DLC Pack #1 (also known as the Legend of Zelda pack) is now available for Mario Kart 8 on Wii U. It includes three new characters: Link, Tanooki Mario, and Cat Peach. Four new vehicles are also included: The B Dasher, Tanooki Kart, Link’s Master Cycle, and the Blue Falcon from F-Zero. But the highlight (for me, at least), is the addition of eight new tracks–which make up two grand prix cups, the Egg Cup and the Triforce Cup. Here are my first impressions:
Egg Cup
GCN Yoshi Circuit: This is a returning track from Mario Kart: Double Dash on Nintendo GameCube. The track is literally shaped like Yoshi. There are very few straightaways here, it’s almost constant turning. It’s a decent track, but not my favorite.
Excitebike Arena: This track is based on the NES classic Excitebike, which also had a remake on Wii. The course is almost the complete opposite of Yoshi Circuit: It’s all straightaways except for the two necessary hairpins at each end. The interesting part is that the location of the ramps and speed boosts is random, and will change each time you play (except in time trials). Even though I like hearing the classic Excitebike songs again, I’m not sure this is a good match for a Mario Kart game.
Dragon Driftway: The entire course takes place in/on a Chinese dragon’s body. The course uses anti-gravity mode for virtually the entire track–everything but the very beginning and end of each lap. I enjoyed this track more than the first two tracks.
Mute City: The Egg Cup saved the best for last, with this futuristic F-Zero track. As you might expect, it uses anti-gravity mode for the entire duration of the course. There are lots of twists and turns, and ample speed boosts–this really feels like an F-Zero track. The energy fields, which would normally restore your health in an F-Zero game, will replenish your coins here. Nice touch. This track is really making me want a new F-Zero game for Wii U.
Triforce Cup
Wii Wario’s Gold Mine: This was one of the better tracks in Mario Kart Wii, so I’m glad to see it make a return in Mario Kart 8. Part of the track takes place in anti-gravity mode, but it still feels pretty much the same as it did on Wii.
SNES Rainbow Road: The original Rainbow Road has returned, in all of its colorful, borderless glory. The thwomps now cause ripples in the track, so you have to be extra careful not to be thrown from the course. This track also appeared in Mario Kart 7, so I can imagine that MK7 players might think it’s too soon to see it again. But personally, I haven’t played Mario Kart 7, so I’m quite happy to see its return.
Ice Ice Outpost: The icon for this track shows a yellow Toad and a green Toad. The course takes place around icebergs, even going inside of some. The course splits into two paths–one yellow and one green. They go different routes, rejoin, and split again. Why not call it Lemon Lime Twist instead? It’s an enjoyable track.
Hyrule Circuit: The Triforce cup finishes up with this Legend of Zelda themed track. Here, coins are replaced with rupees and piranha plants are replaced with Deku Babas (the similar-looking creatures from the Zelda games). Inside the castle, you need to hit three switches to open up a shortcut that lets you jump by/through the Master Sword. Hitting them all can be tricky at times, but I’m sure it gets easier with practice. This is a fun track, especially for Zelda fans.
Here is a gameplay video of the Triforce Cup:
DLC Pack #1 is available for $7.99 to Mario Kart 8 players, and I recommend it. Even though I was hoping a “Zelda pack” would have more than one Zelda-themed track, the pack adds new life to Mario Kart 8 and it’s well worth the money.
Read my Mario Kart 8 Review – Buy Mario Kart 8 at Amazon.com