ClubHooligan.com - Burning it up at both ends

It was only a matter of time before "Mario Kart" skidded its way onto Wii. The arcade-style racer has appeared on every Nintendo console since its debut on the SNES (outside of the disastrous Virtual Boy). Those who preferred the dual drivers of "Mario Kart: Double Dash" are out of luck, as the latest iteration returns to solo steering. However, players will be able to ride more than just a bunch of wacky carts this time around. Characters now have custom motorbikes to zip around in. Early trailers hint at a possible trick system, as Mario is shown popping a wheelie.

Game Preview

'Mario Kart Wii'

Platform: Wii.

Style: One to four-player racing.

Publisher: Nintendo.

Release: Spring 2008.

Courses shown so far include such locales as a castle, a speedway with thousands of spectators, a dark old mine, a farm with cows and tractors, and a snowy mountain complete with slaloms and half-pipes. But perhaps the most exciting feature of "Mario Kart Wii" is the confirmed 12-player online racing. Nintendo has pledged to improve the online experience from Mario Kart DS and specifically hopes to minimize the time needed for matchmaking.

The game will come packaged with a new peripheral called the Wii Wheel. This plastic remote housing looks to emulate the steering wheel included with mediocre Ubisoft launch game GT Pro Series. Perhaps Nintendo can get the wheel controls right, but those who'd rather drive Excite Truck-style are free to do so. While "Mario Kart" details are scarce now, we're hoping Nintendo will pull back the curtain more after the holiday season dies down. Stay tuned.

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