Nintendo's latest release Mario Kart World has become one of the launch titles for Switch 2, featuring a brand new driving character, Bull, who has quickly gained popularity. In the online mode, players predominantly choose Niu Niu, making the game's lobby look like Pasture live footage. Niu Niu, originally a background cow in the Mario Kart 64 track Moo Moo Farm, has now been upgraded to a selectable character, instantly capturing the attention of gamers.
On social media platforms, players are eagerly sharing scenes filled with the exciting games of Niuniu. Whether it’s on Twitter, Reddit, or Twitch, you can find videos or screenshots of 24 players competing simultaneously. Niuniu doesn’t require unlocking; you can choose it right after starting the game, making it one of the most popular characters. The character designs are also playful, allowing players to enjoy burgers while driving or getting splattered with mud after falling into a puddle, which adds a unique flair to their personalities.
The design director, Ishikawa Masayoshi, revealed in an official interview that Niu Niu was initially just a casual sketch drawn by a designer. The team found this character to be incredibly interesting, so they decided to make Niu Niu a selectable character. Producer Yabuki Kouyou added that the team never considered having a character without arms or legs driving a race car, but this time they chose to break the mold, aiming to add more surprises and inclusivity to the game.
In addition to enhancing character diversity, the game also introduces open-world exploration elements, allowing players to not only embark on adventures but also drive racing cars, enjoy food, and engage in interactive actions. The delightful details of the character dining on a hamburger while speeding, and shaking its ears after tumbling into a mud puddle, keep players hooked. Polygon comments that the character selection in Mario Kart World breaks traditional norms, creating a more relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere throughout the game.
The current community is still dominated by the visuals of the 'Niu Niu' game, with players jokingly referring to this as the Cows all the way down phenomenon. While future updates for character balancing may bring some changes, for now, 'Niu Niu' monopolizes the competitive landscape. Some players have even started to look for alternatives, eagerly seeking to showcase their unique styles.
