Today's Mario Kart World Direct provided exciting new insights into the game's innovative Free Roam mode, highlighting its multiplayer capabilities and the array of activities players can engage in while exploring the vast world of Mario Kart World. This new feature allows players to venture freely across a large, Forza Horizon-inspired world map, unlike previous Mario Kart games where race tracks were isolated and only accessible during races. In Mario Kart World, these tracks are seamlessly integrated into an expansive open world, enabling players to travel between them and explore the areas in between during specific game modes.
In Free Roam mode, when not competing in races, players can embark on mini-adventures. The world is dotted with hidden collectibles such as coins and ? panels, though the specific benefits of collecting these items remain undisclosed. Additionally, P-Switches are scattered throughout the map, which, when activated, trigger small challenges like gathering blue coins, adding an extra layer of engagement to the mode.
Another feature of Free Roam mode is the Photo Mode, which allows players to capture images of their racers in various poses and angles at any time. Importantly, Free Roam is not limited to solo play; it's designed to be a social experience. Players can roam the world with friends, take photos, tackle challenges together, or simply enjoy each other's company. The mode supports up to four players on the same system through split-screen play, and up to eight players via local wireless play, with two players per system.
The Mario Kart World Direct also showcased other new additions to the game, including new characters, courses, and modes. For a comprehensive overview of all the announcements, you can find more details here.
