Japanese publicaton Famitsu has revealed a number of new details regarding the Wii iteration of Nintendo's Mario Kart series.
The Wiire previously reported on the addition of bikes to the franchise in Mario Kart Wii. Famitsu has now confirmed their allowed use in Cup races, along with their ability to perform special tricks like wheelies. Each driver will come with different vehicles.
Baby Peach and Boo will join the roster of playable characters. Gamers will be able to race with their Miis, as well.
Mario Kart Wii will feature a total of 32 courses, half new and half brought back from previous games. The organization for the initial set of Cups is as follows:
NEW:
"Mushroom Cup"
Luigi Circuit
Moo Moo Country
Mushroom Canyon
Toad Factory
"Flower Cup"
Mario Circuit
Coconuts Mall
DK Snowboard Cross
Wario Mines
OLD:
"Shell Cup"
GC Peach Beach
DS Yoshi Falls
SFC Ghost Swamp 2
64 Mario Circuit
"Banana Cup"
64 Sherbert Land
GBA Hey Ho Beach
DS Monty Town
GC Waluigi Stadium
Mario Kart Wii will be the first home console edition of the franchise to feature online play. Races will expand to include 12 players instead of the typical eight. Players will also be able to share time attack scores and race "ghosts" online.
Global and local rankings will be available to online players. Famitsu mentioned an online league, but did not clearly specify how people can participate. Outside of racing, players can partake in the online battle mode.
Mario Kart Wii is expected to be released in Japan on April 10, with a North American released anticipated to occur around the same time. PAL territories do not currently possess a firm release date for the title.
The Wiire will have more on the Wii edition of Nintendo's kart racer in the future.
