《瑪利歐賽車8》（Mario Kart 8）是任天堂於2014年5月29日在Wii U平台推出的競速遊戲，是該系列的第八部主要作品。以其華麗的畫面、創新的反重力機制和豐富的賽道設計成為當年最受歡迎的遊戲之一，並於2017年以加強版《瑪利歐賽車8 豪華版》（Mario Kart 8 Deluxe）的形式移植到Nintendo Switch。

依然是經典角色駕駛卡丁車展開競速比賽，沒有固定的劇情設置。可選擇瑪利歐、路易、碧姬公主、耀西、庫巴、大金剛、奇諾比奧、諾可諾可（烏龜）、黛西公主、奇諾比可、壞利歐、壞路易等熟悉的角色，新增的角色則有「羅潔塔寶寶」跟「粉金碧姬公主」。在各具特色的賽道上競逐。聚焦於競速的樂趣與策略，全心體驗比賽的緊張與刺激。

在操作上延續一貫的簡單直覺設計，並針對Wii U控制器進行優化。選擇多種控制方式，包括Wii U GamePad、Wii遙控器、Wii U Pro控制器等。支持單人、多人分屏以及線上競速模式，主機連線最多8人同時遊玩，線上多人最多可支持12人。

最大的創新是反重力機制，賽車在特定區域會觸發反重力模式，車輪翻轉並貼著牆壁或天花板行駛。這機制不僅使賽道設計更具立體感，也增加比賽的策略性。例如，在反重力模式下撞擊對手或障礙物會觸發短暫的加速效果，讓競速變得更加激烈。保留賽車自定義功能，可以選擇不同的車身、輪胎和滑翔翼，每個組件都會影響速度、加速、操控等性能。這系統能針對特定賽道或自己的駕駛風格進行調整。有4種不同難度，還新增網路直播功能「瑪利歐賽車TV」，可以將精采賽況影片跟全世界玩家分享。道具依然是本作的核心玩法之一，經典道具如紅龜殼、香蕉皮、無敵星等悉數回歸，同時新增一些全新道具：

•迴旋回力鏢（Boomerang Flower）：可以多次攻擊敵人，具有前後方向的彈性。

•食人花（Piranha Plant）：可自動攻擊前方的對手或障礙物，並提供短暫加速效果。

•超級喇叭（Super Horn）：能產生衝擊波攻擊周圍敵人，是破解藍龜殼的唯一手段。

•瘋狂8（Crazy Eight）：同時獲得八種不同道具，提供強大優勢。

模式的選項有：

•大賽模式（Grand Prix）：單人挑戰多個盃賽，分為50cc、100cc、150cc和鏡像級別。

•時間挑戰（Time Trials）：需打破自己的最佳紀錄，挑戰極限速度。

•對戰模式（Battle Mode）：在專屬地圖中進行道具戰鬥。

•線上對戰（Online Multiplayer）：與全球其他玩家競速或對戰，支持最多12人同場。

包含48條賽道（包含DLC），分為16條新賽道、16條經典賽道，以及16條DLC新增賽道。每條賽道都展現創意十足的設計與多樣化的主題，並充分運用反重力機制。

新賽道亮點:

•甜甜圈平原（Sweet Sweet Canyon）：以糖果與甜點為主題，色彩繽紛且充滿彎道挑戰。

•曠野駕駛（Mount Wario）：全程無圈數設計，從雪山頂部一路滑行到山腳，充滿速度感。

•庫巴城堡（Bowser’s Castle）：經典賽道再創新，加入火焰巨像和動態平台設計。

•彩虹之路（Rainbow Road 8）：太空為主題，賽道外環繞著行星和衛星，場景宏大壯觀。

多條歷代人氣賽道被重製並融入新機制，如N64的彩虹之路、3DS的椰子商場，以及Wii的蘑菇峽谷等。這些賽道經過高清化處理，視覺效果更上一層樓，同時保留熟悉的特色。

系列首款支援1080p解析度的作品，畫面質感無與倫比。賽車與角色的細節表現極為出色，場景的色彩與光影效果達到新高度。反重力區域的設計充滿創意，賽道背景生動且富有層次感，帶來視覺盛宴。音樂方面，首次採用現場錄音，所有背景音樂均由管弦樂團演奏。每條賽道的配樂都完美契合其主題，例如曠野駕駛的音樂充滿緊張感，而甜甜圈平原的旋律則輕快甜美，增添濃厚的氛圍。

發售後獲得一致好評，被認為是Wii U平台的旗艦遊戲之一。IGN給予9/10的評分，稱其為「系列中最漂亮、最有創意的作品」，而GameSpot也給出8/10的高分，讚揚其賽道設計與遊戲性。玩家普遍認為反重力機制與新增道具注入新鮮感，同時高畫質與流暢操作為競速體驗加分。不過，部分人對對戰模式的地圖設計提出批評，認為其缺乏系列早期作品的多樣性與創意。這是Wii U平台最暢銷的遊戲之一，全球銷量超過850萬份，是該主機最暢銷的作品。而《瑪利歐賽車8 豪華版》在Switch平台的銷量更是突破6400萬份，成為史上最成功的賽車遊戲之一。

這是將傳統玩法與創新設計完美結合的競速遊戲。其精緻的畫面、創意十足的反重力機制，以及豐富的賽道與角色內容，帶來前所未有的競速體驗。作為一款同時適合家庭娛樂與硬核競速愛好者的遊戲，不僅是Wii U平台的巔峰之作，也是該系列的里程碑。

Mario Kart 8 is a racing game developed by Nintendo, released on May 29, 2014, for the Wii U platform. As the eighth main installment in the series, it became one of the most popular games of the year due to its stunning visuals, innovative anti-gravity mechanics, and diverse track design. In 2017, an enhanced version titled Mario Kart 8 Deluxe was ported to the Nintendo Switch.

The core gameplay remains classic – iconic characters race in karts without a fixed storyline. Players can choose from familiar characters such as Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach, Yoshi, Bowser, Donkey Kong, Toad, Koopa Troopa, Princess Daisy, Toadette, Wario, and Waluigi. New characters include Baby Rosalina and Pink Gold Peach. Races take place on tracks with unique themes and layouts, focusing on the joy and strategy of racing, fully immersing players in the excitement of competition.

The controls retain their simple and intuitive design, optimized for the Wii U controller. Multiple control methods are available, including the Wii U GamePad, Wii Remote, and Wii U Pro Controller. The game supports single-player, split-screen multiplayer, and online modes. Up to 8 players can race locally, while online multiplayer accommodates up to 12 players.

The biggest innovation is the anti-gravity mechanic. In specific areas, karts trigger anti-gravity mode, causing their wheels to rotate and allowing them to race along walls or ceilings. This not only adds a new dimension to track design but also increases strategic depth. For example, in anti-gravity mode, colliding with opponents or obstacles grants a brief speed boost, making races even more intense.

Customization options allow players to select different kart bodies, tires, and gliders, with each component affecting speed, acceleration, handling, and more. This system lets players adjust their setups according to specific tracks or personal driving styles. There are four difficulty levels, and the game introduces a live-streaming feature called Mario Kart TV, allowing players to share highlight reels with others worldwide.

Items remain a core gameplay element. Classic items such as Red Shells, Banana Peels, and Super Stars return, alongside new items:

Boomerang Flower – Can attack enemies multiple times, both forward and backward.

Piranha Plant – Automatically attacks opponents or obstacles in front and provides a brief speed boost.

Super Horn – Generates a shockwave that attacks nearby enemies and is the only way to destroy Blue Shells.

Crazy Eight – Grants eight random items simultaneously, offering a significant advantage.

The game offers several modes:

Grand Prix – Players compete in multiple cups at varying difficulty levels (50cc, 100cc, 150cc, and Mirror Mode).

Time Trials – Players race to beat their own best records and achieve top speeds.

Battle Mode – Players engage in item-based battles on dedicated maps.

Online Multiplayer – Players compete or battle against others globally, supporting up to 12 participants.

Mario Kart 8 features 48 tracks (including DLC), divided into 16 new tracks, 16 retro tracks, and 16 additional DLC tracks. Each track showcases creative designs and diverse themes, making full use of anti-gravity mechanics.

Track Highlights:

Sweet Sweet Canyon – A candy and dessert-themed track filled with vibrant colors and challenging curves.

Mount Wario – A unique track with no laps; players race from the mountaintop to the base, emphasizing speed and momentum.

Bowser’s Castle – Features lava, giant fire statues, and dynamic platforms.

Rainbow Road 8 – Set in space, the track winds around planets and satellites, offering a spectacular view.

Several fan-favorite tracks from past games have been remastered, such as the N64 Rainbow Road, 3DS Coconut Mall, and Wii Mushroom Gorge. These tracks have been upgraded to HD, enhancing visuals while preserving their classic charm.

Mario Kart 8 is the first in the series to support 1080p resolution, delivering unmatched graphical fidelity. The attention to detail in kart and character models is exceptional, with vibrant environments and dynamic lighting effects pushing the series’ visuals to new heights. Anti-gravity zones add a sense of wonder, with immersive backgrounds and multi-layered track designs providing a visual feast.

For the first time, the game features live-recorded orchestral music. Each track’s background music complements its theme perfectly – Mount Wario’s score is intense, while Sweet Sweet Canyon’s melody is light and playful, enriching the overall atmosphere.

Upon release, Mario Kart 8 received widespread acclaim and was hailed as one of the Wii U’s flagship titles. IGN awarded it a 9/10, describing it as "the most beautiful and creative entry in the series," while GameSpot gave it an 8/10, praising the track design and gameplay. Players generally appreciated the anti-gravity mechanic and new items, which injected freshness into the series. The combination of high-definition graphics and smooth controls elevated the racing experience. However, some criticism was directed at the Battle Mode’s map design, which some felt lacked the variety and creativity of earlier installments.

Mario Kart 8 became one of the Wii U’s best-selling titles, surpassing 8.5 million copies worldwide. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe on the Switch achieved even greater success, selling over 64 million copies, making it one of the best-selling racing games of all time.

This game masterfully blends traditional gameplay with innovative design. Its polished visuals, inventive anti-gravity mechanics, and diverse track and character selection create an unparalleled racing experience. As a title appealing to both casual families and hardcore racing enthusiasts, Mario Kart 8 stands as the pinnacle of the Wii U era and a landmark in the Mario Kart series.