Nintendo has released a large update for Mario Kart World, introducing several new options, item adjustments, and fixes that players might find quite useful. This patch softens the power of boomerangs and adds some fresh features to improve gameplay and user experience.
For those who have been frustrated by boomerangs, the update makes their homing ability weaker. That should change how players use them in races and battles. Also, the update brings new item rules and spectating options, which add a bit more control and variety to the game.
So, what exactly is new? Let’s look at the patch notes.
Mario Kart World Update 1.2.0 Patch Notes
General Changes
- Added a “No COM” option to the COM rules in “VS Race” for Single Player.
- Introduced “Mushrooms only” as an item rule in “VS Race” for both Single Player and Multiplayer.
- Players can now choose “View Replay” after downloading ghost data in “Time Trials.”
- When spectating in “Knockout Tour” and “Balloon Battle” modes (Online, Wireless, and LAN Play), you can now select whom to watch.
- Waiting time until the next race or battle is visible in Online, Wireless, and LAN Play.
- CameraPlay now remembers cursor position and size in Multiplayer and Online Play until the game closes. Changing the number of players resets these settings.
- On the “Free Roam” map, gathering all P Switches, ? Panels, and Peach Medallions changes the colors of various numbers.
- COM difficulty has been reduced outside of Battle mode.
- Homing for Boomerangs has been weakened.
- Lowered the chance of getting a Triple Dash Mushroom when in low positions, except in “Frantic” item rule races.
- The chance of getting a ? Block has been increased outside of “Frantic” item rules.
- A wheel spinning animation now appears if you press the acceleration button (A) too early at the race start, but you won’t lose speed.
- Lap-type courses will appear more frequently when selecting the next course in “VS Race” and wireless races.
Fixed Issues
- Corrected incorrect rate fluctuations display in wireless races.
- Fixed vehicles floating in the air after jumping off half pipes.
- Addressed a bug where players using Bullet Bill after crashing while gliding would go off-course.
- Rewinding from wall riding now properly resets driver posture.
- Fixed item slot display inconsistencies when using items.
- Dash Panels now correctly cause dashing in Online Play.
- Team race points display fixed for Wireless Play.
- Menu controls no longer freeze after retiring in Balloon Battle (Wireless Play).
- Peach Medallions no longer disappear during Rewind in Free Roam.
- Fixed several control issues related to cursor and mission quitting in Free Roam.
- Addressed slipping through drift ice near “Sky-High Sundae.”
- Fixed player getting caught on handrails at the start of “Airship Fortress.”
- Corrected getting stuck on fences in “Bowser’s Castle.” Also fixed falling into abyss when using Bullet Bill there.
- Prevented going off-course using Mega Mushroom on last turn of “Whistlestop Summit.”
- Fixed inability to escape railroad fall location with Smart Steering on in “Whistlestop Summit.”
- Corrected slipping through ground near the goal at “Choco Mountain.”
- Fixed getting caught on blocks and planks in various tracks when using items.
- Corrected last place display errors in wireless races of “Dino Dino Jungle.”
- Fixed getting caught on leaves, vases, ceilings, fences, and other obstacles in multiple courses.
- Addressed missing effects for bridge transformation near “Rainbow Road.”
- Fixed item box appearance issues in “Wario Shipyard.”
- Resolved slipping through ground and going off-course bugs in several courses.
- Fixed getting stuck on trees with Smart Steering on in “Ice Rally” Knockout Tour.
- Other minor fixes to improve gameplay experience.
That’s quite a bit to take in, right? It’s nice to see Nintendo is still actively tuning the game and adding options to suit different playstyles. The boomerang nerf might disrupt item strategies a bit, which could be interesting. And the new options for item rules and spectating should help players enjoy the game their way.
Many players are already wondering about DLC for Mario Kart World since the game is just a bit over a month old. Maybe Nintendo will have some news soon. Until then, this update should keep things fresh and balanced.
Feel free to share your thoughts or experiences with the new update in the comments below.
