Is Mario Kart World a game-changer worth its hefty $80 price tag? Early impressions say it’s not quite that groundbreaking.

From the recent Treehouse footage, one major shift stands out: gone are the classic laps we know and love. Now, players navigate expansive tracks that feel more like long drives—often leading to boredom during that first stretch that's just a mundane highway drive.

Diverse Game Modes to Explore!

Despite the switch to long, open tracks, Mario Kart World features four exciting gameplay modes to keep things lively: Grand Prix, World Tour, Free Roam, and Battle Mode.

• **Grand Prix** allows players to race on traditional courses with laps, earning trophies like in previous Mario Kart games. However, it locks off the open-world paths to maintain that classic racing feel.

• **World Tour** feels reminiscent of classic arcade racers like OutRun. Here, players can traverse check points across the country against 24 competitors—perfect for those who crave adventure.

• **Free Roam** gives you the liberty to cruise through all the open locations you’ve unlocked in World Tour, offering a chill experience.

• **Battle Mode** serves up the chaotic fun we expect, where players can compete against friends in arenas, blowing them out of the water by shooting balloons or snagging the most coins.

The Treehouse presentation primarily showcased World Tour Mode, which seems to be the star of the show. To put it in perspective, think of Grand Prix as Need For Speed: Most Wanted, World Tour akin to OutRun, Free Roam like Grand Theft Auto III, and Battle Mode reminiscent of Twisted Metal or Rocket League.

Mario Kart World might not redefine the genre, but it certainly attempts to shake up the classic formula with these intriguing modes. Are you ready to hit the open road?