This is my first review for a non-RPG game, so there are going to be different things I'm going to cover. However, you most likely won't know about my other reviews.

First up is gameplay.
Gameplay is pretty good in here. Unlike previous Mario Kart games, your car has two characters, and you can choose who they are. Mario and Bowser, Waluigi and Baby Mario, Koopa and Donkey Kong, whatever you want, it doesn't matter. But, there is more to it than picking your favourites.

Every pair in this game has a unique special item, so, of course, they all have their different uses. This could play a key factor in choosing your racers. Or, it might not. But it probably will. Once you choose your characters, your next choice is your car, which could add to the diversity of the game. Each car has different attributes, so you'll have to find the one that works for you.

Then, there are the various modes. The most expected mode is Grand Prix mode, where you play for trophies and other prizes, including more karts to use, more characters, more tracks, and, of course, harder difficulties. And, as always, there are different ways to play Grand Prix mode. You can team up with friends, play against your friends, and even team up against your friends.

On top of that is Versus mode. This one is simpler. You race on any track you want with friends, the same way you would in Grand Prix. The only difference is that there are no computer players, and you don't get any swag.
 

Other than that, you have your Battle mode, which now features three ways to play, instead of the old one. The first of these is, (un)surprisingly, the original ''Pop your opponents balloons first to win!'' game, which (I hope) needs no explaining. Then, you have your Shine Thief game, which is a lot like Keep Away. The goal is to have a little thing known as a Shine (should look... familiar... to those who played Super Mario Sunshine) and keep it until the time runs out. Whoever has it then, wins. Last of the three is the Bob-omb Blast. Your goal is to blow up your opponents, using Bob-ombs, three times in a row. This can be a little difficult, considering the blast radius of the bomb. That's all beside the point.

The main point is, there are several different ways to have fun, so I give Gameplay a 9/10

Apart from the gameplay is another key element (to some people): Graphics. There isn't much I can really say about the graphics, because they're exactly the same style as Mario Sunshine. It's got a cartoony feel to it, but not quite like Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker.

That said, I give Graphics a 8/10 for its simple style.
The next piece is Music. Now, as with most games, the music creates perfect ambience in each track, but nothing here will make you tap your toes, rock on, or bust out your moves. The music still maintains that old Mario feel, but it's entirely new, to the best of my knowledge. The only thing that wouldn't be entirely new is the Star Road track theme, because it seems to be a remix of the old theme, but it's not bad.

Music scores a 8/10 for fitting in perfectly with the track.

The next element is the controls. Some people will agree: If you can't make the dude do what you want him to do, then something's not right. Luckily, this game has responsive controls. The only time the controls might get you frustrated is when you team up with your friend and he tries to go one way while you go the other, sending you straight into what you were avoiding, be it a wall, an item, or another, heavier driver, but you can't really blame the game for that. Other than that, the controls are basic and easy to use.
 

Controls get a 10/10 for being simple and easy to use.

Finally, the last important thing... Difficulty and Length. This game posed quite the challenge when I was playing it, and that was with a friend. It's really frustrating knowing you have to place in first in the last race to win a new prize, only to lose horribly in the beginning. But, even after all that, the length of Grand Prix mode is a bit short. If you're as skilled as I am (and I've been playing video games for as long as I can remember), it should take you about two days to beat, barring an extra mode for getting all 15 gold trophies. But that's just on your own. With friends, though, the fun just might never end.

Difficulty earns 7/10 for the frustration you'll get.

Length receives 4/10 for being able to unlock just about everything in two days, which is shorter than other games.

Overall, I give this game an 8/10 for the fun it provides, the frustration it brings, and the length. It should be noted that this is not an average of any kind.

Rent or buy?

This one is all up to you. If you've got friends who want to hang out and play this game, then you should definitely buy it, or if you have as much fun as I do, or you have a father who wants to show you what's what. If you just want to play it until you unlock everything, then a rental could be right up your alley. But, there's that chance you'll end up buying it.

And that marks the end of this review. Dante Reborn, signing out.