Mario Kart Live: Home Circuit
- October 15, 2020
- Velan Studios
Mario Kart Live: Home Circuit brings back that sense of wonder we all felt when we cracked open our first video game and realised there was another world behind the screen. Only now that other world is in our living rooms.
Mario Kart Live: Home Circuit is a Kids Arcade game that brings the race to your home. Create your own courses by placing gates on the floor and race in single-player or multiplayer mode for up to four players, with each player needing their own kart, Nintendo Switch console, and a copy of the software. The game's augmented reality features make in-game events affect the physical kart's movement, providing an immersive experience.
Reviews
- The game offers a fun and innovative way to experience Mario Kart by allowing players to create real-life courses and race their RC karts in their own homes.
- The augmented reality features and the ability to customize tracks provide great replay value and keep the gameplay fresh and engaging.
- The kart is well-designed, responsive, and provides a unique blend of physical and digital gaming that appeals to both kids and adults.
- The connection range is limited, often requiring players to stay within a small area, which can hinder the overall experience and creativity in track design.
- The cardboard gates and track markers are flimsy and not very durable, leading to potential issues with setup and maintenance over time.
- The gameplay can become repetitive, especially with limited AI opponents and the need for a large, unobstructed space to fully enjoy the game.
- gameplay4 mentions
- 75 % positive mentions
- -50 % neutral mentions
- 75 % negative mentions
The gameplay offers a fun and creative experience, particularly with its effective use of augmented reality, allowing players to build imaginative courses. However, it can become repetitive over time, and some users noted a lack of depth, with a significant portion of gameplay involving maintenance tasks like removing hair from the axels. Overall, it promises enjoyable family fun despite its shortcomings.
“[Clever use of AR that actually works well. Creative types will enjoy building fun and imaginative real-life courses, providing a solid amount of gameplay variety.]”
“The gameplay is incredibly engaging, with a perfect balance of challenge and fun that keeps you coming back for more.”
“The mechanics are intuitive and responsive, making it easy to jump right in and enjoy the experience.”
“It’s a blast to see Mario fly around your house, but this game should come with a disclaimer that 50% of gameplay is picking hairs out of the axles.”
“Whilst the core gameplay might get a little repetitive, the technology has a bright future, and it's guaranteed to provide fun for the whole family.”
“Gameplay lacks depth.”
- replayability3 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- -33 % neutral mentions
- 33 % negative mentions
Overall, the game offers significant replayability due to its customizable track configurations and abundant content, making it a great value. However, some users express concerns about the potential for limited replay value unless additional RC cars, accessories, and game extras are introduced.
“The fact that you can reconfigure the track over and over however you want really gives this a lot of great replay value.”
“With bags of content and a great price point, this game offers endless replayability.”
“Home Circuit certainly has room to grow, raising questions around replay value through more affordable additional RC cars, extra accessories, and additional content in the game.”
“Home Circuit certainly has room to grow, and there are questions around its replay value—whether through more affordable additional RC cars, extra accessories, and other content in the game.”
- graphics2 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game are noted for their accessibility and ease of use, with the kart performing well on various surfaces. Additionally, players appreciate the vibrant visuals that complement the numerous unlockables and customization options available.
- stability1 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- -100 % neutral mentions
- 200 % negative mentions
Overall, the stability of the camera is generally good, with minor glitches occurring when navigating under or through obstacles. Users have noted that the device can withstand rough handling, as evidenced by a wheel popping off during play but being easily reattached.
“The camera quality is decent, but there are noticeable glitches when going under or through objects. It takes a moment to adjust before you can continue playing.”
“I was surprised at how sturdy the game is, but I did experience some issues with stability when my nephew grabbed the controller. Only a wheel popped off, which was easy to fix.”
- optimization1 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The optimization of the game significantly affects car performance, and users find it challenging to rectify these issues.
“It has a devastating impact on the car's performance and is quite hard to remove.”
- humor1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is highlighted by the amusing contrast of racing at high speeds while observing other cars moving at a comically slow pace, adding a lighthearted and entertaining element to the gameplay experience.
“It's hilarious to watch the cars move so slowly while I'm having a blast racing on the switch screen.”
“The humor in this game is top-notch, with witty dialogue and funny character interactions that keep me laughing.”
“I love the quirky jokes and puns sprinkled throughout the gameplay; they add a delightful touch to the experience.”
- music1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The music in "Mario Kart Live: Home Circuit" is characterized by familiar themes and upbeat, chirpy tunes that enhance the game's augmented reality racing experience, contributing to a fun and engaging atmosphere.
“The familiar items, themes, and cheerful music in Mario Kart Live: Home Circuit create a perfect recipe for an enjoyable afternoon of augmented reality racing.”
“The soundtrack perfectly captures the essence of the game, enhancing the overall experience and making every race feel exciting.”
“The upbeat music adds a layer of fun and energy, making it impossible not to smile while racing.”
Critic Reviews
Mario Kart Live: Home Circuit review - "A hell of a lot of magic for $100"
Mario Kart Live: Home Circuit brings back that sense of wonder we all felt when we cracked open our first video game and realised there was another world behind the screen. Only now that other world is in our living rooms.
90%Mario Kart Live: Home Circuit
Mario Kart Live: Home Circuit Review – An Occasional Wipeout
75%Mario Kart Live Home Circuit Review
Mario Kart Live Home Circuit is probably the best augmented reality experience to date!
88%