So, recently I got the Switch 2 and it’s 3 main big titles: Mario Kart World, DK Bananza, and Kirby Air Riders. I guess you can say, I have thoughts…
So weirdly, I feel like I am acting complete contrarian to the Nintendo community as I feel the exact opposite on the games to them, with exception to Kirby.
To start off. I have played a little bit of Air Riders, though it is my lowest playtime. It is good.
The game is exactly what fans would want from a sequel to a cult-classic GameCube game and more. The game is not going to be a huge system seller, but it didn’t need to be, it just needed to be that one unique experience that adds flavoring to the console, and it does that superbly. Only thing I can say about it is that if you like Air Ride, you will like the sequel, otherwise, it will probably be too niche for you.
Mario Kart World is my highest playtime, and you know what, I like it. I really like it. World has arguably risen to a top contender of the series, maybe number 1. Mechanically, this is the best a Mario Kart has ever felt. It has a certain energy to it that is unrivaled by previous entries between the rail hopping, wall riding, and general bounce.
Single player, the game is actually difficult at 150cc, which I appreciate. Getting three stars requires some work, especially in the Knockout Tour. The free roam missions can also be troublesome, but make you feel like you are really learning the game. I love how eventful and frankly chaotic this entry is. As much as people hate the intermissions, I actually like them for the difficulty and somewhat unpredictability they bring. I always have a feeling of never being too far ahead. Now, maybe if I played more online, these feelings would change, but as a single player Mario Kart, I enjoy it.
Character-wise, I love the roster even with its obvious omissions. I am hoping that DLC comes and evens things out, but I still like the current roster and a fair chunk of the costume selection. Main character requests would be for more DK characters, specifically K Rool, Diddy, Dixie and Funky, maybe Cranky as well. As for costumes, wish they pulled more references. Would love to get actual Biker Wario, NES Open Mario & Luigi, Wedding variants, and I really want that geeked up Bowser from that one 3DS AD:
So far, Wario has the best variants, but even he could use some more style. Best costumes are Pirate Wario and the Sunshine outfit for Mario.
As for DK Bananza, I am with
@Quijibo69. The game is fine, but nothing special like Nintentards hype it up as. The game just lacks memorability so far, every world just feeling bland and uniform. The destruction mechanic is too much and wears its welcome quickly. I also hate how the game controls, I feel like I constantly use the wrong inputs for what should be a fairly easy to play game. It is Odyssey again, but without the charm of unique worlds and the capture mechanic.
Also, I still hate the artstyle. I thought it would grow on me, but it honestly gets worse when playing. The designs don’t fit DK and just get mushed into the bland feeling of a game clearly aimed at toddlers. I miss Odyssey’s more realistic-cartoon approach as it would have fit DK a lot better than the weird angular-ish cartoon designs.