Mario Kart World puts its best wheel forward. I'm head down, Waluigi's sublimely long legs over a little motorbike blasting through the first course of Mushroom Cup – Mario Bros. Circuit. The initial lap is thrilling, taking me through the canyon's smooth corners, grindable pipes and shortcuts teasing me to embrace the game's new features through laps two and three. It's a great opening. Unfortunately, it's not a pace Mario Kart World is interested in keeping up.
The next portion of the Grand Prix starts off well. With Crown City in our sights, the race kicks off with the heaving crew of racers taking to the open road to actually travel to the next track from Mario Bros. Circuit. It's a bit different, but OK – race down a motorway, drift through some fast food to unlock a glorious Biker outfit for Waluigi. But what's that in the corner of the screen? Lap 2 of 3 already and we're not even there yet? Hitting Crown City, 'Lap 3' begins as we cross the start line for the first time. The track has plenty of great ideas, teasing me with different paths and routes – drifting up to the tops of skyscrapers is thrilling! And then it… just ends?
