Chapter 4 - Multiplayer

Expect more clever item placement online, such as behind item boxes and before boosters. Not usually in the middle of the track.

Everyone knows Mario Kart is an excellent multiplayer game. Most gamers likely have fond memories of racing multiplayer splitscreen with their family and friends. With Mario Kart Wii, not only can you enjoy the traditional splitscreen gameplay, but you can log onto the Nintendo WFC and race fellow Mario Kart players from all over the world. Concepts between solo play and multiplayer are generally the same; though expect a much higher degree of challenge when venturing online. This section provides some tips on competing online in Mario Kart Wii.

• Setting up a Mario Kart game on Nintendo WFC is simple. Choose to play against friends, players within your region, or players all over the world. Then you’re automatically matched into a game. You may have to wait for the race to end but you’ll be on the starting line for the next race! The rating system gives everyone 5,000 points to start and you gain points for finishing among the race leaders and lose points by finishing near the end of the pack. You can gauge your competition by their point total. You’ll also spot symbols around particular players. Stars mean the player has completed all cups with star ratings (one, two, or three stars) and a golden Wii wheel means they’ve played a majority of games with the wheel controller!
• It’s certainly cliché by now but one of the most important multiplayer tips is to know every track. Knowledge of all the tracks and all the shortcuts is extremely important for online success. Skill level rises dramatically online! These are human opponents, many of whom already know every inch of a track. An effective way to learn the tracks is to play time trial mode and work on unlocking all of the fast ghosts. Then you can watch the fast ghost replay to help learn the track secrets and the tightest racing lines.
• You have several different control methods to choose from-Wii Wheel, Wiimote and nunchuk, classic controller, or Gamecube controller. This is purely personal preference and only you can determine where your skills will be utilized the best. Practice each in Grand Prix or time trial mode before venturing online so you’re best prepared against the increased skill level of human competition. Remember though that you get a special icon online if you play a majority of your games with the Wii Wheel!
• Clever item usage is even more important online. Human players are much more crafty than their computer-controlled counterparts. Expect to find fake item boxes where you typically drive, such as behind real item boxes, near booster pads, and along the racing lines. You likely won’t find objects in just random locations (unless your opponents watched to ditch an item for another).
• If you’re in the middle of the pack, how you take advantage of power-ups will play a big role in how often you’re able to catch up to the leaders. Expect to acquire mushrooms from item boxes in this spot and you need to know the best time to use them. Take advantage of off-road shortcuts and long straight sections, especially if you have a golden mushroom. Saving your power-up can be risky (some opponent triggers lightning and now you’ve lost it) but it can pay off if used at the right moment.
• Knock someone when they’re down! This is competition after all. Perhaps someone just ahead of you hit something and spun out; delay that racer further with a shell to the back. If you’re a heavier kart, bump the unfortunate racer around or off the race course.
• A decision may have to be made between a kart or bike with great speed or great acceleration. Higher acceleration because you can get a fast start as well as recover quicker after getting hit by items or after you’ve made a racing mistake and rammed an object or went off-road. However, higher top speed because if you can build a strong lead, it’s top speed that will keep you there and you probably won’t have to worry as much about recovering from items. Acceleration is a smart way to start online but it’s top speed that will keep you winning in the future.
• Consistent success means combining all driving techniques. First, select manual drift. You’re not going to fare well against online competition without mini-turbos! Drift around corners for the mini-turbo and wheelie along open road straight sections. Take advantage of drafting but don’t let others draft you! Perform air tricks off of ramps so you land with a speed boost.
• A good defense is as important as a good offense. When you’re in first place, drag an item (banana, shell) behind. Run over another item box so you have a second item in reserve. No need to waste items here. It’s better to keep an item dragged behind for protection. If you have a mushroom and reached first place, save it for the chance to avoid a spiny shell-that’s another form of defense!