The Mario Kart series is probably the most popular racing series of all time. And many would pick the latest games in the series as some of the best casual racers around. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe was released on Nintendo Switch in 2017. This was a beefed-up version of the Wii U version of 8, since few got to play it on its native platform. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Booster Course Pass brings a whopping 48 new tracks and eight new characters to the party for £22.49/€34.99.
Read More: Super Mario Bros Wonder review – Run Back to Glory
Or, if you have subscribed to the Expansion Pack, the online series is included with that, which is a nice touch.
Wave of DLC
Many were surprised that Nintendo didn’t announce a ground-up Switch Mario Kart entry, after the success of Mario Kart 8 Deluxe. Instead, they chose build on MK8D with the Booster Course Pass.
This brought new content, piece by piece, to the game over the space of some 20 months. Six packs in total would end up adding 48 additional courses and eight additional characters to the game.
All of the 48 DLC tracks and eight characters are included in the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Booster Course Pass.
Mario Kart Cups
The new courses are doled out in a series of cups. Newcomers include, Golden Dash Cup, Moon Cup, and Spiny Cup. Each of these are made up of four races, picked and inspired by Mario’s karting history.
There are past tracks from the SNES, Wii and GBA entries, and each brings their own style to the table. Whilst some of the most memorable tracks of these Mario Kart classics are not here, the legacy selection is a crowd pleaser.
The tracks from the Mario Kart Tour, however, are probably the most interesting addition to the base game.
Tour tracks, like Athens Dash and Amsterdam Drift, evolve during the race, changing the layout of the track with each passing lap. This will irritate some, but it something that often levels the playing field.
Inconsistent Circuits
However, the Tour tracks don’t quite have the level of polish seen in the other tracks. This lack of Nintendo sheen is probably due to their mobile origins. The Tour tracks have a plastic look to them, and there are some issues with the scale of things.
It’s also worth nothing that not all tracks are made with the same love or creativity as others across the 48 added to the game. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Booster Course Pass has some duff entries in the mix. Many of these lesser track are found in packs one and two, while the quality picks up thereafter.
Character Mine
A good mix of characters join in the fun. Amongst them a few deep cuts in terms of Mario Kart lore. Birdo, Kamek, Petey Piranha, Wiggler, Funky Kong, Diddy Kong, Pauline and Peachette all bring something different.
And with this infusion of Booster Course Pass characters, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe‘s roster is probably the best seen in any of the Mario Kart title to date.
Hidden Treasure
Overall, the Booster Course Pass delivers more of what most fans wanted in an already outstanding title. Casual players will appreciate the newfound variety, the new cups to conquer and new characters to master.
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Booster Course Pass is, however, more of a mixed bag for the hardcore fans. Those who play the game a lot will notice track quality can be great in places, and not so great in others.
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Booster Course Pass more than doubles the number of tracks already available in the base game, so regardless of its lesser parts, it’s still a near-essential purchase for MK8D.
The Booster Course Pass is a great addition, and great value for money. The well of content breathes new life into a legendry title. Mario Kart 8 may be a decade old, but it can still delivering countless thrills and couch co-op spills.