Article :: Mario Kart Character Review

Article :: Mario Kart Character Review - Koopa Troopa

Written by Noddingdog

Thursday, 01 May 2008

Mario Kart Wii Character Review - Koopa Troopa

We said yesterday's Character Review was going to be the final one - but by special request, here's our Character Review for everyone's favourite shelled minion: Koopa Troopa!

What's he like?
Like the rest of the original eight, Koopa Troopa's roots go far back in Nintendo history - right back to the first official Mario game in this case; 1983's Mario Bros, where he was gumming up the plumbing as "Shellcreeper". On the racetrack, like many other veterans he's a fine choice for any situation, and is even more suited to the expert hand in Mario Kart Wii, taking a good boost to his Mini-Turbos and having slightly upped handling.

He retains his chipper, chirping voice from Super Mario 64 and is quite a character, jumping around on a first place result and ducking into his shell in the face of defeat. That's a far cry from his original role as a nasty foot soldier of Bowser's army - and on the subject, you have to wonder why those long-suffering Goombas never seem to get the same star treatment...

Koopa Troopa's home course, Koopa Cape, is arguably among the most beautiful in the game - a fast-paced race over jumps and chasms, through rushing rapids and finally underwater in a superb, deep sea warp pipe travelling section complete with fast flowing current, electric beams and a host of Cheep-Cheeps and Unagis. A great course that really helps the Star Cup stand out as one of the best Cups in the game.

When to use him?
Firstly, may I say that, despite the above screenshot showing Koopa Troopa riding his Nanobike (which, according to fellow editor Carnage, is "awesome"), I neither advocate nor condone the use of motor bicycles in Mario Kart Wii. More on that bone of contention later...
Anyway, Koopa Troopa is, as ever, suited to the expert hand in Mario Kart Wii - his Mini-Turbo advantage and increased handling harkens back to his SNES days. If you're looking for a top performing racer and don't mind choosing a lightweight, look no further than Koopa Troopa.

It's good to have him back on the track!

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