One game that I have always enjoyed playing over the last few years is Mario Kart 8, which is a fun and racing game that is perfect to play with friends and family. A unique aspect of design in this game was the option for using auto-steering and auto-acceleration, which helps ease newer players into the game. This was especially useful when I was first teaching my parents on how to play the game, and since then Mario Kart 8 has become their favorite game. I really liked how the game creates a “fun competitive atmosphere” that merges sensation, discovery, fellowship, and challenge.
Mario Kart has simple dynamics, which are steering (tilt controls or non-steering buttons), drifting, acceleration and deceleration, and also the use of items. While, these dynamics might appear to be simple on the surface, they can lead to lots of strategization during the game. For example, the choice of controls (steering with tilt controls or without them) leads to a totally different experience for the player. The simple act of drifting (along with speed control) leads to dynamic of constantly finding new shortcuts in the track where players try to find the best path to take in the course, thus helping exploration. And finally, the use of items, leads to a fast changing dynamic environment, where players must decide between attacking someone ahead of them, or keeping their shell or banana item to defend themselves. In addition, the inclusion of Mii’s along with the potential to customize a player’s kart design allows players to express themselves during play.
The mechanics and dynamics of this game, really bring a great feeling of nostalgia (through the inclusion of maps inspired from other games in the Nintendo Franchise and bringing back old tracks) and exploration (looking at the small details, like the signs at the edge of the course) help make this game a favorite game at family game nights and with friends.
