It looks like Nintendo is finally starting to get a handle on downloadable content. After announcing a boring Mercedes-Benz DLC pack for Mario Kart 8 earlier this month, Nintendo has confirmed two new DLC packs for the game. The new DLC packs are far more fan-friendly and sensible packs that are worthy of the game and Nintendo fanatics.
Pack 1 is due out in November and features Mario in his “Tanooki” suit from Super Mario Bros. 3, Cat Princess Peach and The Legend of Zelda franchise hero, Link. In addition, the pack includes the Wario’s Gold Mine course from Mario Kart Wii, and new vehicles such as Blue Falcon kart based on the F-Zero series.
The next DLC pack hits in May 2015 and will feature Animal Crossing’s Villager and Isabelle as new driver characters alongside Dry Bowser. Nintendo is offering a special for purchasing both packs together or separately, where fans can immediately get alternate colors of Yoshi and Shy Guys for Mario Kart 8.
The new DLC packs are great moves for Nintendo, and I hope the company continues to make them for its signature franchise titles in the future. One such title that is perfect for DLC is Super Smash Bros. for the Wii U. My hope is that the add-on content announced for Mario Kart 8 is a mark of things to come for Smash Bros. The potential for DLC stages, characters and alternate character skins is exceedingly high for the game. Nintendo fans are not interested in Mercedes-Benz promotions. If the game is going to have DLC, it needs to be content that will interest fans of the game and Nintendo franchises. Incorporating Link and other characters as playable driver characters is a great start.
Since the DLC has the potential to add new karts from other franchises for the drivers, I would really like to see a new kart based on the Arwing from Star Fox. If the game can have Zelda characters, why not use Zelda to add in more Princess characters? I do not see a problem with the franchise utilizing characters outside of the immediate Super Mario Bros. cast because it is a racing game. The more Nintendo mainstays in the game, the better.
Mario Kart 8 is now available for the Nintendo Wii U. The Legend of Zelda DLC pack will be available later this fall.
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