8) Mario Circuit
Okay, so I know everything’s looking a bit repetitive with the track rankings, but I promise you it does get a little bit more mixed up after this one. Again, it’s another grand prix style track that’s a little more topsy-turvy than the previous entries. I just find something special about all the Mario Circuits from all the Mario Kart games. The simplicity of the track, fused with serene surroundings really makes the races that much more enjoyable. Did you hear that, Dry Dry Desert?
7) N64 Rainbow Road
*Raises flame shield*. I’m just going to admit this. The original Rainbow Road in Mario Kart 64 is by far the worst Rainbow Road ever conceived. It was unexciting, too long, and hardly challenging. I hated it! When I heard that it was getting the remake treatment for Mario Kart 8, I had my concerns. I needn’t have worried. The jaw-dropping gorgeous visuals, the amazing reworked music, and increased difficulty turns this into the Rainbow Road it should’ve been from the start. I’m not 100% convinced by the whole only one lap deal that’s going on. Now it feels too short. I’m never happy, am I.
6) Sunshine Airport
Sunshine Airport is a pretty radical (that word will be popular again) stage. Careening around an airport lobby, only to irresponsibly throw yourself onto a runway, whilst Boeing 747’s are taking off around you, is pretty thrilling. The cherry on the biscuit is the moment when you fly off a launch ramp at the same time a massive jumbo jet takes off. It’s almost like your synchronised with the pilot and you get this overwhelming feeling to burst into a rendition of R. Kelly’s I believe I Can Fly. No? Just me then.
5) Donut Plains 3
Donut Plains 3 is the dark horse of Mario Kart 8 tracks. Many people probably wouldn’t think much of it as it retains pretty much the same layout as the SNES original. But for me, it’s one of the best. If you get a good lead, and time your drifting perfectly, you can get some mad speed as you whizz around the track. A great one for time trials.
4) Electrodrome
Electrodrome might have a weird name, but it’s definitely one of the best tracks available. It’s probably the closet we’re going to get to a new F-Zero at the moment, so I could be blinded by my need for Captain Falcon’s love. The cool, neon effects of this track, along with the thumping electronic music is mesmerising. Plus, it has a giant disco ball that you race around. Instant win there if you ask me.
3) Royal Raceway
Royal Raceway is my favourite track from Mario Kart 64, and is one of my favourite tracks of all time. I was super elated to hear it was getting the remake treatment for Mario Kart 8. The developers have done a fantastic job recreating the track, and have made it look glorious in HD. My only real qualm with this version is that you can no longer go and pay Princess Peach a visit in her castle… And by ‘pay’ I mean trying to ram her castle doors down.
2) Toad Harbor
While Toad bored me relentlessly with his stupid Turnpike, he has miraculously redeemed himself by letting me race around his Harbor. Toad Harbor is a sheer delight. It’s a none too taxing race through backstreets, roads, and markets of a coastal town. It has a wealth of shortcut opportunities, and is accompanied by one of the best pieces of music in the game. You can get totally lost driving around Toad Harbor by simply taking in its beauty.
1) Mount Wario
Whoa! What’s this? A snow themed track at No. 1? Yes, I will admit to not being a fan of any snow themed tracks from the past, but Mount Wario is something special. It’s the most exciting, fast paced, and craziest track I’ve ever known throughout all of Mario Kart. Jumping out of a helicopter, skidding around icy sharp turns, flying through a cave, speeding along the wall of a dam, entering a multi-path forest, careening through a ski slalom, and the finale of zooming down a ski jump for the big finish. I know this word is overused, but EPIC is the only word to describe this track. I’m not quite sure what it has to do with Wario, but who cares?
FINISHED!
Well there you go. The Definitive Ranking of All 32 Tracks from Mario Kart 8. Do you agree? Of course you don’t. Let me know your thoughts in the comments below.
