PixlBit

The best way to utilize paths and maximizing boosts... that still exists in Mario Kart Wii. The timed mini-turbo just means that you have to approach the tracks entirely differently to make the most of them. In some cases, I feel that longtime Mario Kart fans never gave the new system a chance, writing it off before trying to learn it and see how it works. Since it requires tight racing lines, I actually feel it takes more skill than snaking; with snaking, you can still gain speed even through poor snaking skills.

However, seeing as it was a staple for Mario Kart for such a long time, it would be nice to still have some sort of "classic mode" that uses the system of the old games. But if there can be only one system, I feel the current timed system accommodates the largest number of players. Just be glad that Nintendo didn't make automatic drift the only method. ;)

And hey, I wouldn't call that a rant, it was a well-explained opinion with examples and logic to back it up. I can see the appeal in snaking, even if I don't like it. Maybe I was a bit harsh, because I feel that the new timed system gets too much hate from longtime Mario Kart fans. So I guess I know the feeling.

Amazon still has the game listed as $40, for those who want it. I expect their pre-orders to fill up fast now.

This is why I should check my email...

Personally, I find the old powerslide mechanic to be the reason why Mario Kart Wii is the only good Mario Kart game. Snaking doesn't really take skill, all it takes is the tolerance to waggle an analogue stick or D-pad back and forth, and races are decided by whoever can do that the fastest. That isn't interesting, it's just tedious. Mario Kart Wii and 7's system actually requires finding a good racing line as opposed to swerving back and forth like a drunk driver.

It may not have been worth $50, but it is definitely worth the $5-10 that you'd be likely to find it for today. It may be short and not pretty, but it is clever.

This game is actually based on an early PlayStation game titled The Bombing Islands, although it has mostly different puzzles and some new stage elements. Since it was an early game, I imagine they chose passwords since they weren't sure if everyone would have a memory card or enough space that early in the system's time on the market, and that transferred over to this version.

I think the date mentioned of November 15th might be a mistake. From what I can tell, the game is releasing on November 18th in Europe and November 20th in North America.

If anyone still sees the old design, be sure to refresh your browser. Then you should see the new design.

The problem here is that this new model drops functionality without reducing the price. I believe this happened with the GameCube when it removed the component output, and it was lame then, too. If I remember rightly, the NES and SNES revisions launched at a lower price than the previous model, which was the way to go.

I also find the inclusion of the Super Mario Galaxy CD to be incredibly odd. The game isn't even included in the bundle so the only people it would appeal to are those who have already played Super Mario Galaxy. Which means people who already have a Wii. Makes no sense.

As for forcing the Classic Controller for Virtual Console: Anyone who has GameCube controllers already bought a Wii, so it doesn't really matter. Classic Controllers are also cheap nowadays and definitely easier to acquire than GameCube controllers. Besides, the old Wii model will still be available for purchase for anyone who truly cares.

The truly sad thing about this game is that too many people got tricked into thinking this game is a remake of the Nintendo 64 game when it is not.

Regarding shooting from the cannon to reach the star in the cage:

Those who deem something impossible shouldn't hinder those who try.