Before I even get truly started here, I want to make something completely clear: I am a lifelong Nintendo fan who has owned damn near every console and handheld they have released over the years. I almost bought a Virtual Boy for cryin’ out loud, simply because the big N made it. I didn’t—thank the gaming gods—but hey, I considered it!
OK, now that I have that sorta-disclaimer out of the way, I think it’s time we had a talk about what I’m calling the Super Smash Bros. effect. What I mean is that it’s becoming apparent that Nintendo is taking the concept of SSB—all their mascots (and then some) going head to head—and applying it to other franchises. Well, so far, it’s really just one franchise, as Mario Kart 8 now boasts downloadable content featuring, among other things, the option to use Link of Legend of Zelda fame. I should make it clear that the option to race/compete as Link is fucking awesome in my opinion, because if you know me, you know that LoZ is my favorite franchise of all time.
That being said, is this a good thing for a franchise—Mario Kart, specifically—that was all about, well, Mario and all of his cronies? And do you see other franchises following suit?
I kind of want to leave that question up to y’all to answer, but I can’t help but comment too, so here goes:
I’m honestly torn, because I can see why people would be both annoyed and excited about all of this. On one hand, you have the people who want to keep Mario Kart strictly, you know, about Mario’s universe. Link, for example, has his own historic franchise, and it’s a serious one that tends to keep him out of the sillier and more lighthearted games (save for SSB).
But then there’s the fact that we probably don’t have the right to complain about new, fun, and very reasonably priced content for one of the best games of 2014. I mean, the more I think and write about it, the more I’m OK with Nintendo say “fuck it” and throwing everything they can into the pot. That is, of course, as long as they don’t completely ruin the vibe, tone, and presentation of a series like Mario Kart. I’m down for racing as someone like, say, Captain Falcon if they’re never going to do another F-Zero game. I hope they do, but I’m just sayin’.