Nintendo finally released another trailer for Mario Kart 8, and what a trailer it was,
giving us a relatively in-depth look at 5 racetracks from the game. So you know what
that means--it's time to crank up the ol' analysis machine to see what secrets the latest
trailer might be hiding.
But of course, please make sure to watch our previous analysis if you haven't already,
as we'll only be covering the new stuff here. You'll find a link to it in the description
below. And with that, let's get started.
So the first track shown off takes place at a bustling airport in a race that fittingly
spans both ground and sky--and this course is filled to the brim with details.
Now though the trailer shows off what appears to be a good chunk of the course, it shows
them completely out of order--so let's rearrange the scenes for a better idea of how this course
is going to play.
So one of the later scenes shows the typical start/finish line, which means the race will
start--and end--in the terminal--and the following scene shows just a bit more of it off--though
do you see that plane with the open cargo hold outside? Yeah, we'll be getting to that
soon.
Now an earlier clip from the trailer actually shows what happens next, with the racers dropping
out of the terminal onto the Tarmac. Soon after, you'll have to maneuver around some
wooden crates--but check it out--those crates are actually on a conveyer. And if we replay
the clip forward and backwards, you can see that they're actually moving--similar to Mario
Kart Wii's Toad's Factory. So looks like they could be abit of an annoying hazard
Immediately after, we can see that you'll have to race around a jetliner--the same jetliner
shown off the trailer's very first clip. Oh, and did you notice how all the racers appear
to be landing here? That's because the conveyer belt is raised just slightly, acting as a
ramp, as shown off by Bowser here.
And just behind that Jetliner, we can see a jump that leads to a slightly raised portion
of the raceway that winds around and leads to another jump.
But this time, you clearly have the choice of two paths. You can either head for the
track that extends through the open jetliner that we pointed our earlier in the footage,
or you can do as DK does and take the tarmac below. In fact, we get a better look of this
lower path in this Mario clip here
Now we're pretty sure this next scene takes place immediately after the next turn, as
we can see the tail of that same PTT airliner that Mario just passed. So now it seems you'll
race down a runway yourself, gathering speed via several boost pads on the ground before
taking to the air in a flying segment--all the while a jetliner takes off from the same
runway just behind you--so awesome.
You'll soon land on a track far above the airport, which is also an anti-gravity section.
And we get a better look at it in this scene with Bowser.
But after curving around it, you'll take to the air for landing--once again putting you
dangerously close to the flight path of another jetliner that appears to serve as an obstacle.
But interestingly, we can see that,instead of landing on an actual runway, you can touchdown
on a Helipad that soon leads back into the terminal where you'll begin lap 2.
And we know that's not much else between those two points because of this yellow and blue
striped plane here, as it's the same one we can see through the window right next to the
starting line
So it looks like once you head back inside the terminal, you only have one more right
turn to make for the lap
And we
Okay, and that covers it for the course's main layout--but there are still a ton of
hidden details here, some of which even provide information on other courses in the game!
So first of all, this isn't exactly some super generic airport. For one, it has a clear tropical
theme, what with the Palm Trees visible alongside the racetrack, and the fact that there are
islands all over. In fact, the entire airport takes is on an island itself!
So if this sounds at all familiar, it probably won't surprise you that the airport is actually
called Sunshine Airport, as we can see from the name on the building at several points--and
it even uses the Shine Sprite symbol from Mario Sunshine. So we wouldn't be surprised
if the course is actually called Sunshine Airport. And just to drive the point home
that this is a Mario Sunshine inspired level, you'll even find Piantas inside the terminal.
Although Toads can also be found cheering you on from the sidelines
Now Sunshine Airport appears to be home to 3-different Mushroom Kingdom airlines: Airlines:
Galaxy Air, complete with a Luma for its logo, BBIA, which we know stands for Boomerang Brothers
International Airline based on a sign inside the terminal---and their logo's even a boomerang!
And finally, PTT, which stands for Propeller Toad Transport--and their logo is that of
a Toad wearing the propeller suit from the NSMB games. And we even see some crates of
their lying around, complete with serial number--could this mean anything? That MK at the end probably
does stand for Mario Kart after all...
Now we can even see ads for these airlines all over the terminal. But the terminal also
has signage for something even far more interesting.
If we check the signboard here for flight times, we can see it lists several destinations.
In this scene, we can see it lists Cloudtop Cruise, Thomp Ruins, Dolphin Shoals, and Sweet
Sweet Canyon. And in another scene, we can see many of those same destinations listed,
plus a few more including Shy Guy Falls and Bone Dry Dunes.
But here's the cool thing--those don't just appear to be made-up names. Instead, they
seem to refer to other courses in the game--from this same trailer.
Check it out. Between the thwomps and the ruins in this scene, we quite clearly have
Twomp Ruins. Next, we're guessing Sweet Sweet Canyon refer to this course, full of candy
goodness. Then Cloudtop Cruise very likely refers to this track that takes place among
the clouds in the sky. And then there's Bone Dry Dunes, which likely refers to this level
that's both dry and has bones all over the place.
But that leaves two destinations unaccounted for: Dolphin Shoals, and Shy Guy Falls. So
we're pretty sure these too are actual courses in the game. And since this airport level
is themed to Mario Sunshine, we wouldn't be surprised if Dolphin Shoals might be as well,
particularly as Mario Sunshine took place on a dolphin-shaped island called Island Delfio.
So that covers it for the information screen, but there are still other course references
hiding here. Check out the ad on the right here for a region called Mysterious Sands:
Dry Dry Desert. Does that sound familiar? That's because Dry Dry Desert is the name
of a track originally from Mario Kart: Double Dash, which as we pointed out in our last
analysis, is also being remade for Mario Kart 8.
And next to that is a super small ad for what could be another region. If we zoom in, we
can see it's an ad for a Water Park, complete with a picture of a Koopa Troopa. Could this
be referring to a brand new level? Although the emphases on water, and the fact that Koopa
Troopa's here does bring back memories of Koopa Cape from Mario kart Wii--if this is
indeed a new course, it would make sense to take inspiration from that one, since its
tube-features seems perfect for Mario Kart's anti-gravity mechanic.
And while we're here, did you spot the Star Cup banner on the wall? Yep, looks like this
course will definitely be part of the Star Cup.
Now in the other terminal clip, we get a look at even more signs, including an ad for Sweet
Sweet Canyon, with imagery that not only confirms that it's the name of the course from this
trailer, but also that it could be Peach's level.
Alright, and that about covers it for Sunshine Airport, so let's move on to Sweet Sweet Canyon.
And interestingly, we actually got a glimpse of this level back during the E3 trailer.
So let's see if we can't piece the two trailers together to try and figure out how this track's
going to work.
So once again, thje new trailer shows off the start/finish line. And we can see there
are both Yoshis as well as gingerbread spectators taking in the spectacle fromt he sidelines--but
it's not just gingerbread men in the crowd, as we can see some Gingerbread Toads too.
This next clip shows what lies just beyond the Starting line, which includes a row of
item boxes and a trek through a tunnel
At some point after that, it appears you'll take to the skies to race around the cake.
Now if you look close, we can see the path ahead clearly drops down--and if we rewind
the footage a bit, we can see some decorations marking what we're guessing is the racetrack
below. So it seems you'll race around the cake down into a lake made of soda, which
leads us to this scene where you'll come across an underwater--or should we say--under soda,
fork in the road--one path is blue, the other pink. But both of them appear to lead through
an area being saturated with soda from the spraying bottles.
Regardless of which path you take, we have clips showing that both will lead you out
of the soda.
Now what happens next is shown off in the original E3 trailer, and here we can see you'll
wind around a few turns as you pass several windmills made of wafers. And if we take a
look at a clip from the new trailer, we can see that same windmill in the background,
just before a drop. And if we freeze the clip here, we can see the markings on the ground
marking the finish line, as shown in the first clip-confirming that this the original E3
scenes came near the end of the racetrack .
So that's the general overview of the course, but there's still a few other details here
I wanted to point out.
For instance, we already mention how this course may be Peach's due to her appearing
on the ad in the airport. But in our previous analysis, we noted that it may be Daisy's
because of the flower on this house, which resembles the one Daisy is known for.
And adding to this is the crown that sits on top of the cake is also identical to Daisy's,
with the same flower visible here. So who's course does this belong to?! Well, it may
be both of them. because if we zoom in the cake's insignia, we can see that is states
Royal Patisserie Peach & Daisy. Now a Patisserie is a french bakery--and since Peach and Daisy
are working together, this level seems as if it may actually belong to both of them.
Now let's take a look at that soda sequence again. First off, did you notice each of the
soda bottles has some kind of label on it? We're not sure what exactly it's of, but it
does bear some resemblance to the Nipper plant, first seen in Mario 3. Oh, and did you catch
the Cheep Cheep swimming around? That's a cool touch.
Alright, and that wraps it up for Sweet Sweet Canyon, so let's move on to Thwomp Ruins.
Which, as it turns out, is a level we also saw in the original E3 trailer--except we
had no idea what it was back then, but we can tell they're the same due to similar looking
structures, such a s these pillars which are identical. Unfortunately, we don't have very
many clips of this one, but let's see if we can't work our magic and figure the course's
layout using the scenes from both trailers.
Okay, so for once, we think the level's first clip may actually be the one that actually
comes first in the level. Even though the camera angle is from within a tunnel, if we
look through the entrance, we can see a banner held up by two pillars, and we think that
banner might just be the starting line.
If that's the case, it appears you'll almost immediately enter this tunnel after the start,
at which point you'll also have to watch out for these giant stone wheels--but where do
they come from? Well, if we rewind the footage, we can see what appears to be another stone
wheel waiting to be released on a track above.
Now within this tunnel, you'll also have the option of sticking to the main course or taking
the anti-gravity wall section--which might be a good way to avoid those wheels. And we
get a glimpse of both routes with Peach here who takes the lower one, and Waluigi who takes
the wall
Now we think that you might exit the cave into the Thwomp-filled area, and here's why.
If we pause it when the camera looks behind Donkey Kong, we can see he just emerged from
a tunnel himself.
And once you do, you'll be faced with the option of three main routes-well, four, if
you count the water option. Now each of those three is guarded by a Thwomp, so you'll have
to be careful as you drive underneath. But it seems it'll be eaisest to do this using
the paths on either side as they have anti-gravity wall sections, while the middle path doesn't--but
it also appears to be the most direct. Also, the column just right of the Twjomp there
appears to have a bird's nest on it--what's that about? Does it do anything if you ram
the pillar? Or maybe it belongs to a bird that lives here?
Now do you see that giant Thwomp ahead--his mouth is actually a cave entrance, which we
get a look at from the inside with this scene. And we know it's that same cave swince we
can see the Thwomps just outside. And it looks like you'll have a short drop, followed by
an anti-gravity section here
And that covers it for all the new footage, but we think these clips from the E3 trailer
may be what come next, as they don't seem to fit anywhere else, and since they're outside,
it makes perfect sense that they'd link back up with the Starting Line we pointed out at
the start
So assuming that's the case, it looks like you'll have a slight downhill ramp followed
by a brief flying section. Upon landing, you'll find a set of item boxes ahead and a curbe
to the left--with perhaps the finish line waiting just beyond
So that covers it for the general track layout, but there's still one more thing I wanted
to point out. Why oh why do the Thwomps have two faces--one on each side. What's up with
that Thwomps? Why you gotta be so creepy.
Next up we have this Desert., boneyard like level, which as we mentioned before, appears
to be called Bone Dry Dunes based on the signboard in the Airport. So let's rearrange these clips
to get a better idea of how level will work
So helpfully, the track's first clip actually shows the starting line. And here we can several
Toad's watching from the sidelines. In fact, they even apper to have their own pirte ship,
as indicated by the Toad sails and flags. But it's not only Toads that get in on the
fun, as we can see a Shy Guy flag here. And if we go a bit further into the footage, we
can see some actual Shy Guys spectating from behind a fence,
At some point after, you'll pass by another Toad Ship as you go around a gentle bend--and
if you watch it closely, you can see it's actually moving. Is it just there for decoration,
or does it factor into the gameplay in some way? Either way, it looks like you'll also
have to avoid taking the turn too wide and falling through the holes in the fence, right
next to the first set of item boxes
Now this next clip gives us a great idea of what comes next--and we know it comes next
since we can see that same Toad ship and fence in the distant background. Oh, and did you
catch the light house here? Makes sense with all those ships roaming around. So it appears
after you make that bend, you'll cross a bridge where you'll reach a brief fork in the road.
Both lead to a set of item boxes, but one is at a slightly higher elevation and looks
to be just slightly longer, since it's on the outside of the curve.
Now after the track rejoins, you'll pass by a Bone Pirhana Plant making his Mario Kart
debut, but we're guessing he'll behave just previous Pirhana Plants int he series and
snap at you if you get too close. Oh, and check it out--there's another split path here
too, allowing you go around either side of the Pirhana.
And we get another look at it in this next scene, where we can see both paths joining
back up shortly after the Piranha Plant
Speaking of dual-paths, there's another fork in the road just ahead. Thought he racetrack
continues as normal, you also have the option of taking this boney pathway that's also an
anti-gravity section.
And we can see it extends for quite some ways, free of hazards, while racers on the main
path will have to contend with another Bone Piranha Plant.
Althought he next clip does suggest that only the lower path will have coins to collect.
Anyways, both of them lead to another set of item boxes before rejoining at a flying
section, as shown in this clip.
And it appears you'll be gliding into a tunnel, whose entrance is actually that of Dry Bowser,
which we actually get a better look at in the previous clip. It's unmistakable.
Now as you glide toward the cave, we can see a sand spout below--is this an actual hazard
or more for decoration? It does seem like it'd be pretty easy to avoid--although we
do know its height can change based on the Sand Geyser seen earlier in the footage
Anyways, at first glance, it appears there's only a single path in the cave, being the
wooden pathway. However, it appears the floor of the cave will be driveable as well, as
it seems a banana peel was planted by a previous racer.
Unfortunately, that's it for all the clips of Bone Dry Dunes, so we're not exactly sure
what else may come before the racetracks final turn before the finish line.
Finally, we have what we're guessing is Cloudtop Cruise--again, going by the signboard int
he airport. This time the race seems to take place entirely in the sky, with you racing
on both clouds and beanstalks. So let's see if we can't reassemble this footage into the
proper race order too.
Thankfully, one of the clips again shows the starting line, giving us a good place to start.
And as we can see. the race begins on a beanstalk, before leading to a set of item boxes on a
ramp. Oh, and did you spot the Paratroopas watching nearby? Now that rampl leads to a
platform adorned with Bowser's head that you can bounce off of to reach a cloud pathway--and
look, there's an airship in the background--but more on that in a second. We can also see
a couple of bends coming up which this next clip gives us a better look at, based on the
starting line in the background.
Okay, now we know the airship is coming up next. And sure enough, in this scene, we can
see the racers inside that very airship being launched from its giant cannon into a flying
section. And along the way, they'll pass yet another airship that has a raised warp pipe
on it--similar to the ones from Mario 3. And in the background,w e can once again see that
bouncy platform from before, which helps support the idea that this is the proper sequence
of events
Now that cannon actually launches you into an antigravity track section among some storm
clouds. And by the way, did you notice Bowser's head adorns the landing area
And speaking of the landing area, this Baby Mario and Peach clip gives us a slightly better
look at it, followed by this Mario one which leads into a Boost Pad section.
Which we get a better look at in this series of clips. However, there does appear to be
one major obstacle in this section, which are the lightning strikes that seem to strike
only the Boost Pads all 4-times we see this. So it seems going for a speed boost may be
a risk in and of-itself. Unfortunately, we never actually see the beginning of a strike,
however, at several points, we do see these odd glowing balls above the track, which likely
indicate where the next strike will hit
Anyways, this anti-gravity section eventually terminates with another set of item boxes
and a flying section that leads back to the beanstalk, and then to the finish line just
around the next bend. Oh, by the way, did you notice the landing area here is marked
by a giant ? Block, complete with the classic 4-rivets. Which means the beanstalk is actually
growing out of a ? Block, just like in the clasic Mario games--how awesome is that?!
Phew, and that covers it for all the tracks we know about so far. But between this and
the E3 trailer, it brings the total of courses up to 11--8 of which are new, and 3 returning.
Which means if the game matches the amount of courses of every other 3D Mario Kart, there
are still 8 new ones left to be shown, and 15 returning ones we don't yet know about.
Now beyond the racetracks, the trailer also confirms a few new playable characters too.
And they are Baby Mario, Baby Luigi, Baby Peach, and Baby Daisy, and Rosalina, which
brings the roster up to 17 characters total, which includes the other 12 we already knew
about being Mario, Luigi, Peach, Yoshi, Bowser, DK, Toad, Koopa Troopa, Daisy, Toadett, Wario,
and Waluigi. So far, this matches the amount of characytes in Mario Kart 7, but falls short
of previous console entries including Double Dash's 20, and Mario Kart Wii's 26. And since
Mario klart 8 is also on a console, we're guessing there's still a good amount of characters
yet to be shown--including Mii, who's appeared in every MK game since their creation. We
also wouldn't be surprised to see Shy Guy return, since he does seem to have a track
named after him, and maybe even Paratroopa too, since we've seen hanging out in one of
the racetracks
Now these new characters also give us a look at some new vehicle options that you'll be
able to customize, including these adorable vehicle bodies shaped after Flying Biddy Buds
from the Mario 3D Land and World games
Then there's Rosalina who shows off a new motorcycle complete with "Princess Orange"
decals--not entirely sure what those mean, but hey, they're there..
Wario also shows off a pretty badass ride, complete with exposed engine, and the same
? Block insignia we noted on some of the bikes in the previous analysis.
Then a few characters show off a new ATV with 4-headlights
And finally, check out Peach's tricked out car here, complete with a speaker system in
the trunk. In fact, if we zoom in and slow it down, you can even see the speaker move
as it pumps out some tunes--pretty fancy there princess.
Alright and that covers it for all of the main features, but there's still a few final
cool little details I wanted to point out, such as the game's visuals.
I mean, we already knew this was a great looking game, but the new trailer really shows this
off--particularly in the smaller details.
Such as the fact that every race course has a thematically appropriate starting line.
Take Bone Dry Dune's for example, which is held up by bones, whereas the one in Cloud
Cruise is supported by vines.
Moving on, we already know the planes in Sunshine Airport have a ton of attention lavished on
them, such as the fact that their landing gear even goes away during flight. But did
you notice the surprisingly realistic-looking reflection on the planes as you drive past?
Speaking of planes, we can also see the shadows are accurately rendered according to the position
of the sun, as opposed to always appearing directly below, as we can see in this scene
with the airplane's shadow appearing to the side.
And this seems to apply to all shadow's including Yoshi's here
And speaking of reflections, n this scene, we can see even the reflection in Mario's
headlights changes to match the environment. And while we're on this clip, did you notice
Mario's mustache even moves now? And it seems it'll apply to any characters with facial
hair, as we can see it with Wario as well.
And check out the lighting effects here, as the sparks generated from the karts colliding
light up DK from below.
And we can see another neat touch is shown in this scene--when Waluigi gets taken out
by a shell, his eyes change to X's--neat!
Then there's the tire tracks that appear when driving through the clouds--and we wouldn't
be surprised to see this pop up elsewhere, such as in a snow level.
Speaking of level details, we pointed out in our last analysis, that the Mario Circuit
level actually has visible support beams holding the entire thing up, suggesting a slightly
more realistic take on the art style. And that continues even here, where we see even
floating track sections are actually being supported by the attached helicopter blades.
It's an odd detail for a game series where things often float for no reason, but it's
cool all the same.
And with that, we're done covering everything we could dig up from the latest Mario kart
8 Trailer
Thanks for watching and make sure to check out GameXplain.com for more on Mario Kart
8 and other things gaming too.