Wii are the champs, sing Mario Kart fans

Mario Kart Wii
Console: Nintendo Wii
Genre: Racing
Grade: 4 Globes

REVIEW. Ah, Mario Kart. The premiere franchise in the “company mascots race around a track” genre. (The new M&M’s branded addition is not quite so premiere.) Every Nintendo system gets a Mario Kart and now the Wii is no exception. If you’ve played the games you know the drill. You race around ridiculous tracks and try to put down anyone that gets in your way. It’s sort of like working in advertising.

This installment does support the Wiimote and comes with the plastic doodad known as the “Wii Wheel.” It’s exactly what it sounds like: A wheel shaped crevice that your Wiimote goes inside of. That sounds off-color. This dirty wheel may err on the side of gimmick, but it sure makes driving a lot of fun. If you don’t like it, you don’t have to use it. Like the recently released “Super Smash Bros. Brawl,” the game gives players a variety of control options.

It’s Internet functionality may not yet be approaching the majesty of Xbox Live but “Mario Kart Wii” does offer up the Wii’s finest foray into online gaming. Racing online offers an impossible amount of options and works absolutely seamlessly. It’s actually more fun than playing at home with friends.

All in all, this is more of the same Mario Kart that has been gracing consoles since the days of the Super Nintendo. If you don’t go into this expecting sweeping changes you will be pleased. The new control variations and online play add enough spice to the formula to make you want to try humiliating your friends all over again. Oh, and it’s not all rehash. There are motorcycles now. “