Over the past 18 months, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe has been the gift that keeps on giving for players. The excitement of the Enhanced Track Pass was palpable upon its initial announcement, and now, at the end of this journey, we find ourselves playing the sixth and final wave of delightful DLC content.
Just like the waves before it, this one includes eight tracks from various “Mario Kart” series entries. This time around, there are three from Wii, three from the Tour, and some classic tracks sprinkled in. Notably, SNES and GameCube bring a perfect touch of nostalgia to the mix.
The Pinecone Cup and Thwomp Cup join the lineup. The Thwomp Cup seems like a fitting conclusion, reminding us that in the world of Mario Kart, no one is truly safe.
Without further ado, let’s delve into the latest DLC for Mario Kart 8 Deluxe.
Acorn Cup
Roman Circuit (Mario Kart Tour)
This delightful track kicks off at the famous Colosseum. As you race up the steps, a massive full moon catches your eye; it’s amore! The track oozes Roman inspiration, from fountains to cobblestone streets, offering a fast and fun journey through one of the world’s oldest and most famous cities—a spectacular opening for this cup.
DK Mountain (Mario Kart: Double Dash!!)
Ah, now this is a classic. Many players hold a special fondness for the GameCube version of the “Mario Kart” series. In the Enhanced Track Pass, we only had a few entries, making this new addition feel especially welcome. DK Mountain starts with a swift uphill journey, followed by a dash towards a stern-faced volcano. Then it’s a race along the slopes, dodging rolling boulders, and the best part? Towards the end, you must traverse a rickety bridge made of planks, a perfect spot to leave banana peels.
Daisy Hills (Mario Kart Wii)
Daisy Hills looks fantastic. Many racers will recognize it from the popular Wii version, and anything involving Daisy is an instant hit. The orange hues showcase a low sun radiating lovely golden light. Statues of Luigi and Daisy, iconic to the characters, are a joy against this beautiful backdrop. The track takes us through winding streets, a curvy tunnel, and a paved area with two sections; my personal challenge is to stay on the narrow high path for as long as possible.
Piranha Plant Cove (Mario Kart Tour)
Is this a new track? Kind of. It’s actually a fusion of several tracks previously seen in “Mario Kart Tour.” Nevertheless, it does feel fresh, with an underwater course teeming with eels and clams. This simple yet enjoyable aquatic journey is complemented by a vivid and colorful background.
Spiny Cup
Madrid Circuit (Mario Kart Tour)
Tour tracks are among my favorites as they bridge the gap between the real and fantastical—our world and the Mushroom Kingdom. Madrid stands out for some reason. On the surface, it’s just a city street race, albeit with a Spanish-themed background music. This adds to the fast-paced feel and integrates seamlessly. Plus, the track concludes in a soccer field (or football field, if you prefer), complete with giant soccer balls and Goombas hopping around in adorable Goomba shoes. A special scene for another lovely ending.
Rosalina’s Ice World (Mario Kart 7)
Snow-themed tracks always look great, and this one is no exception. This wintry track includes caves and caverns, along with alternate paths to keep you alert. It’s also fitting as winter approaches (at least in the northern hemisphere). For us southerners, we’ll have to experience it through someone else’s eyes!
Bowser’s Castle 3 (Super Mario Kart)
For me, this is the highlight of Wave 6. I’ve been craving more Bowser’s Castle tracks, and this one does not disappoint. It’s vastly different from the SNES original, but it looks fantastic, with updated graphics providing more depth. The weighty soundtrack helps immerse you in this fiery environment, and visual cues like a lava waterfall (made of lava, of course) further set the scene. Pay attention to the top alternate path towards the end!
Rainbow Road (Mario Kart Wii)
It’s only fitting to end this way. Since the series began in 1992, Rainbow Road has been the traditional final track for “Mario Kart.” Fans should be familiar with this classic Wii track, taking us back into space with a colorful road without boundaries. I love the thrill of drifting close to the edge, knowing one wrong move could send me into the void. Lakitu will, of course, save me, but nothing gets the heart pounding like Rainbow Road. With many ramps, pits to avoid, and cute star jumps reminiscent of “Super Mario Galaxy,” it’s fast, fun, and exhilarating.
Final Thoughts
The sixth wave of this DLC series is a bittersweet welcome. On one hand, we bid farewell to 18 months of content. On the other, we welcome eight fresh tracks, completing the entire series and solidifying “Mario Kart 8 Deluxe” as the biggest entry in the franchise.
From the tracks spanning both old and new in the series, Wave 6 marks the perfect conclusion to the Enhanced Track Pass. From the humble beginnings of SNES to recent Tour tracks, this series feels like a perfect blend.
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