After my time with it last night, I'd say it's a pretty fun game. It may not resonate with a lot of fans for a number of reasons: the scoring system, the gacha, the auto-driving mechanic, having to level up characters, karts and gliders, etc.
But if you look at it as Mario Kart implemented for mobile purposes, it makes sense, honestly. That's not to say I think microtransactions and gacha are good for games. Unfortunately, though, a majority of the crowd who only play mobile games either want to play for free/small payments occasionally or are happy to spend absurd amounts of money on these titles. The only thing I think they can do without are the heart and waiting mechanics. Whatever the purpose may be for implementing stamina into mobile games, it's always awful, and I don't think any player would say games are better for having it.
On a more positive note though, it's actually kind of cool to think of this game as having a slightly different way of playing that suits mobile purposes. If you're a player that likes the kind of scoring and leveling system that this iteration implements, you could have a good time with it. Half the time, I wonder whether I should be trying to get first place, or if I should take advantage of all the items I'm going to get to boost my score. It's a completely new approach for the franchise, and I think some people will enjoy it, even if others think that that kind of approach sucks. It also helps set it apart from other Mario Kart games.
I can't say for sure that I'll play it when it comes out, but I know that there will be a lot of people playing it if the game is handled properly.
But if you look at it as Mario Kart implemented for mobile purposes, it makes sense, honestly. That's not to say I think microtransactions and gacha are good for games. Unfortunately, though, a majority of the crowd who only play mobile games either want to play for free/small payments occasionally or are happy to spend absurd amounts of money on these titles. The only thing I think they can do without are the heart and waiting mechanics. Whatever the purpose may be for implementing stamina into mobile games, it's always awful, and I don't think any player would say games are better for having it.
On a more positive note though, it's actually kind of cool to think of this game as having a slightly different way of playing that suits mobile purposes. If you're a player that likes the kind of scoring and leveling system that this iteration implements, you could have a good time with it. Half the time, I wonder whether I should be trying to get first place, or if I should take advantage of all the items I'm going to get to boost my score. It's a completely new approach for the franchise, and I think some people will enjoy it, even if others think that that kind of approach sucks. It also helps set it apart from other Mario Kart games.
I can't say for sure that I'll play it when it comes out, but I know that there will be a lot of people playing it if the game is handled properly.