The highly anticipated Wave 5 Booster Course tracks have finally arrived in Mario Kart 8. The all-new Feather and Cherry Cups offer a delightful blend of beloved classics and exciting new additions, injecting new life into the game and ensuring that it remains enjoyable and thrilling. In line with previous Waves, Wave 5 introduces eight fresh maps to the game. However, in a delightful surprise, it also brings three new characters: Kamek, Wiggler, and Petey Piranha. As this is the penultimate Wave expansion for Mario Kart 8, fans are eagerly anticipating Nintendo to save some of the biggest surprises for the final release. Nevertheless, they have not held back this time, including a mix of classics and possibly the best new track seen in a Mario Kart game in recent years.
8 GBA Sunset Wilds
Sunset Wilds is undeniably a stunning track, adorned with a gentle warm orange hue from the distant sunset. This creates a serene and relaxed atmosphere during each race. Although the map layout is not complex, it serves as a welcoming feature for new players who can swiftly grasp its intricacies.
It is unfortunate that Sunset Wilds may be easily confused with the multitude of other circuit tracks within the game. Nevertheless, it is still worth experiencing, if only to appreciate the mesmerizing array of colors that adorn this track, which originally debuted in Mario Kart Super Circuit.
7 Wii Moonview Highway
Moonview Highway offers stunning visuals with its noir aesthetic, featuring towering dark skyscrapers illuminated by the moon. However, the track itself is fairly standard in design and lacks surprises. The presence of the Bob-omb cars adds an extra challenge, requiring players to stay alert during the race. Despite being underrated in Mario Kart Wii, Moonview Highway remains a valuable addition to Mario Kart 8.
6 Wii Koopa Cape
Mario Kart Wii is notorious for its challenging gameplay, especially when it comes to navigating tricky tracks like Koopa Cape. Precise drifting is essential to avoid crashing or falling off the edge, as the water streams and Boost Panels propel racers at a thrilling speed while sliding around every corner.
The track's visuals have greatly improved since its Wii days, with vibrant colors and lush greenery coming together to create a captivating display. To cater to the game's mechanics, the underwater segment of the track has been transformed into an anti-gravity section. This change is a welcome relief, considering how frustrating maneuvering in water can be in the Mario Kart series.
5 Tour Los Angeles Laps
While zooming around the mesmerizing Tour Los Angeles track, observant players will spot iconic landmarks like the Santa Monica Pier, 777 Tower, and even the Beverly Hills City Hall, potentially diverting their attention from the race itself. The track maintains a pleasant rhythm, beginning with a spacious beach and transitioning into narrower sections where any Shell can cause significant damage.
Furthermore, the catchy background jingle adds to the track's allure. With each lap featuring a unique layout and environment, players are truly immersed in the grandeur of Los Angeles, feeling as though they are exploring every inch of the magnificent city.
4 Tour Vancouver Velocity
The Rogers Arena and Vancouver Public Library are just a few of the notable landmarks to discover on the Tour Vancouver Velocity map. This track strikes the perfect balance between open spaces and narrower paths, making it easily accessible and familiar after a lap or two.
While navigating the Vancouver streets, players must stay alert for sudden sharp turns, and the ice hockey rink poses an additional challenge with its speedy Shy Guy and a plethora of item boxes. Get ready for explosions and shells ricocheting off the walls! The upbeat and lively music accompanying the track truly brings the city to life, adding to the excitement of racing through it.
3 Daisy Cruiser
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Despite initial concerns that the beloved Double Dash track, Daisy Cruiser, might not make it into the final release, Nintendo pleasantly surprised fans by including it in their latest DLC. The updated visuals give the track a fresh and modern feel, marking a new era for Mario Kart.
While the track remains relatively short, it compensates with a plethora of obstacles and surprises scattered throughout each lap. This balances the difficulty, resulting in a track that is simple yet highly enjoyable to race through. Fans will be thrilled to find familiar elements such as moving tables, giant staircases, and swimming Goombas. Additionally, the iconic seaside tune returns, providing a dose of nostalgia, and even features new violin melodies that give it a contemporary touch.
2 Tour Athens Dash
Athens stands out among the real-life locations featured in Mario Kart Tour for its astonishing level of detail and meticulous design by Nintendo. Despite some creative liberties taken in track design, there are numerous references to Greek culture that are truly noteworthy.
The striking landmarks of the Acropolis, Pantheon, and Erectheion dominate the background, while racers navigate through ancient ruins teeming with Boost Panels and half-pipes, creating a fast-paced and exhilarating experience. The track showcases impressive golden Danaides at the start, giving players a glimpse of the architectural grandeur and magnificent Greek statues that adorn the entire course. Moreover, the track offers multiple branching pathways, ensuring a unique and diverse racing experience with every play.
1 Squeaky Clean Sprint
Nintendo has dedicated a significant amount of effort to ensure their new tracks are exhilarating and distinct, and Squeaky Clean Sprint may just be the pinnacle. Set entirely in a bathroom, players must maneuver past toothbrushes, bars of soap, and bottles of shampoo to successfully reach the finish line unscathed. However, what truly sets this track apart is its exceptional variety.
At one moment, players may find themselves attempting to execute a sublime Shell shot while speeding over a toilet seat, and in the next, they might plunge into the sink's drain, leading them to an underwater adventure. Additionally, there are numerous concealed paths within the track, including a water geyser positioned on a shelf, offering an alternate finish line that hovers above the conventional one. Overall, this track will undoubtedly be counted among Nintendo's finest contributions to Mario Kart 8, leaving a lasting impression for years to come.
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is currently available on Switch.