How this score was computed
The VGC Score is a weighted blend on a press-comparable 0-100 quality scale. Steam approval rates are first calibrated (95% positive on Steam ≈ 89.5 quality, since Steam approval skews high). Press and tracked creator reviews each count ~2x a player review and share one cap against player evidence (creator buy/skip calls pool into an approval rate, calibrated like Steam approval); all-time sentiment is capped and halved (it's context, not verdict); reviews of the current build carry the most weight when a fresh patch anchors the window; and a 'typical game' prior keeps small samples from pegging the scale. Because press reviews and Metacritic user aggregates describe the launch build, their weight decays as the game ages (3-year half-life after a 1-year grace). That's how a game that launched rough can outgrow its old reception once updates win players over. Reviews under 2h playtime (the refund window), non-Steam activations, and free copies are downweighted.
| Component | Positive | Quality (0-100) | Weight (pseudo-reviews) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Press reviews (Metacritic) | – | 83 | 21 |
| All-time Steam reviews | – | – | 0 |
| Metacritic user ratings | – | 79 | 16 |
| Backloggd ratings | – | 77 | 68 |
| Post-patch Steam reviews (trust-weighted) | – | – | 0 |
| Calibration prior (typical game) | – | 72 | 50 |
Scoring window: last 30 days (no significant patch detected) · 0 reviews sampled · 0 total reviews in window · weighted 0 up / 0 down · computed 2h ago · full methodology →
Press & Creators reviews (7)
Individual verdicts from outlets we track: scored reviews first, most trusted outlets first among them. The small badge is each outlet's trust score: how well its scoring history aligns with players.
- 95
“Mario Kart has been the king of kart racing for a long time. These latest additions only serve to further cement this title, with stunning visuals and engaging gameplay that bring a smile every time; it’s just that good.”
read full review ↗ - 80
“Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Booster Course Pass Wave 3 is the best update yet to the base game. The tracks on offer here are mostly stellar, and with the addition of customisable item loadouts in ‘VS Race’ modes both online and offline (which is available to all players, regardless of whether you have the Booster Course Pass), Wave 3 is a triumph and a great way to mark the halfway point of the Booster Course Pass.”
read full review ↗ - 80
“The Booster Course Pass Wave 3 tracks are some of the most enjoyable yet and certainly make the overall package even more attractive. Tracks like London Loop, Berlin Byways and Merry Mountain will feel like brand new courses for those who have not played Mario Kart Tour, and the return of Maple Treeway, Peach Gardens and Boo Lake are also much appreciated to add to an already diverse mix of tracks. The Booster Course Pass, either as a standalone purchase or for those with Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pass, has incredible value and with 24 more courses to come there is still plenty of scope for other inventive courses and remixed tracks to join foray.”
read full review ↗ - 85
“Boo Lake might be something of a controversial choice for the #1 spot on this list, but I think this is a phenomenal track.”
read full review ↗ - 80
“Mario Kart 8 Deluxe continues to be the definitive karting experience with Wave 3 of the Booster Course Pass. While there are some cut corners at spots, the twists, turns, and tweaks made to tracks old and new will be a hit at one’s next shindig.”
read full review ↗ - 80
“Has Nintendo doomed this game to repetition in its racetrack roster now? [Issue #63, January/February 2023, p. 22]”
- 80
“Wave 3 of Mario Kart 8 Deluxe's Booster Course Pass is filled with superb tracks that are great fun to race on. It's wonderful to see the level of quality remain unwavering with the release of these 2 cups; plus, Merry Mountain will surely get you in the Christmas spirit.”
read full review ↗
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Nintendo Life
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