Nintendo's Mario Kart is known for its thrilling gameplay that puts emphasis on speed, strategy, and chaos on the race track. While the first Mario Kart series debuted two decades ago, its popularity among fans and gamers never faltered.
For years, the Mario Kart managed to lure players of all ages and skill levels. Whether you are trying to play your first console game or just want to appreciate the magnificent world of Mario, then this game is perfect for you. Regardless of its cross-generational appeal, the game never failed to fuel competition between players.
With the new updates coming to Mario Kart 8, here are some of the tips that will help improve your gaming experience:
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Learn Tracks and Shortcuts
The most important tip is to memorize the layout of each track. Most of them have hidden shortcuts that can boost your speed and will eventually help you win the race among your competitors. Keep in mind that there are tracks that offer alternate paths that can give you an advantage.
You can enhance your memory by spending more time in the Time Trial mode. Put some hours into exploring and learning the racing lines that would benefit you the most.
Know Your Kart
Like any other racing game out there customizing your vehicle is one of the most effective ways to win a race. Mario Kart 8 has an extensive kart customization which allows you to experiment on your characters, vehicles, and tires. Take note that there are no specific combinations for success, trust your own guts, and do not be shy to try out various combinations until you feel what is the best style for you.
There are combinations that put more emphasis on speed while there are people that prefer more focus on acceleration. Once you understand your kart dynamics, you will be able to customize your vehicle depending on the challenge and the track.
Strategic Item Management
Mario Kart is a very strategic game, it is more than racing to the end of the line or the cute aesthetic. In Mario Kart 8, there is a double-item system that allows players to carry two items at a time. You must learn the right timing for deploying your items.
For instance, you can keep the Banana Peels or the Shells for your defense and have something offensive like the Mushroom or a Red Shell as well. Knowing what items would give you a significant advantage during the race will help you progress. Meanwhile, you should also be wary of the positions of your opponents before deploying your items.
Master Anti-Gravity Mechanic
The anti-gravity mechanic is first introduced in Mario Kart 8. This allows karts to drive on walls and ceilings. You can take advantage of this by strategically clinging to anti-gravity sections of the track. This will open new racing lines, giving you more space to move, and decreasing your chance to collide with others.
Smart Use of the Super Horn
Known for its defensive powers, the super horn is capable to destroy Blue Shells and send nearby racers flying. Due to its impeccable power, you must only use it for crucial moments. This is best when protecting your position in the race, especially if you are leading.
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