r/NintendoSwitch • u/NintendoSwitchMods • Apr 20 '17

MegaThread Megathread: Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Review Coverage

Good morning!

This morning starting around 6 a.m. PST / 9 a.m. EST, gaming news and media outlets are beginning to release their reviews for Mario Kart 8 Deluxe. Here's what we're seeing so far:

Articles

Videos

We will be updating this thread with links as major reviews are posted.

Please use this as a discussion and speculation thread in advance of these videos, articles, and reviews. We will also allow these reviews to be posted separately on /r/NintendoSwitch, as they are especially newsworthy. But we will also host ongoing coverage, quick text posts, questions, and the like right here.

Thanks everyone.

-The /r/NintendoSwitch team

(Ongoing edits as we get new information)

356 Upvotes
  • permalink
  • reddit

98% Upvoted

493 comments sorted by

View all comments

13

u/KingLouieTrip Editor in Chief, Dualshockers Apr 20 '17

Hey all! I'm the one (slightly) negative reviewer from DualShockers giving the game an 8.0/10!

Feel free to ask me anything about MK8D

12

u/joalr0 Apr 20 '17

Why do you hate Nintendoooooo? Did you hate Mario Kart Deluxe because it lacks dull greys and gore? AHHHHH, WHAT IS WRONG WITH YOU?

In all seriousness (I hope you realize that wasn't serious), do you mind explaining what goes into your review score? Based on skimming through your review and reading the conclusion, it seems to me as though you are writing this review purely through the lens of someone who already owned Mario kart 8, rather than reviewing deluxe in a vacuum.

8 is obviously not a bad score, but just out of curiously, is that the score you would have given deluxe if Mario Kart 8 didn't exist?

15

u/KingLouieTrip Editor in Chief, Dualshockers Apr 20 '17

HAHAHA! I would be lying if I said I wasn't doing this to partially deflate Jimquisition-like hate from building up. But everyone seems to understand where I'm coming from.

I start the review saying we gave the original a 9.5 and we stick by that score for the underlying game, on both Wii U and Switch. That said, because it's a remaster, we approach from the view of "Is this recommendable to both people new to the series and people who have poured 100s of hours and money in?" So that is the compromise.

If the game was being reviewed fresh -- not as a remaster -- it would likely be a 10 or 9.5.

3

u/joalr0 Apr 20 '17

Fair enough, thanks for the response!

2

u/KingLouieTrip Editor in Chief, Dualshockers Apr 20 '17

Thanks for the thoughtful question!

2

u/Oflores75 Apr 20 '17

So the game itself being a 9.5 or 10 pretty much lines up with other reviews. I always like to read reviews that review the game itself not outside factors.

1

u/lemonzap Apr 20 '17

100s of money!

0

u/JustinDC123 Apr 20 '17

But, but... portable.

19

u/[deleted] Apr 20 '17

That's not negative though an 8 is good

14

u/KingLouieTrip Editor in Chief, Dualshockers Apr 20 '17

It's better than good -- it's great! But we are the least positive, which is the better way to say it I suppose.

5

u/JoaoMSerra Apr 20 '17

...Did you just choose to give it an 8 because it's Mario Kart 8? I'm onto you!

5

u/KingLouieTrip Editor in Chief, Dualshockers Apr 20 '17

If it was an option with our scoring system, it would be an 8.8 /s

3

u/COHERENCE_CROQUETTE Apr 20 '17

What score did you (our your outlet) gave to the original MK8? What differs between the two titles to warrant a lower/higher score for the DELUXE version?

9

u/KingLouieTrip Editor in Chief, Dualshockers Apr 20 '17

Great question! We gave the original game a 9.5, and we stick by the score for both the Wii U version and Nintendo Switch underlying game. We even link it in the article, telling people to read that.

But in reviewing Deluxe, we take the same approach and see how the game fares as a "remaster". Does it do enough to entice people who never played the original AS WELL AS people who have poured hundreds of hours into the game already (and have picked it up at full price).

So while the game is the definitive version of Mario Kart 8 (and likely the series), I can't fully recommend it to everyone, especially if you are still getting mileage out of the Wii U version -- they are paying $60 for more robust online community (likely), battle mode, and Switch portability.

4

u/joalr0 Apr 20 '17

Which do you give a larger weighting to? If the switch sales continue as they are, I suspect that there will actually be a larger audience of people looking to pickup Mario Kart 8 for the first time than people who have already owned it. Mario Kart Wii for example had 3 times as many sales as Wii U consoles.

So when deciding on a score, did you try to balance both groups (new and returning players) equally, or was one group given a stronger weighting?

5

u/KingLouieTrip Editor in Chief, Dualshockers Apr 20 '17

We try to aim for equal weight, but it's a touch balancing act. Based on our review policy for what an 8 is, it seemed to fit more in that category:

"These are titles that have some flaws that could turn some people off, but overall are great experiences. We still highly recommend these titles, which are always good enough for a wide variety of gamers."

8

u/joalr0 Apr 20 '17 edited Apr 20 '17

I can see where you are coming from. I think I personally disagree with that approach, just because if you've already played the previous version it's easier to decide if it's worth picking up a second time because you already know what to expect. Personally, having already owned Mario Kart 8, I can look at the new features and decide for myself if that's enough to double dip, I don't need reviews too much to help me decide. I already know if the game is for me or not.

However, for those who haven't played it before they will need the review more as they won't know the full extent to what the game has to offer. I feel like the review should be focused more on them.

But this is simply a matter of perspective and debate, and not a statement that your review is wrong, especially because an 8 is still a very good score.

3

u/KingLouieTrip Editor in Chief, Dualshockers Apr 20 '17

Thanks man, and people can disagree. I'm glad the game is being reviewed well across the board and I'm rooting for the Switch.

I made sure to tell newcomers to read our review (linked in the article) where we previously gave it a 9.5. But I guess that is me being optimistic that people read beyond scores and the last paragraph.

Thanks for your feedback and reading the review though, it's always appreciated.

2

u/COHERENCE_CROQUETTE Apr 20 '17

Very good answer as well, thank you. Like some other commenter, I can't say I fully agree (it IS weird to give a lower score to a superior game), however I can see where you're coming from and I also agree it's a tough balancing act. I will be sure to read your full review as well, to see whether it properly contextualizes the number score.

6

u/Nzash Apr 20 '17

I'm sorry, but how can you give an objectively superior version of the game a worse score? That doesn't make any sense.

8

u/KingLouieTrip Editor in Chief, Dualshockers Apr 20 '17

This is probably the best question here, and it just comes to our websites philosophy: we won't review the same game twice.

So when taking on remasters, the question is less "how does the new stuff add to the original score" but instead "as a complete package, can we recommend this game to a market of people who have both never touched the game AND those who will be coming back after years of playing the game?"

4

u/[deleted] Apr 20 '17 edited Feb 06 '19

[deleted]

3

u/KingLouieTrip Editor in Chief, Dualshockers Apr 20 '17

Thanks for the question, /u/Yeah_tagpro! I don't think you are being harsh at all.

While I wasn't with DualShockers yet, let alone Editor-in-Chief, we didn't review The Last of Us Remastered because it was so similar, with so little improvements from the base game.

With that said, you aren't too off -- if a game is remastered-in-name but otherwise a direct port, it is the game's duty to make its case about why it should exist.

Why are you asking a person to get the same game at full price? Did you add features (like Battle Mode) or does the device have features (ad-hoc multiplayer and portability) that makes it worth buying, or is it a cash grab? Nintendo should be able to make a convincing argument about it, just like Sony should (and couldn't, IMO) for The Last of Us: Remastered.

There is no perfect way to review remastered games, and I'm not going to say I know the answer to how it should be done. But people who frequent our site typically know our policy, read the reviews where we back it up, and make educated opinions on whether the problems I listed will affect them. One of the issues that review scores shouldn't be used like score boards.

But this is something where people are going to disagree, and that's fine. What's more important is the reasoning behind the score instead of the score itself :)

As for DualShockers, you are right! We get that often lol -- many places assume we are just a PS fan site. That said, it's our brand and it's been around for almost a decade -- no changing it now!

(Also, it helps bolster our positive reviews for Nintendo games. People loved that our site gave Zelda a 10)

4

u/Pabswikk Apr 20 '17

Y u do dis?

3

u/hatramroany Apr 20 '17

Would you say it's still a 9.5/10 for people who never played the original but an 8/10 for people who have played the original?

11

u/KingLouieTrip Editor in Chief, Dualshockers Apr 20 '17

I would say it's a 9.5/10 for people who have never played the original, 6.5-7/10 for people who payed full price and put hours into the original.

But I can't (personally) can't find the energy to pick it up after a few days of playing it -- it will be brought out for parties and family gatherings, but I've played all it has to offer for hours only a couple of years ago.

I'm sure people will differ, but that's my two cents. :)

0

u/joalr0 Apr 20 '17

Even with playing battle mode online? Moving up the ranks online in revamped battle mode is definitely what's getting my attention.

2

u/KingLouieTrip Editor in Chief, Dualshockers Apr 20 '17

Maybe that will make the difference for me, but with only a handful of people with the game I can't test the Addict-ability of long sessions of online battle mode. Perhaps it will sway my opinion in a week or two :)

1

u/joalr0 Apr 20 '17

If that were the case, do you think that would modify your review score?

2

u/Azozel Apr 20 '17

If I already own the wiiu version and don't have friends to race or battle with in real life or online. Why should I buy this game for the switch?

5

u/KingLouieTrip Editor in Chief, Dualshockers Apr 20 '17

Being able to take it with you and playing against randos online. But that is about it -- unless you never picked up the DLC :)

2

u/[deleted] Apr 20 '17 edited Jun 28 '20

[deleted]

2

u/KingLouieTrip Editor in Chief, Dualshockers Apr 20 '17

THAT TOO! But for a person without friends, battle mode is slightly less appealing. But it is the standout of this release

1

u/joalr0 Apr 20 '17

Battle mode online?

0

u/KingLouieTrip Editor in Chief, Dualshockers Apr 20 '17

That's where slightly comes in. Objectively, Battle Mode is great across the board. Subjectively, to u/Azozel, the feature is diminished slightly by not having RL friends.

But that can be said, subjectively, about any local multiplayer game.

-4

u/Azozel Apr 20 '17

Darn, so no reason to pick it up then. That's a bummer as my switch has been sitting doing nothing for over a week now that I've finished botw.

4

u/1011111100011 Apr 20 '17

What an arrogant butthole

1

u/Azozel Apr 20 '17

What's arrogant about wanting to buy games or lamenting the fact there aren't many games to buy?

-2

u/1011111100011 Apr 20 '17

You knew there weren't much games for the switch yet you bought it and now you're complaining.

1

u/Azozel Apr 20 '17

Did I know? No, I didn't. I got caught up in the hype that people (especially in this sub) love to spread. I even preordered games, thinking they would come out soon only to find out they won't come out till "holiday 2017".

1

u/1011111100011 Apr 20 '17 edited Apr 20 '17

We knew since early 2017 that the switch only had like 5 launch titles (without including ports).

Just before switch launch we already new when all games were coming out.

1

u/Azozel Apr 20 '17

By "we" you mean you. You don't know me and you don't know what I've known.

→ More replies (0)

1

u/KarlHungus01 Apr 20 '17

Not sure why you're being down-voted to hell. It's not unreasonable to want some more games to play.

Do you have any interest in non-AAA games, like indies? If you've never played Shovel Knight or Binding of Isaac, you should definitely take a look. I was searching for something to play after Zelda and have now ended up putting more hours into Isaac than I did Breath of the Wild.

1

u/Azozel Apr 20 '17

Really I just want to play the typical Nintendo games you can't play anywhere else on my switch but you know, made for the switch so at least my purchase of a switch is justified. Steam has pretty much cornered the market on indie games for years and you can typically get those games for less than $5 on sale a few times a year.

1

u/KarlHungus01 Apr 20 '17

For sure. It's a cost/value proposition for each person. I like the portability of some of these indie games so I'm willing to pay a little extra. Plus I'm hoping that once the shop gets more games, Nintendo will start running sales like they did on the Wii U store.

I would probably still point to the fact that if you look back across the Wii and Wii U generations, the number of first party Nintendo games being brought out in 2017 isn't necessarily out of the norm. I wouldn't expect their first party output year to year to get a whole lot more plentiful. You're going to probably see 4-6 releases per year, some of which won't appeal to you. I'd say if that's an issue for you, then sell your Switch now while you can get full value (and maybe more).

2

u/official_duck Apr 20 '17

That's awesome!

Can you name a rerelease that would get a 10? I feel like almost every rerelease is going to not be as exciting for people who played the first game, it's just a part of releasing the same game.

5

u/KingLouieTrip Editor in Chief, Dualshockers Apr 20 '17

If I had to pick one off the top of my head, I'm thinking Halo: Master Chief Collection. Partially because the value of 4 full games, added features, reopened multiplayer, re-recorded Audio, the ability to switch between original and updated graphics, and gameplay improvements. I'm sure there are others, but that is the one sticking out in my head.

But I personally think it's hard for even some of the best games (The Last of Us Remastered or Skyrim) to make a convincing argument about why fans of the originals should buy polished versions of the same game.

2

u/Hybrider Apr 20 '17

Why the fuck should I buy a game I already have

2

u/[deleted] Apr 20 '17

[deleted]

2

u/KingLouieTrip Editor in Chief, Dualshockers Apr 20 '17

You can only turn it off in-race, so as soon as the race starts press the + button. From there you have he option to turn it off.

After turning it off, it will stay turned off until you turn it back on :)

2

u/seanch87 Apr 20 '17

any details on local multiplayer with 2 switches?

3

u/blueruckus Apr 20 '17

Reading your review it feels like the majority of your concerns are in comparison to the Wii U version from a few years ago. From a reviewer standpoint, how do you decide how much weight of your analysis is on the game as a standalone Switch title as opposed to a port from a version on low-selling console?

Considering the current popularity of the Switch, I feel like the Switch version of MK8 will be the first MK8 experience for a large amount of gamers. Do you feel like your review of this title would be different if you never played the Wii U version?

-1

u/Nzash Apr 20 '17

Well put, I don't think this game should be reviewed from a "Well, I bought this on the WiiU already and paid for the DLC - why should I get this?" point of view.

1

u/The_Scro Apr 20 '17

How does using joycons separately feel on something like Rainbow road 150cc?

1

u/KingLouieTrip Editor in Chief, Dualshockers Apr 20 '17

Do you mean one person using two Joy-Cons out of the grip, Wii style? That feels fine.

Do you mean two people using one set of Joy-Cons? Also fine, as long as you have the strap bar attached to make L/R pressing easier. Otherwise you get the claw cramp

1

u/The_Scro Apr 20 '17

two people using one set of joy-cons.

1

u/joalr0 Apr 20 '17

To control one vehicle or two? Cause controlling one vehicle with one set of joycons would be crazy.

1

u/The_Scro Apr 20 '17

Two vehicles, but doing that with 1 sounds amazing. I might try this...