Why Mario Kart Isn’t a Crossover Racer, According to Nintendo Devs
▼ Summary
– Mario Kart World producer Kosuke Yabuki stated that including characters from other Nintendo series would have felt “incongruous” and unnecessary.
– Yabuki emphasized the game’s focus on the Mario universe, with plenty of existing characters and costumes to appeal to players.
– New characters in Mario Kart World, like the Piantas and Moo Moo Meadows Cow, are already part of the Mario universe and were well-received by players.
– Unlike Sega’s Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds, which features crossover characters, Mario Kart World stays true to its franchise.
– Eurogamer’s review highlights Mario Kart World’s fresh twists on the classic formula, calling it “entertaining, snackable, fun.”
Mario Kart has always stayed true to its roots by keeping its roster focused on the Mushroom Kingdom, and Nintendo’s developers recently explained why crossing over with other franchises never made sense for the series. During an interview, producer Kosuke Yabuki revealed that introducing characters from unrelated Nintendo games would have felt out of place. While titles like Mario Kart 8 Deluxe experimented with guest racers like Link and Isabelle, the team behind Mario Kart World opted for a more cohesive approach.
Yabuki emphasized that the Mario universe already offers an abundance of personalities and costumes, making external additions unnecessary. “We considered how players would react to mixing universes,” he explained, “but with so many iconic Mario characters and outfits available, there’s plenty to keep fans engaged.” This philosophy ensures the game retains its distinct identity rather than becoming a chaotic mashup of unrelated franchises.
That doesn’t mean Mario Kart World lacks fresh faces. The game introduces new racers like the Piantas from Super Mario Sunshine and the beloved Moo Moo Meadows Cow, both of which fit seamlessly into the established world. Yabuki noted that these additions were well-received, saying, “The positive reaction from players even took us by surprise.” When asked about his personal favorite, the producer admitted a fondness for the Cow, proving even developers have their preferred picks.
This strategy sets Nintendo apart from competitors like Sega’s Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds, which embraces a crossover-heavy lineup featuring characters as diverse as Hatsune Miku and SpongeBob SquarePants. For those still deciding whether to dive into Mario Kart World, critics have praised its refined mechanics and fresh take on classic kart racing. And if you’re looking to master the game, guides on unlocking hidden features, like the challenging Mirror Mode, can help you get the most out of the experience.
Image credit: mamesora14/X
(Source: EUROGAMER)
