Nintendo has released a brand spanking new trailer for Mario Kart 8, and it’s looking as gorgeous as ever.
The trailer shows off a selection of new and retro courses, new items, and the return of Metal Mario, Lakitu, and Shy Guy as playable characters. The new items shown are the boomerang, from Super Mario 3D Land, and a Piranha Plant that munches on any racers that get too close.
Among the courses shown we catch a glimpse of a brand new track titled: Mario Kart Stadium, which will be the first track of the Mushroom Cup. We also get wealth of retro tracks from past Mario Kart games, including a list for the first two retro cups:
- Shell Cup
- Moo Moo Meadows (MK Wii)
- Mario Circuit (MK Super Circuit)
- Cheep Cheep Beach (MK DS)
- Toad’s Turnpike (MK64)
- Banana Cup
- Dry Dry Desert (MK: Double Dash!!)
- Donut Plains 3 (Super Mario Kart)
- Royal Raceway (MK64)
- DK Jungle (MK7)
- While not listed in the press release, a remixed version of Rainbow Road from Mario Kart 64 appeared at the end of the trailer.
Of course, each retro track has been modified to make use of Mario Kart 8‘s anti-gravity mechanic, which will no doubt add a fresh feel to a classic race. Not to mention the remixes of classic tunes – the remixed Rainbow Road sounds sensational.
Speaking of music, it was announced in a press release that Mario Kart 8 will feature live recorded music for the first time in series history. This will be done for a select number of tracks in the game.
In addition, European gamers can pre-order a Limited Edition bundle that includes a Spiny Shell collector’s item along with the game. No word on if this is also coming to North America.
All in all, Mario Kart 8 is shaping up to be one of the best in the series and will emphatically be a must have for any Wii U owner. Let’s hope this will be the start of a boost in sales that Nintendo needs for their newest console.
Check out the new trailer below.
Mario Kart 8 arrives on May 30th. Will you be racing to pick yours up?
Check out the press release from Nintendo of America on the next page.
