardless of a new game, when I was kinda ready for a new era of Mario Kart. It got much much better toward the end and I've come to terms with it, especially considering they were doing all of that in the midst of a global pandemic, which was hard on everybody, and realized that we don't have a Mario Kart experience exclusive to the switch, but it's unique enough to stand out on it's own, and thats perfectly okay with me. Lastly, the character roster. Wow. Like I'm not even joking this is the best roster we've had in a hot minute in a main line Mario Kart. One thing I kinda hated though was the character alts, the koopalings, and characters from different franchises coming to the roster, when there us a pleathrora of other Mario characters they could've chose from! I would've loved to see more of the kong family, Warioware, and Wario land characters come to the game as well as even characters like Cappy, Sprixies, Toadsworth, or luma to be plsyble to represent the main line games. I just wish they would draw out the potential in their own series before bringing in guest characters like the inklings, link, and the villagers. Also I don't mind the koopalings, the baby's, or metal variations, what have you, just don't have them take up a slot. Condense them in their own category or make them an ALT. Lordy that's a lot. I'll step off my soap box now. Thank you if you read till the end! 😭 Edit: spelling and grammar check

[@fredrick8691]

Great vid and way to cap off Mario Kart

[@JoseAlvarez-ep9fb]

Glazing like a mfr

[@AgentXRifle]

I prefer double dash!

[@eden22.7]

How come Rose Gold Peach is infamous?

[@mariajimenafigueroa233]

Pink Gold Peach is hated because she's a clone character only made for Mario Kart, a clone with no relavence. Metal Mario and Gold Mario come from the Metal Cap from Super Mario 64 and the Gold Flower from New Super Mario Bros 2 respectily, so they have some backstory. Peach was never seen using a metal/gold power-up before, therefore PGP feels like it was created because it was eaiser then putting someone like Pauline.

[@cooldude7298]

Fazerrific

[@jasonwillard4943]

To this day I still love and play the SNES Mario Kart. Mario Kart 8 deluxe. Meh I was bored and done with it after about a month barely can play it longer than 30 minutes even when I haven't played for around a year bored. Graphics are nice but the race tracks themselves are not that good. I know cause I generally play the SNES tracks that are available they feel more like race tracks despite being more simple and less complex. Also I can't stand the weapons in 8. Even my 5 year old daughter hates it. Nothing is more annoying than battling your way at the top of the race. Then getting cheap shot in back with a bullet from someone that has no business right before the finish line on the last lap. They need better rules on weapons. I don't mind lightning bolt stars and bullets to those that have fallen behind early in a race to try and get back in the race but those weapons should not be available to use on the final lap. Lap 1 sure lap 2 smaller % of acquiring. Lap 3 if you have 1 equipped it should be removed or replaced. Turning off completely isn't the solution as said I'm ok someone using early that had bad luck maybe got hit 3 times just unlucky guys hit him for whatever reason. The gliding areas needs to have more open abilities to fly anywhere get rid of invisible walls and make them more open if needed so there are no major breaks to the track. Underwater should have a gimmick as well besides just going slower and handling a little different Await Mario Kart 9 likely on Nintendo Switch 2. But personally I hope it becomes more like a smash. Nintendo Kart game. Play as many Nintendo characters and select a kart based on your play level or favorite style if anything minor customization slight tweaks I would welcome but nothing that can make a heavy kart faster and just as mobile than a standard light kart. Just get rid of the customization in Karts really just for looks and appeal is fine no stats involved. Go back to light vs heavy, acceleration and mobility vs top speed. Far better racing games out there than this

[@ag3g]

wii will always be king

[@johnathoncunningham8541]

just got my switch

[@erik3371]

One hour later, what are you playing?

[@johnathoncunningham8541]

sorry I didn't reply I'm playing super Mario u deluxe and smash bros at the time@@erik3371

[@futurewhizter1538]

Attacks, how does something that murders the point of any skill, and competition with luck and chance, aid this game? I wish there was some counter, or defense to it... How'about gathering coins, of 3, until the 3 are used up to get another 3, (or whatever it could be), are used for defense against attacks (gathering coins in skill areas, perhaps)? There should certain turns, where immunity to attacks, are in place, or/and designated areas that it doesn't occur, where skill matters. I just don't get it. Maybe, also, you have no ability to attack players in higher places, who knows.

[@venepskeuten9206]

I prefer wii, personal taste and a hint of nostaglia. But i have to admit that deluxe is probably the better entry.

[@Orangeface]

Bro said Mario Kart series.

[@Daymare19]

I loved 8's battle mode idk why everybody hates it

[@Lily_lol574]

Tournament peeps are big mad at battle mode I guess

[@Daymare19]

@@Lily_lol574 no I actually liked it idk why

[@Lily_lol574]

@@Daymare19 yeah ik because I like it too I think it's unique.

[@Daymare19]

@@Lily_lol574 all tracks featured (excluding mario Circuit, which I played 3 times because it's absolutely terrible for the game mode) have grown on me, I like them, even dry dry isn't that bad

[@Lily_lol574]

@@Daymare19 Mario circuit is horrible and copy and paste so I understand why you would hate it

[@travkenn1019]

Honestly the game could be so much better if items were better balanced. Too many items make the game too chaotic for it to be legit competitive. Fun if you want to get lucky though.

[@tvgamerstan6180]

For some reason I still prefer Mario Kart Wii. Same thing when it comes to Smash Bros. I still love Melee way more. I play KartRider: Drift, Disney Speedstorm, Chocobo GP, Slap City, Brawlhalla, and Nickelodeon All-Star Brawl 1 & 2 more than I do Smash Ultimate and Mario Kart 8. I still like them, but I just find them overrated.