Nintendo has come to be possibly the worst at recycling the same material over and over again. The past 10 years of Mario Kart are all pretty much the same. So how does the Wii version stand up to it's predecessors?

Gameplay:
So the Wii has something that makes it unique. The motion controller. One controller that can be a gun, a steering wheel, a fishing rod, a pool stick and so on. The list goes on. Well for Mario Kart, its a steering wheel. The wheel included in the game is actually very nice, it fits nicely in the hands and makes for a more believable and immersing experience. The steering controls aren't perfect. At times when turning if you turn too far it stops sensing that you're wanting to turn and you'll run in to a wall or off a cliff. But for the most part it works well. They have add motorcycles to the Kart series, which is quite possibly one of the best additions. The steering of the bikes work really well. The only problem I have encountered it when going to do a "wheelie" the wheel will sense a turn instead and you are again in a wall. So to correct that, I just don't wheelie. There are ton's of unlockables, from different vehicles to characters. The game is the same as you have come to know. You play them all on 50cc, get force to watch the credit, 100 cc watch credits, 150 cc watch credits. But it makes time for a soda break. All the favorite power ups are back to include some new ones. They still haven't change the power up mechanics. If you're in first you get a green shell or a banana, if you are in 12th you get a blue shell or a star. But like I said this is what we have come to expect. As for tracks, there is a great mix of old classics and new challenges.

Multiplayer:
So local multiplayer is the same we all have come to love. You beat the person sitting next to you, then rub it in their face, but now you can do it online. While my online experience in this game is limited from what I have played it works well. Lag was minimal, and if you're not very good you'll quickly dislike the taste.

Graphics:
Its the Wii, so I don't know what you're expecting but you should know its nothing spectacular. While the graphics are not great they do not hinder the game at all. As with most Wii games they are aiming at the fun and not the high frame rate.

Conclusion:
So is it worth 50 bucks? If you are a Kart fan or a Wii owner looking for a good game, then this is a buyer. I say this game is best played with others whether online or local. The most fun comes when you play with others. Mario Kart Wii is the same kart we have all come to love with a actual steering wheel and a few new surprises thrown in.