Mario Kart Attraction Gets Poor Reaction From Fans Online

in Universal Studios Japan

Mario Kart

Credit: Universal

Mario Kart: Koopa’s Challenge (Bowser’s Challenge) is holding soft openings for Guests ahead of the delayed grand opening of Super Nintendo World at Universal Studios Japan. The media ban on pictures and videos of Super Nintendo World was recently lifted, so the internet has been flooded with images from the land and its attractions. Unfortunately, the highly anticipated Mario Kart-based attraction is getting some negative reactions from fans online after videos of the ride surfaced.

Mario Kart
Credit: Universal Studios Japan

Mario Kart: Koopa’s Challenge

Mario Kart is the highest selling video game franchise on Nintendo’s record-breaking game system the Nintendo Switch. So, it was no surprise when Super Nintendo World was announced that Mario Kart would be the base for the large scale attraction that would anchor the land. Fans have been excitedly waiting for this attraction, and after a tour of Super Nintendo World was shared by Universal online the excitement grew tenfold.

Now, it seems the expectations of fans waiting for this brand new attraction were not met, as many took to social media with mixed reactions after seeing videos of Mario Kart: Koopa’s Challenge online.

Related: When Will Universal’s Mario Kart Attraction Open in the U.S?

Mario Kart
Credit: Nintendo

Fan Reactions

SPOILER WARNING! Images from Mario Kart: Koopa’s Challenge ahead!

Here is a clip from the attraction shared by Universal fan Ryan Satin (@ryansatin) on Twitter:

Just watched a ride through video of the Mario Kart attraction at Super Nintendo World in Japan and OMG I NEED TO GO ON THIS!

While Ryan seemed excited about Mario Kart: Koopa’s Challenge, others were not impressed. Remember that the Mario Kart attraction combines physical sets and an augmented reality headset to transport Guests into the video game. So, the “blurry” photos and videos online are from images being taking from behind the glasses.

Mario Kart AR Glasses
Credit: Universal

Related: Surprise! Guests Ride Mario Kart for the First Time! 

Universal fan Chris (@bagel_chris) shared that he wished the attraction was more fast-paced which was a common complaint online among the fan community:

Couldn’t help myself and watched some Super Nintendo World ride footage. I really wish the Mario Kart ride was a bit faster but I’m sure the AR goggles make the whole experience much more fun when you’re actually there. Hopefullu

The sets look AMAZING though

Theme park reporter Exploring Attractions (@SoCalExploring) shared thoughts that the attraction could be more enjoyable without to AR glasses on. Mario Kart: Koopa’s Challenge has some incredible physical sets so we are sure with or without the AR Mario glasses on you will still enjoy the fun of the attraction!

The Mario Kart Attraction at Super Nintendo World looks like more of an enjoyable ride without the AR goggles on

Universal fan Mr. Brian (@MrBrianORL) said that, although impressed, he believed the Mario Kart attraction was an updated Men in Black attraction. Men in Black Alien Attack is an attraction found in Universal Studios at Universal Orlando Resort. It is a slow-moving shooter ride.

I gave in and watched the #MarioKart POV. Very impressed, but totally not what I was expecting the ride to be. Looks more like an updated MIB type shooter.

Matt Rogers (@MattRogersTho) took to Twitter to share thoughts on the attraction, stating that it looked too complicated:

I obviously have not done it yet but whew #MarioKart in Japan looks WAY too busy and complicated for a theme park ride. I wish the roll could be slowed re: incorporating video game elements into these. I get it’s Nintendo but just give a fun streamlined experience. Looks whack 🙁

Personally, I feel that I want to ride the attraction for myself before I have a full opinion, but I do understand the frustration of fans who wished the attraction went faster overall.

Related: Donkey Kong at Super Nintendo World: Fans Suspect Universal Will Expand New Land!

Universal is currently constructing a Super Nintendo World at Universal Studios Hollywood. Construction is moving quickly so if traveling to Japan is out of reach you can still ride Mario Kart in the states soon!

What do you think of Mario Kart: Koopa’s Challenge? Let us know in the comments!

in Universal Studios Japan

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