Gamers will only be able to communicate using pre-set text messages.
With Mario Kart Wii due for release in Europe on April 11 and the game sporting a number of online features (12-player multiplayer and more), we had hoped that Nintendo had finally turned a corner with its online functionality. We assumed full text chat would be included, and a few of us dreamt of voice chat support via a new Wii Remote add-on. Sadly it wasn't to be.
According to IGN, Nintendo of Europe has announced that Mario Kart Wii will only feature text chat and only while you're waiting for a race to begin.
"You can create rooms for friends to join and even text chat while you're waiting for other racers," Nintendo of Europe stated.
What's more, this text chat will only be possible by selecting from a set of in-built messages, meaning it'll be extremely hard to have actual conversations with other players.
Nintendo has always played it safe when it comes to online gaming, but what do you think of this cut-down chat service? Let us know in the comments below.
frogger wrote at 12:12 on 28 February 2008
might be ok.
the game looks friggin awesome.
i doubt limited text chat will ruin the best race game in 5 years.
FantasyMeister wrote at 12:26 on 28 February 2008
If they didn't include text chat at all it wouldn't be an issue, but at least they've added 'something'. I think Nintendo are just being cautious, and to be fair any game that allows full comms/full text is always a bit risky when the game is likely to get a 3+ age rating. Would parents really be happy giving their young children a videogame where anyone can communicate anything?
bencrosaby wrote at 15:38 on 28 February 2008
It's better than nothing. But I don't understand why Nintendo haven't heard of Parental controls.
Rogue Soul wrote at 15:51 on 28 February 2008
EPIC FAIL!
I guess this is the best we can expect from Nintendo this gen. I'm so disappointed.
Marink wrote at 15:17 on 29 February 2008
I've played a Mario Kart online without anyone laughing at how much more of a life I have than them in the past, so I can do it again.
Ghost5 wrote at 16:44 on 29 February 2008
Shame that theres no voice chat :(
But meh I'm just happy we are getting this soon
Yo! Mama wrote at 18:31 on 29 February 2008
Dam! It's ashame Cause I was really looking forward to cursing little kids the **** out.
LorD SyN Dracu wrote at 20:02 on 29 February 2008
if nintendo isn't gonna use it, then y the hell did they put a microphone in the wii controller?!
gfdfg wrote at 20:13 on 29 February 2008
wow seriously most people that play competitively online after like a week of having the game come out and its not like they havent heard a swear word before like vopice chat not being in isnt so bad but limited text chat is just sad it'll be like playing the computers normally
Ginger_Jesus wrote at 20:53 on 29 February 2008
Im just looking forward for a Wii verison of Mario Kart, and playing people on the Wii. I'm not bothered about this text chat, if it was going to course trouble like this then why bother having it in their in the first place???? We don't need to communicate we got the internet, mobile and housephone. I wish game companys stop thinking about communicating with each other and just make a online game just for gaming. With no hassle and be on time and be efficient as well.