Mario Kart Wii (updated)

Mario Kart Wii is finally out! Well, it came out a week ago, but I finally got around to buying a copy...

Anyway, the game is a lot of fun. If you are a fan of any of the previous Mario Karts, you will enjoy this game. Like all sequels, the game comes with all your favorite characters and retro tracks, plus some new additions. The biggest change is in the steerting wheel, (included in the box) that allows gamers to motion control steer their kart. Steering is responsive and straightforward, although it does take a little getting used to for gamers used to using the analog stick. (It is possible to use standard controls instead of the motion control, but where's the fun in that?)

It comes with full online play, which I haven't gone in-depth on yet, but from what I've seen is fast and easy.

A surprising addition is the ability to drive motorcycles instead of karts. I'm undecided on the cycles so far. They handle a little differently, so maybe it's just that I don't know the strategy for driving a bike that makes me apprehensive. But anyway, if you don't like the bikes, just pick a kart instead.

The graphics are good, not great. It looks a lot like the Gamecube version with a few extra flourishes. They aren't going to blow you away, but they are plenty good enough for me. (and I bought a Wii for the gameplay, not the graphics, anyway)

Overall, the game is pretty much matched my expectations. Gamers have to come to expect a high level of quality and an immersive and fun gameplay experience. This game doesn't disappoint on either count. 4/5 stars.

*UPDATE*

Online mode is awesome. Racing against 11 other human opponents, live online, is a lot of fun. I'm now addicted to growing my ranking, which adds a little more tension into the race. (you recieve points with a win, but lose points with a loss)

Online play is so much fun, that I'm upping the rating to 5/5 stars.