A Mario Kart Tour beta has provided further details of the upcoming racer, including an idea of what to expect from gameplay, its roster and more.
Roster, tracks and gameplay
The mobile kart game’s roster appears to be around 30 characters strong, relying on much loved characters including Mario, Metal Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach, Baby Peach, Toad, Rosalina, Bowser, Dry Bowser and the Koopa kids alongside many more.
Racers are grouped into several levels of rarity, with top-tier characters benefitting from in-race boosts, sometimes depending on the track.
Tracks include the likes of Choco Island 2, Dino Dino Jungle, Luigi’s Mansion, Koopa Troopa Beach, and, of course, Rainbow Road. Racers will have access to 50cc contests immediately, using those to unlock 100cc and, in turn, 200cc speeds.
In terms of gameplay, players will control their kart by swiping left or right, aiming at an on-screen arrow, to steer. Items are used by tapping an area of the screen just underneath your kart.
Microtransactions
Sadly, the beta features a number of loot box mechanics in order to gain new racers, karts and gliders. Said items are obtained through a Golden Pipe which distributes randomised rewards. To get an item from the Golden Pipe, you’ll either need to pay for in-game currency or slog through time-gates to finish races and earn Stars, which can in turn be exchanged for gifts. Some gifts will give you the right currency to hit up the Golden Pipe slot machine.
“Looks like Mario Kart Tour beta is pretty hardcore with regards to monetization,” analyst Dr. Serkan Toto summarised. “Multi-level gacha for drivers, karts and gliders. Rare drivers have advantages during races. Stamina system limits races available on an hourly basis.”
Video
Rightfully or not, a user’s posted some of the Mario Kart Tour experience on YouTube. It’s below.
Mario Kart Tour heads to iOS and Android later this year. What do you make of it from these details?
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