Mario Kart Live: Home Circuit facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Mario Kart Live: Home Circuit |
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| Developer(s) | Velan Studios |
| Publisher(s) | Nintendo |
| Director(s) | Dan Doptis |
| Producer(s) | Yosuke Tamori Hiroshi Matsunaga Toyokazu Nonaka |
| Programmer(s) | Jan-Erik Steel |
| Composer(s) | Ryo Nagamatsu |
| Series | Mario Kart |
| Platform(s) | Nintendo Switch |
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| Genre(s) | Kart racing, augmented reality |
| Mode(s) | Single-player, multiplayer |
Mario Kart Live: Home Circuit is a 2020 racing mixed reality game, being the fifteenth installment in the Mario Kart series and was released on October 16, 2020 for the Nintendo Switch. Developed by Velan Studios, Home Circuit utilizes physical radio-controlled cars responding to how the player plays in-game. The game was released to celebrate the 35th anniversary of the Super Mario franchise. The game received favorable reviews.
Gameplay
Home Circuit makes use of real-life toys to build stages where the player will race opponents. The toys of characters, which are equipped with a motor and camera, move in accordance with the player's input on the Nintendo Switch. Included in the game are multiple traditional Mario Kart items which, when hit, will slow down the player. The game supports up to 4 players, however, racing against AIs is also supported. The game also features a Grand Prix mode, where the player will race against Bowser Jr. and the Koopalings. Winning in this mode can unlock new customization options and costumes for the playable characters. The level creation in Home Circuit is performed by placing four gates to make checkpoints, which, when driven through, advance the player onto the next lap of the five-lap race. The game also comes with arrows, which can be used to indicate to the player where they need to drive.
Development
After inventing the mixed reality hardware and prototype for Home Circuit, Velan Studios showcased the game to Nintendo, who were "thrilled" and saw "its potential." While the game was primarily developed by Velan Studios, Nintendo collaborated on the hardware and software with Nintendo European Research & Development and Nintendo PTD.
Home Circuit was first revealed in a Nintendo Direct held on September 3, 2020, to celebrate the Super Mario franchise's 35th anniversary, where it was scheduled for release on October 16, 2020, with a launch price of $99, however, no physical Game Card is included, as the game is digital only. A toy set featuring Mario and another set featuring Luigi, which will include their respective drivers, four gates, arrow signs, and a charging cable, were also announced shortly after the Direct, and pre-orders became available shortly after.
The game's developer, Velan Studios, stated that the game's controls were designed to be easy to understand, while still remaining faithful to the Mario Kart series. Velan Studios has also noted that the game, despite its abnormal concept, was developed to have the same type of playability as prior Mario Kart games.
See also
In Spanish: Mario Kart Live: Home Circuit para niños
