Who Isn’t in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe? And Why You Should Care!
So, you’re hitting the tracks in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, mastering the drifts, and chucking shells like a pro. But something feels… missing. You’re not alone! While Mario Kart 8 Deluxe boasts a massive roster of characters, some beloved racers are conspicuously absent. So, who isn’t in this karting extravaganza?
The most notable omissions include:
- Donkey Kong Jr.: A classic from the original Super Mario Kart, DK Jr. hasn’t been seen in a mainline Mario Kart title for ages.
- Honey Queen: Introduced in Mario Kart 7, this buzzy behemoth hasn’t made a return.
- Waluigi’s Course Waluigi Pinball (DS), being a selectable course without him is something of a tragedy.
- King Bob-Omb: A heavy-hitter introduced on Mario Kart Tour who isn’t available in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe.
These are just a few of the many characters that have appeared in previous iterations of the Mario Kart franchise but for some reason or another haven’t made an appearance in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe. Their absences have definitely left many fans questioning Nintendo’s decision to leave them out of the game.
Why Does It Matter? The Importance of Character Roster
You might be thinking, “So what? It’s just a racing game.” But the character roster in Mario Kart is more than just a cosmetic choice. It’s about:
- Nostalgia: For many players, these characters are tied to childhood memories and the history of the franchise.
- Gameplay Variety: Different characters have different stats, affecting handling, speed, and weight.
- Representation: A diverse roster allows players to connect with characters they identify with or simply find fun to play as.
The absence of certain characters can feel like a missed opportunity to enhance the overall experience and cater to a wider range of player preferences.
Analyzing the Omissions: Speculation and Theories
Why are some characters left behind? There are a few potential explanations:
- Character Redundancy: Some characters might be deemed too similar to existing ones in terms of gameplay or appearance.
- Licensing Issues: While unlikely for Nintendo-owned characters, licensing complexities could occasionally play a role.
- Gameplay Balance: Introducing too many characters could potentially disrupt the game’s carefully balanced mechanics.
- Development Priorities: Ultimately, decisions come down to resource allocation and what the developers prioritize for each game.
What About Mario Kart Tour Characters?
Mario Kart Tour, the mobile iteration of the franchise, has introduced a plethora of new characters and variations, some of which have never appeared on consoles. This has led to speculation about whether these characters might eventually make their way to future Mario Kart games.
While there’s no guarantee, the inclusion of characters like Pauline and Peachette as DLC in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe certainly suggests that Nintendo is open to bringing mobile-exclusive characters to the main series.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions that address various aspects of characters in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe:
Is every Mario Kart character ever made in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe?
No, definitely not. While Mario Kart 8 Deluxe has a large roster, it doesn’t include every character that has ever appeared in a Mario Kart game. Characters like Donkey Kong Jr. and Honey Queen are a few examples of those that are missing.
Where is my main, Birdo?
Birdo is available as part of the Wave 4 DLC included in the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Booster Course Pass. No more endless races to unlock her!
Do I have to unlock all characters in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe?
Almost all characters are available from the start. The only exception is Gold Mario, who is unlocked by winning a Gold trophy in every 200cc Cup.
Is Pauline finally in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe?
Yes! Pauline was added as a playable character in Wave 6 of the Booster Course Pass.
Which other characters were added in the Booster Course Pass?
Wave 6 also included Funky Kong, Diddy Kong, and Peachette.
How do I unlock Gold Mario?
You unlock Gold Mario by earning a gold trophy in every cup in 200cc mode. Thankfully, you don’t need to get three stars on each cup.
Why isn’t Waluigi in Mario Kart 7?
Waluigi was cut from Mario Kart 7 due to time constraints during development. Despite his absence, his iconic course, Waluigi Pinball, remains in the game.
Is Yoshi in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe?
Yes, Yoshi is a starting character in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe.
Is King Boo in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe?
Yes, King Boo is a returning character in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe.
What’s the deal with Peachette?
Peachette is a transformation that Toadette undergoes when she uses the Super Crown item, granting her a Peach-like appearance and special abilities.
Why isn’t there a Mario Kart 9 yet?
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe‘s immense popularity and ongoing support have likely contributed to the delay in developing a full-fledged Mario Kart 9. The game’s continued success has made it the flagship Mario Kart title for an extended period.
Does Donkey Kong dab in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe?
Yes, Donkey Kong performs a celebratory dab animation when he wins a race in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe.
Is Bowser in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe?
Yes, Bowser is a starting character in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe.
Who is the fastest lightweight character in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe?
With the right kart and setup, Lemmy can be one of the fastest lightweight characters.
What’s the best kart combination in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe?
There are many viable kart combinations. A popular one is Kamek with the Teddy Buggy, Roller wheels, and Paper Glider. Other good combinations include Luigi, Streetle, Rollers, & Parachute.
The Future of Mario Kart Character Rosters
The Mario Kart franchise is constantly evolving, and the character roster is a key part of that evolution. While we can only speculate about future inclusions, it’s clear that Nintendo is listening to fan feedback and experimenting with new ways to bring beloved characters to the tracks.
Whether it’s through DLC, new installments, or mobile games, the future of Mario Kart character rosters is sure to be exciting. As new characters and variations are introduced, players will always find ways to connect with them.
The Educational Value of Gaming: Beyond the Race
It’s easy to see Mario Kart as just a fun racing game, but it also offers valuable learning opportunities. Gamers improve their strategic thinking, reaction time, and problem-solving skills. Organizations like the Games Learning Society are dedicated to researching and promoting the educational benefits of gaming. Check out GamesLearningSociety.org to learn more about the positive impact of games on learning and development.
In the meantime, keep practicing your drifts, mastering those item throws, and maybe someday, your favorite missing character will make a triumphant return to the Mario Kart world!