During today's Mario Kart World Direct, fans were treated to an in-depth look at the highly anticipated Free Roam mode, unveiling its multiplayer features and the exciting activities players can engage in while exploring Mario Kart World's expansive world.
Although we had the chance to go hands-on with Mario Kart World last week, it wasn't until today that we got a comprehensive overview of Free Roam mode and its offerings. This new feature allows players to explore freely across a vast, Forza Horizon-inspired world map. Unlike previous Mario Kart games, where race tracks were isolated and only accessible during races, Mario Kart World integrates them into an open world, enabling players to seamlessly travel between tracks in certain game modes and enjoy the freedom to explore the areas in between.When not engaged in racing, Free Roam mode offers players a chance to 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 a mystery for now. Additionally, P-Switches are scattered throughout, which players can activate to trigger short challenges like gathering blue coins.
One of the standout features of Free Roam mode is the ability to enter Photo Mode at any time, allowing players to capture memorable moments of their racers in various poses and angles. And the fun doesn't stop there—Free Roam isn't limited to solo play. Players can team up with friends to explore the world together, take photos, tackle challenges, or simply hang out. The mode supports up to four players on a single system through split-screen, or up to eight players total via local wireless play, with two players per system.
Today's Mario Kart World Direct also showcased a variety of other new additions, including new characters, courses, and modes. To stay updated on all the latest announcements, be sure to check out the full coverage.