PixlBit

It wasn't so long ago that I thought to myself that I had outgrown Mario Kart. Perhaps it had gone stale for me, perhaps Sonic Racing gave me something it hadn't...whatever the case I was ready to write off the series. But something strange happened...Nintendo suckered me in...get a free game with your purchase they advertised...and I'm not going to pass up a deal like that...the cheapskate I am.

This isn't about my free game purchase (Got Pikmin 3 fyi) but it's about how Mario Kart has given me a fun experience again. Yes I know it's not perfect. There will be naysayers who talk about the lack of a track they wanted or how the battle mode has been butchered, lack of voice chat, etc. But here are 8 things Mario Kart 8 gets right in no particular order

8. The music- It's jazzy, it's up beat, up tempo, and always changing. Retro courses get an updated tune as well.

7. Dynamic New Stages- And I'm not just talking the new ones...I'm talking old course redone in HD, added gravity areas, traversable water, hangliding!

6. Those graphics- While it's not about the hd, it's about how vibrant and colorful everything is. If you weren't so busy racing you'd stare in amazement of what's happening around you.

5. Online Tournaments, ghost races, and more!- I mean it's pick up and play from the start. Challenge anyone or race your friends!

4. A.I. isn't as rubberbandy and infuriating is a small step in the right direction

3. The horn- Finally a way to stop blue shells! Lightning will still kick your butt though.

2.  Koopalings, lakitu, etc. Yeah Birdo isn't in, but really who cares...just pretend Wendy is birdo...I mean she is kind of manish.

1. You get a free game with it! I mean sure it's just 4 games (more if you're in the uk...lucky europe!) But this goes to show Nintendo still has a way to get me to buy a game! Yeah I said I wouldn't mention it, but I'm like Wario. If it's for free it's for me!