Another lap, another crossover: the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe tracks will lead us with Link to Hyrule in this installment of the track guide
And with this they make ten: since the cups of Mario Kart 8 Deluxe with the DLC they will touch 24, it is good to reiterate that we are not even half of ours guide at 48 piste of the game, destined to become 96 tracks by the end of next year. The fantastic quartet that we will see today with the Triforce Trophy presents some exceptional circuits. In fact, there is talk of Wario’s Wii Gold Mine, SNES Rainbow Track, Polar Track and Hyrule Circuit. Not even two episodes have passed and we are already at the second crossover, this time with a much less endangered brand: that of The Legend of Zelda. Start your engines!
Wii Wario’s Gold Mine
The erroneous association between characters and tracks in the series returns to hit even in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe: but why, we say, give Wario the guide of the mine trolleys when Donkey Kong exists to have dizzying mining tracks? Whatever the reason, Wii Wario’s Gold Mine presents the same daring descents seen also in the original counterpart. With the welcome addition of anti-gravity sections, of course!
- Layout: There is very little to say about the first corners, even counting the descent to over 45 ° that awaits you. Just before entering the mine, you will notice an external section on the bend to the right: don’t be fooled, it’s just a “punishment” that lengthens the way for those who can’t stay on the inside. Past the Swoopers (which will only slow you down), the anti-gravity section presents a welcome change: the mine carts, should you bump into them, will give you a slight turbo boost. The junction is still present: you choose whether to take the main road indicated by the Wario sign above the arch or whether to go through the section on the left, narrower, to cut a bit of the road. Outside the mine, the last curve on the left awaits you: you can cut it with a mushroom.
- Assessment: While not one of the best tracks, the remake of this circuit benefits enormously from anti-gravity. In fact, the result manages to do much more justice to the association between mine trolleys and roller coasters. Well done! 8.5.10.
SNES Rainbow Track – Mario Kart 8 Deluxe track and track guide
By beating the Mario Kart 7 record with two variations of the same setting, the eighth chapter relaunches with three. SNES Arcobaleno Track hardly needs any introduction, but the announcement of the DLC does nothing but put us a lot of salivation at the idea of reviewing other world championship tracks. The one from Super Circuit, then …
- Layout: The less elaborate layout ever for the Rainbow Runs also offers one of the simplest minimaps overall. However, the track is also completely devoid of guardrails, so you’ll want to stay focused. After the first corner, two rainbow Twomps await you: try to pass in the middle to be on the safe side, or at least be careful if you happen to whiz under one of them. After two more curves, you will find ramps: take advantage of them for some stunts, but avoid exaggerating if you want to take the next curve safely. You could take a risk with a mushroom at the next turn, if you want to go all out. The straight to follow hosts only one Twomp world champion in the center; be careful. After two curves you will find a fork, with a Twomp on each side and a ramp in the center for those who can take advantage of it. The last corner precedes the last two Twomps before the finish.
- Assessment: A great return without a shadow of a doubt, but penalized by the presence of the first Rainbow Track also as a retro version of the track in Mario Kart 7. In the aforementioned and hypothetical context with more Rainbow tracks, however, it could regain points. We await confident news from the DLC. 8/10.
Polar Track – Mario Kart 8 Deluxe track and track guide
With a soundtrack not admittedly (but expressly) inspired by Mega Man, the Polar Track it represents a more pronounced “Crash Bandicoot-esco” approach to glacial settings. Instead of fairytale snowy landscapes, in fact, we are dealing with a shipyard in the midst of icebergs. The two lanes that make up the carriageway will often and willingly divide.
- Layout: Already at the first corner, the yellow section will rise as a warning for the crossroads that await you along the entire route. The second corner sees one of the lanes pass under the other. Only the straight following will bring them together properly. The third curve separates the lanes in such a way that it is impossible to switch between them, while keeping them close together. Right at this point, the outer half (the green one) presents a moderately generous shortcut: having a mushroom isn’t essential, but it helps. The antigravity section that follows twists the lanes further, and then leads to two blue ramps with which to make the same glide. The final curve can be cut, but in this case having a mushroom is vital.
- Assessment: Although more anonymous than other winter settings, this track is based solely on a brilliant level design. The feeling of the separation of the lanes is overwhelming just enough. 8/10.
Circuit of Hyrule
As we have already said, the Circuit of Hyrule pays homage to The Legend of Zelda in its entirety, without referring to a specific chapter of the fantasy saga. The coins here are replaced by the Rupees, which however work in the exact same way.
- Layout: The first few turns offer generous opportunities to make cuts. The glide will lead you to a very challenging curve: you will have to be able to touch all the turbo turrets in rapid succession to activate the shortcut in the center of the hall in the castle. If you fail, you can only admire the Supreme Sword (definitely not to scale) in the center and go left or right. Once reunited, the narrow streets will lead you out of the castle. Outside, you’ll have to avoid the Deku Baba in the corners (functionally identical to the Piranha Plants) and the Keese bats (ditto with potatoes for the Swoopers) on the last corners before the finish. Those just after the exit can be cut with a mushroom, by the way.
- Assessment: Doing justice to an entire IP might have been easier with Mute City where Nintendo already had a solid foundation, but outside of the occasional minigame the Zelda saga has very little to do with racing. The fanservice here is little but reasoned, and while not touching the same heights of the two circuits inspired by F-Zero, the ideas behind the track (one above all the miniature riddle for the shortcut) are quite spot on. 8/10.
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