Mario Kart 8 reveals new tracks and items, still looks awesome

I’d been burned out on Mario Kart since the Nintendo 64, but the moment I got my hands on Mario Kart 8 at E3 last year, I knew this was going to be special. Nintendo just released a new trailer, as well as a handful of new details, and I’m reminded again of just how awesome Mario Kart 8 looks.

In addition to the classic items you know and love (or hate, like that damn blue shell), Mario Kart 8 adds the Piranha Plant, which tries to take a giant bite out of anyone and anything that comes near your kart; and the Boomerang Flower, a projectile that will stun anything that it hits, either on its initial shot or during its return arc.

Nintendo has included 16 new courses and 16 remixed classic courses with Mario Kart 8. Among the newly announced remixed courses are Moo Moo Meadows (Mario Kart Wii), Toad’s Turnpike (Mario Kart 64), and Donut Plains (Super Mario Kart). Expect HD graphics and lots of anti-gravity hijinks to ensue.

We’re still two months out from Mario Kart 8’s May 30th release date, but there’s still reason enough to get hyped over the return of the seminal racing game. Hopefully it’s good enough to help Nintendo move some Wii U consoles when it launches.

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