Mario Kart Tour

After almost 30 years of crazy racing action, Mario Kart has finally joined the ranks of mobile games. Mario Kart Tour, the fourteenth Mario Kart game, was released for Android and iOS in 2019. The game deviates from the original Mario Kart series as it follows a point-based racing system instead of the classic “first across the line” competition. The game features 4 speed options; 50cc, 100cc, 150cc and 200cc. The latter however must be unlocked using a subscription feature.

Mario Kart Tour lets you challenge up to 7 players worldwide in races. It also gives racers a chance to face ever improving competition using the online ranking system and matchmaking. Add to this special levels where you are required to defeat Mega Bowser, and the ability to collect new drivers and vehicles and you have a pretty interesting mobile game! Let’s take a closer look.

About the game

The karts are controlled using your smartphone’s touchscreen. This means that you control your vehicle by moving your fingers across the screen. The controls can be customized to some extent, but there is no option for using any kind of handheld controller. To steer the kart in curves, you need to tilt your fingers and phone. Mastering the controls is difficult, and the slight delay does not make it easier, but with time you will get better. Drifting especially takes skill, as it requires players to swipe and hold the finger. It is fun, but not easy!

Mario Kart Tour is the first game in the series to feature courses taken from the real world, including locations such as the Japanese capital Tokyo; overlooked by the impressive Mt. Fuji, or the neon-lighted New York City during night time; packed to the brim with bright billboards, broadway shows and casinos (click here for more info about online casinos). The tracks, or Tours, also feature themes such as classic Nintendo characters and games. The tours are real-time events, lasting for 2 weeks each. Players can partake in 12-18 races throughout these 2 weeks, and collect new drivers, karts and other collectibles.

Downloading Mario Kart Tour

If you want to download the Mario Kart Tour app, head on over to the Apple App Store if you are playing on an iOS system, or the Google Play Store if you are using Android. The game is free to download and play, however there is a subscription feature. “Gold Pass” goes for a monthly subscription of $4.99 USD per month, it unlocks the 200cc feature, gold races, exclusive items and in-game achievements. While the Gold Pass feature and constant need for flawless internet connection has been heavily criticised, the game managed to win several awards, such as Racing Game of the Year and the Nickelodeon Kids Choice Awards video game of the year. The game has also been criticized for “Gacha”-like game features. Gacha is the name used for vending-machine lottery-like mechanics similar to loot boxes popular in many online computer games. Gacha, loot boxes and sports betting on electronic sports have been a heavily discussed subject in the gaming community as of lately.

The game was downloaded over 90 million times in the first week of its release. In the same time, it also made over $12 million USD in optional player spendings.

Mario Kart Tour - In conclusion

Mario Kart Tour is a very well made mobile racing game. It is a spinoff to the ever popular Mario Kart series that helped put Nintendo on the map as one of the world's foremost game developers. The in game content is somewhat limited if you opt not to pay for the monthly subscription, but perfectly enjoyable without it. If you are looking for a fun mobile game to pass the time Mario Kart Tour may be a good pickup for you. But we would rather pick up Mario Kart Live: Home Circuit (2020) or Mario Kart 8 (2014) than paying 5 dollars a month for a mobile game.