With Mario Kart World gearing up for its debut on the next-gen Switch 2, it’s poised to change the game for the series. This iteration takes a leap into open-world design, a first for Mario Kart, and introduces a host of customizable outfits and vehicles. The recent showcases through trailers and livestreams have given fans a taste of what to expect, and it’s shaping up to be the most ambitious installment the series has seen. However, with so much new content to unlock—be it characters, vehicles, or other goodies—it might be time for Nintendo to shake up how these unlocks function, moving away from traditional methods like just winning races or collecting piles of coins.
Take a page from another open-world racer, Burnout Paradise. In that game, players could pursue and crash rival cars to unlock new vehicles—a mechanic that could bring new energy to Mario Kart World. Imagine cruising through the expanded Mario Kart World, using the open world to track down and take out other racers as part of the unlock process for some vehicles. Plus, on top of this, we have the game’s new ‘Dash Food’ feature for outfit unlocking, which might further encourage exploration as players track down and defeat racers to score unique rides.
As Mario Kart evolved from its early days, each new entry brought more to the table including diverse ways of unlocking new wheels and parts. From grabbing coins in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe to conquering specific race cups at different speeds like in Double Dash or Mario Kart Wii, the series constantly finds new engagement methods. With Mario Kart World already revitalizing the franchise’s tried-and-true formula, adopting an unlock system inspired by Burnout’s “Shut Down” mechanic could offer something fresh and thrilling.
While it’s still unclear if all vehicles in Mario Kart World will need unlocking or if some will be available at the outset, the potential for using Free Roam features such as Peach Medallions or P-Switches to gain new rides adds another exciting layer. Players could roam the vast game world, interacting with CPU drivers and using items to best them in races, gaining access to some of Mario Kart World’s signature vehicles.
There’s a list of vehicles that players could hunt down in this massive new setting. Imagine chasing after the likes of the Dolphin Dasher or the Biddybuggy, capturing that thrilling sense of accomplishment when you finally “unlock” them. By drawing inspiration from Burnout Paradise, Mario Kart World could allow players to swap out the more straightforward race wins or coin collections with a dynamic takedown and discovery system in Free Roam mode, echoing Burnout’s “Shut Down” style.
While Mario Kart World still keeps its character customization options vibrant, it seems vehicle customization might not follow the same route as seen in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe. But a system encouraging players to track down and unlock vehicles could not only balance the game but also keep things lively and engaging. Secret or unique vehicles might even be scattered across the game world, waiting to be found by the most dedicated players—adding a bit of mystery and wonder as players explore everything this new open world has to offer.
