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Mario Kart Wii

(2008, Video Games - Racing, Rated E, Play it on: Nintendo Wii)
  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 4, age appropriate for kids over 6; suggested age 6.
  • Is it any good?

    4.0
  • Common Sense says

    Fun family-friendly game that's hard to put down.

Why We Rated This on for Ages 6 and Up

The good stuff

  • Educational value:

    Not an issue.
  • Messages:

    Not an issue.
 

What to watch out for

  • Violence & scariness:

    Mild cartoon violence, including shooting items at rival racers.
  • Language:

    Not an issue.
  • Consumerism:

    This is part of the Mario brand of video games from Nintendo.
 

What Parents Need to Know

This review of Mario Kart Wii was written by Marc Saltzman

Parents need to know that this game is perfectly suitable for players of all ages. The ESRB warning of "comic mischief" relates to the combative nature of the arcade race, where players can shoot turtle shells at other go-karts to trip them up or when giant hammers flatten riders on their way to the finish line. The game can be played with up to 12 players online, but Common Sense Media doesn't recommend unsupervised online gaming for anyone under age 12.

Families Can Talk About

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  • Families can talk about how the two new key features –- wireless, motion-sensing control (including the free wheel) and online multiplayer support for 12 gamers -– helps separate this sequel from the past Mario Kart games. Is this enough to move this franchise forward or is it more of the same but with a couple of extra bells and whistles? Also, is it possible for a game to live up to its tremendous hype?
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More on Mario Kart Wii

What’s the Story?

Nintendo Wii gamers with the need for speed won't be disappointed with the much-hyped MARIO KART WII, an incredibly fun and accessible cartoon racing game for kids and kids-at-heart. As with past games in the series, players first choose a familiar Nintendo character – such as Baby Mario, Luigi, Donkey Kong, Princess Peach, Yoshi, Toad, or even your own custom-made Mii character – before hopping into a kart car or motorcycle to enter a wild race. The goal of each match is to reach the finish line through speed and cunning use of weapons such as dropping bananas on the track to slip up opponents trailing behind or turning into a rocket for a temporary speed burst.

Mario Kart Wii ships with the small Wii Wheel, which houses the wireless and motion-sensing Wii Remote (sold seperately), so you simply hold this circular controller like a steering wheel to navigate corners while the button can be used to initiate your power-up (such as a weapon). Shake the wheel while you're in the air for a special mid-air move. Players can also choose from three other controller setups, but the wheel is the most intuitive. Close

Is It Any Good?

Not only can gamers play against savvy computer-controlled opponents or with up to three others on the same television, but for the first time in the series, you can also log onto the Internet via the free Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection and engage in multiplayer games and tournaments for up to 12 players. The end result is a highly enjoyable game for both seasoned fans of the franchise and first-time players. The cartoon arcade action and the fast-paced racing combine to make for a thrilling solo diversion or head-to-head competition that's as easy to pick up as it is hard to put down. Close

Publisher’s Details

Released on 04/27/2008, price $49.99, not online enabled
ESRB rating: E (for Comic Mischief)

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See all 62 member reviews

Most Recent Reviews

  1. Parent Reviewer
    I rate this title on for age 17 and give it 5.0
    My concerns are:
    • Excessive violence
    • Inappropriate language
    • Excessive consumerism
    • Negative message
    • Negative role models
    • Safety is an issue

    Save it for the big kids.

    This is so dangerous!!!

  2. Kid Reviewer Age 12
    Lives in Massachusetts
    I rate this title on for age 6 and give it 3.0
    My concerns are:
    • Excessive violence

    • My highlights are:
    • Safety isn't an issue
    • Easy to play

    fun and easy

    The game is fun and easy to play! U AND YOUR KIDS WILL LOVE IT!!

  3. I rate this title on for age 8 and give it 3.0
    My concerns are:
    • Excessive violence

    Fun, Violent at times, But HARD TO PLAY

    My family had this and we borrowed it for a whole month and none of us could figure it out! It was SO hard. When you crash, it's sorta violent, but nothing too awful. Just remember it's SUPER hard to play when you buy it. It takes skill.

  4. Kid Reviewer Age 11
    I rate this title on for age 7 and give it 5.0
    • My highlights are:
    • Positive messages
    • Good role models
    • Safety isn't an issue
    • Easy to play

    Fun for all the family!!!

    This is a brilliant game, and even better in multiplayer. The best mario kart yet. Always taken out at partys, family gatherings and even by yourself. BRILLIANT!!!!!!!

  5. I rate this title on for age 6 and give it 5.0
    • My highlights are:
    • Easy to play

    BGE (best game ever)

    Great game! I bought it a couple months ago and loved it!!

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