Mario Kart 8 Deluxe - Testing Out DLC Tracks #3
4So far, this is probably my favourite of the DLC updates! Though this time around, I haven't been time trialling anything.
Tour London Loop 0:00
Starting off with the track based in my capital city! I appreciate this isn't too influenced by stereotypes. Can definitely see more of a resemblance in the design similar to my experiences in London. So I like that! But like the rest of the city tour tracks, it still doesn't work perfectly with the game, or is anywhere near the same standard as the original MK8 tracks. One turn near the beginning keeps throwing me off, as it feels like it’s going to go on further than it actually does. I also personally don't like the sky (It's a little too bright for London).
GBA Boo Lake 3:18
Like with all GBA tracks at this point, I was once again sceptical the track would end up being redone beyond recognition. You'd be lying if you said that didn't happen a bit. But just like GBA Snow Land, it was surprisingly fun to drive! Contrary to what the CTGP version led me to believe, the underwater aesthetic actually works pretty well. Dare I say it makes more sense than just being suspended over a void, like SNES Ghost Valley 2 in MKWii.
3DS Alpine Pass 5:25
This is probably my least favourite track in this DLC release. By no means do I not like it. But to me, this was the MK7 track! That version had a very specific design, texturing, and unique races. It would always be the first track that came to mind whenever someone mentioned MK7. This remake just doesn't replicate or echo any of that in the slightest. Considering this is a 1080p game, the texturing here is honestly appalling! This is also the first of many tracks where I'll complain once again about the scaling, being too big in some places.
Wii Maple Treeway 8:38
Maple Treeway is my favourite MKWii track by concept, but it was one of the worst made and tested in the game. It broke my heart having all the glitches, and players complaining about how annoying it was to drive. The fact that was never really changed in MK7 makes things even worse. So it feels like Treeway would have a fighting chance in MK8! This version is a massive improvement over Wii & 7's versions. Having no glitches (so far 🤞), much less jank shit, nice colours/textures, and a proper soundtrack remake (as opposed to the copy and paste for Mushroom Gorge). That being said, it still isn't perfect. Treeway also sadly falls victim to poor scaling, and I can't deny the track from the wiggler section up until the second glider feels pretty awkward. The return of the half pipe section as the 3rd item set makes absolutely no sense. Like Alpine Pass, I do feel Treeway is let down by being a port from Tour, rather than a full remake optimised for the game.
All in all, I am VERY happy Treeway is back! But I still don't think it has been taken to its true potential.
Tour Berlin Byways 12:09
Unlike London Loop, I can't really vouch for this track compared to the real Berlin. I guess with less of a personal connection to the places irl, it's harder to see these city tour tracks in a more positive light. Unsurprisingly, the track feels very odd or somewhat out of place in this game. It's certainly an interesting design choice to have falling Whomps as part of the Berlin Wall. The soundtrack is actually more reminiscent of what I thought we'd be getting for London Loop.
DS Peach Gardens 15:07
I feel like this and 3DS Rainbow Road were a little too hyped up. By no means do I not like this track, but to me, it has suffered a similar fate as Alpine Pass. The MKWii version of this track has a design and vibe that heavily reminisces somewhere near me irl, as well as arguably being one of the better scaled DS tracks in Wii. Again, this remake just isn't the same in the slightest, and that's pretty disappointing. A lot of sections feel way too big now, particularly at the end. Though I will say it makes a little sense when going in reverse on lap 3. I do feel like the track was somewhat empty to the left in the past, so it's nice they added in the extra route. It opens it up a little more.
Merry Mountain 18:19
The Polar Express! This is the first thing that came to mind when I first saw this track. I wonder if Robyn will think the same thing? (the Polar Express is her favourite Christmas film). Driving-wise, this track isn't overly interesting (though is still more so then the tour city tracks). The half-pipe and down hill sections feels a little lacklustre and irritating. The soundtrack for this track does sound Christmassy, but also very Super Mario Galaxy like as well.
3DS Rainbow Road 21:15
When I imagine a Rainbow Road for this game, this is much more like it! Every Rainbow Road in the game so far (especially MK8's original), has felt more artificial, and less magical. So I am very happy this design is here! That being said, once again this track also falls victim to poor scaling, and I'd actually say this is probably the worst one for it in this update.
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