The latest update to Mario Kart World has sparked a wave of criticism among fans, with many expressing disappointment over changes made to the online gameplay experience. Although the game still enjoys overall popularity, certain new features haven’t been well-received.
Update 1.1.2 Brings Unexpected Changes
Version 1.1.2 of Mario Kart World introduced several small fixes and improvements. However, one major change in how online races work has caused a stir in the community. In previous versions, when players chose the Random option in VS Mode online, they were usually placed in a full race with three standard laps. Occasionally, they would get what’s known as an Intermission Race.
What Is an Intermission Race?
An Intermission Race is a shorter, filler-style race where players simply drive from one point to the starting line of the next full race. While these mini-races are quick and easy, most players don’t find them very exciting or rewarding. Unfortunately, the latest update made these types of races appear much more frequently.
Fans React: Intermission Races Are Too Common
Since Intermission Races weren’t very popular to begin with, increasing their frequency has annoyed many players. These short races are seen by fans as a waste of time compared to the full, competitive races that define the Mario Kart experience.
Players feel the game now interrupts the natural flow of racing with too many short, uneventful sections. As a result, fans have taken to online platforms to share their frustration.
Review Bombing Drops the Game’s Score
Many angry players have resorted to review bombing—the act of giving a game low user scores en masse to protest an issue. After the 1.1.2 update, the game’s user rating on Metacritic dropped from 8.3 to 7.8. This noticeable decline reflects the community’s disappointment.
In their reviews, players have also asked for the return of some popular features from Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, the previous game in the series. These include classic mechanics, race options, and other elements that fans feel were left out of the new version.
Nintendo’s Response (or Lack Thereof)
Historically, Nintendo has rarely responded directly to negative reviews or online backlash. The company usually avoids commenting on review bombing and rarely makes public statements unless there’s a major issue. However, given the volume of feedback from players, Nintendo may consider adjusting the Intermission Race frequency or bringing back requested features in future updates.
Future Support for Switch 2
Despite the recent controversy, Mario Kart World is expected to receive long-term support. The game is planned to be one of the main titles supported throughout the lifespan of the upcoming Switch 2 console. This gives Nintendo plenty of time and opportunity to address fan concerns and improve the overall experience.
Conclusion: A Bumpy Road for Mario Kart World
While Mario Kart World still enjoys a loyal fanbase, the recent update has clearly missed the mark for many players. The overuse of Intermission Races and lack of exciting content in these segments have led to growing frustration. It remains to be seen whether Nintendo will take action to win back the trust of disappointed players.
