Mario Kartis one of the most popular video game series of all time, and one of the best racing games out there. While games likeGran TurismoandForzaoffer realistic, immersive experiences,Mario Kartis charming, whimsical, and perfect for the whole family. A wide variety of inventive tracks, multiplayer, and belovedMariocharacters make it hard to pass up. However, despite its popularity,Mario Karthasn’t had a completelynew main installment sinceMario Kart 8for the Wii U in 2014.Chocobo GPcould be a good replacement.
There have been rumors about a new Mario Kart game coming soon, but there’s no telling when that will actually happen. Some thoughtMario Kart 9would be revealed at the last Nintendo Direct, but the onlyMarionews was in regards to theMariomovie cast. That said, the Nintendo Direct did showcaseChocobo GP,aFinal Fantasyracing game that might be able to hold fans over beforeMario Kart 9.
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A New Mario Kart Might Not Be Coming Soon
It would be hard to believe thatMario Kart 9is never coming. However, there is no telling when the nextMario Kartgame will release, and Nintendo is apparently in no rush.Mario Kart Wii, Mario Kart 7,andMario Kart 8each released three years apart from one another, so more than six years is an awfully long gap.Mario Kart 8 Deluxedid release in 2017, but it doesn’t count as a true new installment, and even that was over three years ago.
With rumors ofMario Kart 9appearing at a Nintendo Direct to reveal a 2021 release dispelled (unless Nintendo has a major surprise coming shortly), players might be waiting a long time for a new game.Mario Kart 8is still a great game on the Switch, and the hardware hasn’t been significantly updated so there’s no need for a next-genMario Kart,but players are eager for new tracks and mechanics. At this rate, it might not be coming until the Nintendo Switch gets its first major hardware upgrade, or until Nintendo’s next console comes around.
Chocobo GP Looks A Lot Like Mario Kart
While the Nintendo Direct didn’t have news forMario Kartfans, fans of theFinal Fantasyfranchise did get a fun surprise.Chocobo GP,aFinal Fantasy-themed racing game, is coming to Nintendo Switch in 2022. It’s hard not to notice the similarities toMario Kartwhen watching reveal footage.
Chocobo GPfeatures iconicFinal Fantasycharacters, customizable cars (and roller skates), and items that can be used to attack other players and gain an advantage. The tracks are also inspired by some iconicFinal Fantasylocations, like the Gold Saucer fromFinal Fantasy 7and Alexandria fromFinal Fantasy 9.There will be tons of references and Easter eggs to uncover, but in spite of theFinal Fantasyinspiration, the game looks more similar toMario Kartthan it does anyFinal Fantasytitle. The tracks have similarly colorful and whimsical designs, and the effects of the many items that can be used to attack opponents are just as colorful.
It may not beMario Kart 9,butChocobo GPlooks like it’ll be a worthy stand-in for the popular racing game. HopefullyMario Kart 9is on its way, but in the meantime it will probably be hard to find someonewho doesn’t want to race Chocobos.
Chocobo GPlaunches for Nintendo Switch in 2022.
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