i think it's partly because all of our expectations were really high

how dare they give a good game an 8 and up, shame on them.

It surpasses expectations.

You don't know what I did when watching a Mario Kart Wii video...

It gives new life to the pun "Wii."

*Disclaimer: Nothing Happened*

*Dis-Disclaimer: Or did it?*

Let's give it a 50 because I can't hold my fat arm steady enough to play! Please, don't remind me of that crap. 

I was going to start my own MK impressions thread, but this one will do.

...

In short - the game is awesome. From the second I turned it on, I have been nothing other than impressed with the title. The first thought I had was "Mario Kart Arcade" - its like have an arcade racer in your home.

What I can't understand the most with reviews, are the comments on graphics. I think they are fantastic - other than upping the resolution, I can't imagine how they could be better.

It looks a long way ahead of MK:DD. The characters/cars seem more detailed, have more personality, more detail and they just suit the game great.

The levels are very colourful, have a lot more animation than we have seen in the past - and little touches like streams of Miis standing by the side of the road add a lot to the game.

The increase from 8 to 12 racers makes the game feel more like a "real GP" - it makes a real difference.

The tracks a lot wider, this seems to make the game more fun - plenty of room for drifting & racing.

Played a few games online and apart from taking a few seconds to setup a race - it played flawlessly. I'm very impressed with the way they handled people dropping out & rejoining - its done in a way that doesn't disturb the race for others. Awesome.

I also like the "license" system (basically save slots) - it very simply shows you what the player has achieved - and there is plenty to do (3 cups, 3 difficulty levels).

I agree that Battle Mode is a little disappointing - simply because there could have been a lot MORE game modes, and options - with customisation and so on. But at the same time, its obvious WHY they designed the game like this - its all about online. The team battles & simple game modes are very much designed to make the game simple to join & play online.

I was also really impressed with all the control options. I picked up a spare WiiWheel, and if I have the option - it will always be my preferred way of playing the game. We only have 2 Wiimotes - but a couple of spare GC controllers, so 4 player was no issue.

The game doesn't look as good in 4 player mode - but no real surprise there. It runs well enough (solid 30fps I would say), and plays just fine on my TV.

...

Its a solid 9 for me, and really is the Wii game I have been waiting for. I expect this to keep selling strongly for months, if not years to come - it should be a perennial favourite.

(EDIT: I'm a little shocked, but I really enjoy playing the game in "Automatic" mode - with no drift boosts, and auto drifting. Will probably switch back to manual mode later, but the "ease" of play in Auto mode makes the game more of a joy to game, and I can focus on driving & worrying about taking out the other karts. It was a great move IMO.). 

as a non Wii owners who loves Mario Kart. I think it got a pretty fair score. I was hoping it doesn't drop below 8 which would be a shame.

It's very clear that Nintendo didn't make this game as polish as they did with SMG or SSBB, less balancing issue. If this game is delayed for 6 months, I have no question it will be in the 9s.

as for now, It lies between SSBB and Mario Party 8. Good servicable game that well sell well.

 nice read

sounds pretty solid to me 

Typical Nintendo fanboy denial.

I've seen a couple dozen reviews and they were all good. Which reviews are you talking about?

Wii software sales are immune to poor SW sales... no need to worry about what a few assine reviewer have to say.

The Game is somwhere between DD and SMK in Gameplay from what I hear... and that means it is pretty awsome.