Mario Kart World's Open World: A Disappointing Detour?

Mario Kart World's Open World Disappoints in IGN Preview IGN's recent preview of the upcoming Mario Kart World has revealed mixed feelings regarding its open world feature. The reviewer, known for their insightful game analysis, found the free-roam experience lacking in several key areas. One major criticism was the significantly reduced speed when driving off-road, a mechanic that, while understandable in the context of traditional racing, felt frustrating in the open world. "Driving off-road slows you down, which makes sense during a race, but in Free Roam it's a little frustrating," the reviewer stated. Further detracting from the experience was the ease with which the game's collectibles, Peach Medallions and Question Block panels, were discovered. These items, intended to add depth to the open world, felt neither special nor challenging to obtain. The overall sentiment expressed was that the open world felt more like an afterthought than a core component of the game, a 'side dish' rather than the main course. Despite these shortcomings, the reviewer left open the possibility of undiscovered elements that could change their perspective.