The Unmatched Brilliance of Mario Kart: Double Dash's Unique Innovation

Highlights

The introduction of the partner system in Mario Kart: Double Dash resulted in a significant expansion of the character selection and the introduction of character-specific items. As a result, this game had a profound impact on the series.

The All-Cup Tour, which encompassed all tracks in Double Dash, has not been repeated since. However, its reintroduction in future Mario Kart games would be a noteworthy addition. Although a complete All-Cup Tour may be unattainable due to the growing number of tracks in recent games, a comparable concept or a tour exclusively for regular and retro tracks could still be feasible, greatly enhancing the upcoming Mario Kart installment.

Mario Kart: Double Dash stands out as one of the most unique entries in the series, featuring an innovative idea that hasn't been replicated since. The Mario Kart franchise has grown with each new installment, exemplified perfectly by Mario Kart 8 Deluxe. The game boasts an impressive selection of karts, drivers, and courses, a level of abundance that would have been unimaginable in the earlier days of Mario Kart. Despite the significant advancements made, there are certain concepts from the past that have been left behind, including one intriguing feature that could have become a staple of the series.

When most fans reminisce about Mario Kart: Double Dash, they often recall the game's partner system, and rightly so. This unique feature took center stage in the game's marketing campaign and was incorporated into every game mode. Additionally, the inclusion of character doubling allowed for a substantial expansion of the game's roster, surpassing the previous groups of eight characters found in earlier games. Double Dash also introduced character-specific items, a concept that was later revisited in Mario Kart Tour, as well as being the first game to introduce the Bob-Omb as an item. This game proved to have a surprisingly influential impact on the future of the series.

Double Dash's All-Cup Tour is Mario Kart's Most Underused Idea

The All-Cup Tour, a beloved feature of Mario Kart: Double Dash, has been missing from the series since its debut. This final cup unlocked all the tracks in the game and challenged players to race through all 16 in a row. Although it was only featured in one game, the All-Cup Tour would be a fantastic addition to future Mario Kart games. It serves as the ultimate test for players, allowing them to showcase their skill on every track. Surprisingly, this unique and engaging feature has yet to be revisited, despite the game's introduction of other challenging modes like Mirror Mode and 200cc difficulty. The All-Cup Tour remains one of the best ways for Mario Kart fans to truly master the game.

There are several potential obstacles that could hinder the All-Cup Tour's revival in the series. The inclusion of retro tracks in recent Mario Kart games has resulted in a significant increase in the number of tracks compared to Double Dash, making it challenging to accommodate a full All-Cup Tour. Nonetheless, a similar concept could still be feasible. For instance, Mario Kart 9 could introduce separate tours for regular cups and retro tracks, or something of the like. It is still possible to create a grand prix resembling the All-Cup Tour on a large scale.

The All-Cup Tour may pose more challenges for a newer Mario Kart installment, but the idea itself remains significant. With Mario Kart 9 aiming to elevate the game to new heights, reintroducing a concept similar to the All-Cup Tour could be beneficial. Not only does it pay homage to one of the series' classic titles, but it also presents a straightforward idea that has the potential to work exceptionally well, albeit with some adjustments to align with the modern Mario Kart experience. If the All-Cup Tour manages to make a comeback in any form, it could greatly enhance the next Mario Kart game.

Mario Kart: Double Dash is available now for the Nintendo GameCube.