Dear Chris Mathew,
Your letter regarding Mario Kart "Occupy Rainbow Road" (Nov. 10), looks at the issues in the wrong manner. This game is a great game, and should remain at the pinnacle of "fun party games."
Your first complaint is that Mario Kart is hostile to guests and new players. While this may be true on the upper levels of the game, in 100 and 150 cc races, it is not the case in 50 cc. With practice, any person can rise from victorious in 50 cc races to victorious in the 100 cc and finally to the 150. If you do not have the time nor the means to practice, you should attempt to coach others. Maybe be a team player. You could give instructions to a friend to help him win the race!
Your second complaint discussed the players going against maps, not others. Once a player arrives at a certain level of play, however, that player can avoid the trials of the Mario Kart maps and compete against the other players. This usually comes after the many rounds of practice and trials.
Your third argument discussed the disparity between the rewards given to those who could aim a green shell and those who could powerslide. However, in Mario Kart, a well-timed green shell can change the course of a race. Imagine a green shell hit right before the double turn in Banshee Boardwalk. Right at that point, the race is changed. While this may be "maintaining inventory," it is possible to get those right before this turn. If the player is lucky enough, anything is possible.
Your final point is that those bananas will bother those who are behind. I must say, however, that blue shells, red shells, Bullet Bills and many other obstacles ahead will hit those high-ranked players from behind. It is a cycle, and if it is timed properly, those with shells can dominate.
Your article is very well thought out, but try to view both sides next time.
Thank you,
Bill Shields
senior
Stanford Hall
Nov. 10
