I have played all mario karts up to date (including the arcade ones). I think this one is the best I've played. Although there are few forgetable tracks, but most of them are awesome and really nice to play. The items are really fun and have the best balance I've seen. The CPU might be unfair because they make use of the 'rubber band effect' and sometimes have impossible high speeds, but are more managable than the wii version ones. With online play and downloadable ghosts, This is a must have game to play with friends.