This is the fourth in a new Learningworks for Kids series, Game Spotlight! In each video, we are highlighting some great games both old and new and defining the key executive functions that can be strengthened through play. This video will focus on the Nintendo Switch release Mario Kart 8 Ultimate. The transcript is also provided below for your convenience. A special thanks to our videographer J.R.  for his work on this awesome video!

Hey everyone, welcome to Learningworks for Kids Game Spotlights! This is a new series where we will be walking through some of your favorite games and talking about how playing them can help you get better at real-world skills! 

Today we are going to be talking about Mario Kart 8 Deluxe. The first Mario Kart was released in 1992 for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System, or SNES. The game has been made over so many times and Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is one of the most recent versions of the game. 

While the goal of every Mario Kart game is to come in first place, Mario Kart 8 has added some cool new features that make gameplay not only more challenging, but more fun as well. Anti-gravity is a new feature in the game, allowing for  players to drive on vertical surfaces, adding a whole new level of complexity to the game. There are also updates to the vehicles in the game. A 200 cc engine was made available with this release; it is the fastest engine in the game, but requires the full focus of the player because it is harder to control than other slower engines.

Speaking of focus, players need to be aware of where they are on the circuit compared to all of their opponents. Like other Mario Kart games before it, there are various power ups and traps that you can set to give yourself the best advantage in the game. The player needs to be flexible and determine the best strategic time to deploy these items. 

That’s all the time we have for today but be sure to join us for the next Game Spotlight at learningworksforkids.com!