Mario Kart Live: Home Circuit

Mario Kart Live: Home Circuit is a racing mixed reality game, being the fifteenth installment in the Mario Kart series and was released on October 16, 2020 for the Nintendo Switch. Developed by Velan Studios, Home Circuit utilizes physical radio-controlled cars responding to how the player plays in-game.[1] The game was released to celebrate the 35th anniversary of the Super Mario franchise. The game received favorable reviews.

Mario Kart Live: Home Circuit
Developer(s)Velan Studios
Publisher(s)Nintendo
Director(s)Dan Doptis
Producer(s)Yosuke Tamori
Hiroshi Matsunaga
Toyokazu Nonaka
Programmer(s)Jan-Erik Steel
Composer(s)Ryo Nagamatsu
SeriesMario Kart
Platform(s)Nintendo Switch
Release
  • WW: October 16, 2020
Genre(s)Kart racing, augmented reality
Mode(s)Single-player, multiplayer

Gameplay

Home Circuit makes use of real-life toys to build stages where the player will race opponents. The toys of characters, which are equipped with a motor and camera,[2] move in accordance with the player's input on the Nintendo Switch.[3] Multiple traditional Mario Kart items are included in the game, which, when hit, will slow down the player.[4] The game supports up to 4 players,[5] however, racing against AIs is also supported.[6] The game also features a Grand Prix mode, where the player will race against Bowser Jr. and the Koopalings.[7] Winning in this mode can unlock new customization options and costumes for the playable characters.[8] The level creation in Home Circuit is performed by placing four gates to make checkpoints, which, when driven through, advance the player onto the next lap of the five-lap race. The game also comes with arrows, which can be used to indicate to the player where they need to drive.[9]

Development

After inventing the mixed reality hardware and prototype for Home Circuit, Velan Studios showcased the game to Nintendo, who were "thrilled" and saw "its potential."[10] While the game was primarily developed by Velan Studios, Nintendo collaborated on the hardware and software with Nintendo European Research & Development and Nintendo PTD.[11]

Home Circuit was first revealed in a Nintendo Direct held on September 3, 2020, to celebrate the Super Mario franchise's 35th anniversary,[12] where it was scheduled for release on October 16, 2020, with a launch price of $99,[13] however, no physical Game Card is included, as the game is digital only.[14] A toy set featuring Mario and another set featuring Luigi, which will include their respective drivers, four gates, arrow signs, and a charging cable,[15] were also announced shortly after the Direct,[16] and pre-orders became available shortly after.[17]

The game's developer, Velan Studios, stated that the game's controls were designed to be easy to understand, while still remaining faithful to the Mario Kart series.[18] Velan Studios has also noted that the game, despite its abnormal concept, was developed to have the same type of playability as prior Mario Kart games.[19]

Reception

Soon after the game's reveal, Forbes' Ollie Barder praised the concept of Home Circuit, noting how he "practically jumped for joy" when he first saw the game's trailer.[28]

Metacritic rated the game 75/100, indicating "generally favorable" reviews.

Mario Kart Live: Home Circuit sold 73,918 copies within its first week of release in Japan, making it the bestselling retail game of the week in the country.[29]

It was nominated for the category of Best Family at The Game Awards 2020.[30]

References
  1. Webster, Andrew (September 3, 2020). "Mario Kart Live: Home Circuit is a Switch racer that uses RC cars". The Verge. Retrieved September 3, 2020.
  2. Skrebels, Joe (September 3, 2020). "Mario Kart Live: Home Circuit Is a Brand New Mario Kart Game That Combines Toys and Nintendo Switch". IGN Nordic. Retrieved September 3, 2020.
  3. Velazco, Chris (September 3, 2020). "Race tiny, real-life RC cars in 'Mario Kart Live: Home Circuit'". Engadget. Retrieved September 3, 2020.
  4. Bishop, Rollin (September 3, 2020). "Nintendo Announces Mario Kart Live: Home Circuit". ComicBook. Retrieved September 3, 2020.
  5. Wood, Austin (September 3, 2020). "Mario Kart Live: Home Circuit uses AR toys to turn real life into a giant racing track". GamesRadar+. Retrieved September 3, 2020.
  6. Hashimoto, Kazuma (September 3, 2020). "Mario Kart Live Home Circuit Will Bring the Race Track to Your Home". Siliconera. Retrieved September 3, 2020.
  7. Romano, Sal (September 3, 2020). "Mario Kart Live: Home Circuit announced for Switch". Gematsu. Retrieved September 3, 2020.
  8. Nunneley, Stephany (September 3, 2020). "Mario Kart Live: Home Circuit coming this October". VG247. Retrieved September 6, 2020.
  9. Denzer, TJ (September 3, 2020). "Mario Kart Live Home Circuit toys let you build a physical track & play it on Switch in October". Shacknews. Retrieved September 3, 2020.
  10. McFerran, Damien (September 3, 2020). "Mario Kart Live: Home Circuit Uses Real RC Cars And Augmented Reality". Nintendo Life. Retrieved September 3, 2020.
  11. Phillips, Tom (October 2, 2020). "Here's a look inside a Mario Kart Live prototype". Eurogamer. Retrieved October 5, 2020.
  12. Carpenter, Nicole (September 3, 2020). "Mario Kart Live: Home Circuit is Mario Kart for the real world — and Nintendo Switch". Polygon. Retrieved September 3, 2020.
  13. Shea, Brian (September 3, 2020). "Mario Kart Live: Home Circuit Lets You Play Mario Kart In Real Life". Game Informer. Retrieved September 3, 2020.
  14. McFerran, Damien (September 4, 2020). "Even At £100, Mario Kart Live: Home Circuit Doesn't Come With A Game Card". Nintendo Life. Retrieved September 4, 2020.
  15. Cripe, Michael (September 3, 2020). "Mario Kart Live: Home Circuit Drives into Your Living Room This October". The Escapist. Retrieved September 4, 2020.
  16. Notis, Ari (September 3, 2020). "Mario Kart Live: Home Circuit Turns Mario Kart Into An AR Game With Real Toys". Kotaku. Retrieved September 3, 2020.
  17. McFerran, Damien (September 3, 2020). "Where To Pre-Order Mario Kart Live: Home Circuit On Nintendo Switch". Nintendo Life. Retrieved September 4, 2020.
  18. Barbosa, Alessandro (September 3, 2020). "Mario Kart Live: Home Circuit Lets You Turn Your Living Room Into A Racetrack". GameSpot. Retrieved September 3, 2020.
  19. Szymkowski, Sean (September 3, 2020). "Mario Kart Live: Home Circuit turns your house into a digital race track". CNET. Retrieved September 5, 2020.
  20. "Mario Kart Live: Home Circuit for Nintendo Switch Switch Reviews". Metacritic. Retrieved October 14, 2020.
  21. Wöbbeking, Jan (October 16, 2020). "Test zu Mario Kart Live: Home Circuit: "AR-Karts erobern die Wohnung"". 4Players.de. Retrieved October 17, 2020.
  22. Shea, Brian (October 14, 2020). "Mario Kart Live: Home Circuit Review – An Occasional Wipeout". Game Informer. Retrieved October 14, 2020.
  23. Watts, Steve (October 14, 2020). "Mario Kart Live: Home Circuit Review – Making Tracks". GameSpot. Retrieved October 14, 2020.
  24. Garcia, Janet (October 14, 2020). "Mario Kart Live: Home Circuit Review". IGN. Retrieved October 14, 2020.
  25. Indee (October 16, 2020). "Test : Mario Kart Live : Un mariage avec la réalité augmentée terriblement accrocheur". Jeuxvideo.com. Retrieved October 17, 2020.
  26. McFerrian, Damien (October 16, 2020). "Mario Kart Live: Home Circuit Review (Switch)". Nintendo Life. Retrieved October 17, 2020.
  27. Kuchera, Ben (October 14, 2020). "Mario Kart Live: Home Circuit review: your house is Mario's greatest challenge". Polygon. Retrieved October 14, 2020.
  28. Barder, Ollie (September 4, 2020). "The Premise Behind 'Mario Kart Live: Home Circuit' Is Inspired Game Design Genius". Forbes. Retrieved September 4, 2020.
  29. Romano, Sal (October 22, 2020). "Famitsu Sales: 10/12/20 – 10/18/20". Gematsu. Retrieved October 22, 2020.
  30. Tassi, Paul (December 11, 2020). "Here's The Game Awards 2020 Winners List With A Near-Total 'Last Of Us' Sweep". Forbes.
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