While many fans figured it would be inevitable considering the immense success of the franchise, a rumor has recently popped up suggesting Mario Kart 9 is in development. Information is vague, but the rumor hints that Nintendo may be preparing to reveal the title at some point this year. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe has continued to be a big hit for the Switch, but it was initially a Wii U title in 2014, so the series is long overdue for a new entry.
Each new installment in the Mario Kart series tends to introduce at least one new mechanic or concept to help spice up the formula. Mario Kart 7 introduced gliders and Mario Kart 8 had zero gravity sections, so Mario Kart 9 is likely to have its own fresh spins on the series. While new tracks and playable characters are always nice, the ninth entry in any franchise will need to do something truly innovative to make a big impression. For that reason, Mario Kart 9 could look to the platforming roots of Mario as a source of inspiration, resulting in what could be a unique new genre.
How Mario Kart Could Use Platforming
At the core of its design, the Mario Kart series features some easy controls and mechanics to grasp. Acceleration, steering, braking, drifts, and the use of items are essentially all that need to be understood to make it past the finish line. The time it takes to master these concepts, especially on harder difficulties, can vary from player to player. However, the main idea isn't hard one to grasp, which is probably why Mario Kart has been embraced by so many players.
That being said, going on a ninth mainline entry may require some fresh ideas to ensure Mario Kart 9 isn't just "another" Mario Kart game. The looks and feel of racing has been fine tuned to perfection in Mario Kart 8, while also featuring some of the most engaging track design and beautiful graphics in the series. This is a high bar to clear, so Mario Kart 9 should explore an outside-the-box concept: combine platforming and racing mechanics into one gameplay style.
Mario made a name for himself jumping over blocks and sliding down flagpoles. It would be a creative way to incorporate Mario's roots into the already polished gameplay of Mario Kart. The game could have shortcuts only be accessible to those able to pull off split-second drifts, or tracks that actively change and require players to actively adapt how they maneuver. More emphasis on verticality would help as well, with tracks featuring multiple paths that can be reached based on how well the player is able to control their kart.
Mario Kart Adventure Mode
These new mechanics shouldn't just be limited to the standard race modes, and can open doors to new opportunities. Mario Kart games have never been light on content, but a properly dedicated adventure mode is something the series has severly lacked. With a more open-ended track structure and completely new approach to Kart control, a story mode could be the cherry on top of a new style of Mario Kart game.
Diddy Kong Racing on Nintendo 64 already demonstrated how a single-player component in a racing game can go a long way in making a title more memorable. The inclusion of three different vehicle modes worked wonders to always make the gameplay feel varied and exciting. Furthermore, the adventure mode has explorable world hubs with hidden secrets. This can make for a more engaging method to earn new in-game content as opposed to just racing the same courses multiple times.
It remains to be seen what Nintendo has in store for the Mario Kart franchise going forward. However, considering the immense success and innovations in past installments, something big needs to be done whenever Mario Kart 9 races onto the scene.
Mario Kart 9 is rumored to be in development.