The Mario Kart Tokyo event, one of the most exciting and colorful events in the Mario Kart franchise, has generated a great deal of attention for its unique race courses and exciting gameplay. However, despite its popularity, the Tokyo Awards—a feature tied to the event—have become a source of frustration for many fans. While the game’s mechanics, courses, and overall charm are loved by millions, the awards system often leaves players disappointed. In this article, we will explore five reasons why the Mario Kart Tokyo Awards don’t work and what players can do to make the experience better.



1. Lack of Transparency in Award Criteria

One of the primary complaints about the Mario Kart Tokyo Awards is the lack of clarity regarding how players are rewarded. Unlike other racing games or events that provide specific details on how to earn awards or achieve certain rankings, the Mario Kart Tokyo Awards are shrouded in ambiguity.



In most cases, players are left to wonder what factors are being considered in the award process. Are the awards based purely on performance in races, or do things like completion time, style, or use of items come into play? Without this transparency, players are left feeling confused and often frustrated.



What You Can Do About It:

To address this issue, it would be beneficial for the game developers to provide clear and detailed information about the specific criteria for earning awards. Whether it’s a breakdown of how points are awarded or a detailed guide on what to prioritize during races, transparency would make the entire system more rewarding and enjoyable. Players would have a clearer goal to aim for and could feel more accomplished when they achieve awards.



2. The Awards Feel Arbitrary

Another significant issue with the Mario Kart Tokyo Awards is that they often feel arbitrary. In some instances, players may perform exceptionally well during races, only to be handed a minor or seemingly irrelevant award. On the flip side, players who perform poorly may receive awards that feel undeserved or out of place. This lack of consistency in rewarding players detracts from the excitement of the event.



This arbitrariness also affects the replay value of the event. Why would players keep participating if they feel like their efforts aren't being recognized in a meaningful way? The awards are supposed to incentivize players to keep playing, but when they are seen as random or poorly thought out, it can result in players losing interest.



What You Can Do About It:

To improve the system, the awards should be tied more closely to player performance. For example, those who consistently achieve high rankings or complete specific challenges could be rewarded with more significant prizes. Implementing a tiered system where players are recognized for their efforts at different levels—bronze, silver, and gold—would also make rewards feel more meaningful.



3. Lack of Customization in Rewards

Customization is a big part of what makes the Mario Kart franchise so beloved. From choosing characters to modifying vehicles, players enjoy personalizing their experience. However, the Mario Kart Tokyo Awards fall short when it comes to offering customizable rewards. The prizes given out during the event often feel generic and lack the ability to reflect a player’s unique style.



When players are awarded something that doesn’t align with their preferences or gameplay style, it can lead to a sense of disappointment. For instance, a player who enjoys racing with a particular character may find it frustrating to receive an award related to a character they never use. Without customization, the rewards lack the personal touch that could make them more engaging.



What You Can Do About It:

Allowing for more customization in the rewards system would go a long way toward increasing player satisfaction. This could involve offering a variety of skins, vehicle parts, or character-related items that players can choose from based on their preferences. By making rewards feel more personal, the developers can ensure that players are more likely to continue participating in the Mario Kart Tokyo event and feel rewarded for their efforts.



4. Limited Impact of Awards on Gameplay

One of the key reasons why the Mario Kart Tokyo Awards fail to resonate with players is the limited impact that the awards have on the actual gameplay experience. In most cases, the awards consist of cosmetic items or minor bonuses that do not significantly alter the player’s racing capabilities. While cosmetic items have their place, they don’t provide the same sense of accomplishment or progression as tangible gameplay rewards.



For example, receiving an award that offers a new vehicle skin or a slight variation of an existing character can feel underwhelming when compared to earning new abilities, weapons, or tracks. Players who are looking for a deeper progression system may feel like the Mario Kart Tokyo Awards don't add much to the overall experience.



What You Can Do About It:

The game developers could address this by offering awards that directly influence gameplay. For instance, unlocking new abilities, power-ups, or even new characters could be a more rewarding incentive for players to strive for. By providing rewards that enhance gameplay rather than simply offering cosmetic upgrades, the Mario Kart Tokyo Awards would have a greater impact on player engagement.



5. The Rewards Don’t Evolve Over Time

Mario Kart Tokyo, like many other games, thrives on keeping players engaged with fresh content and evolving experiences. However, one area where the awards system falls short is its lack of evolution. The rewards offered during the event tend to stay the same, and over time, players can become bored with the repetitive nature of the prizes. This lack of variety makes the awards feel stale, and players may lose interest in the event as a result.



If players are constantly receiving the same types of rewards, they may stop caring about the Mario Kart Tokyo Awards altogether. Over time, the excitement and thrill of the event fade, leading to a decrease in participation.



What You Can Do About It:

To combat this, the rewards system should be periodically updated with new items and prizes. Introducing limited-time rewards or seasonal prizes could make the awards feel more dynamic and enticing. Additionally, special events tied to new content, such as new tracks or characters, could create an evolving experience that keeps players coming back for more.



Conclusion

While the Mario Kart Tokyo Awards certainly have the potential to add an exciting layer to the Mario Kart Tokyo experience, the current implementation leaves much to be desired. Lack of transparency, arbitrary reward distribution, limited customization, minimal impact on gameplay, and stagnation in reward variety are all significant issues that undermine the effectiveness of the awards system.



By addressing these concerns, the developers can create a more engaging and rewarding experience for players. Clearer criteria, more meaningful rewards, greater customization, and the evolution of the rewards system will ensure that the Mario Kart Tokyo event continues to thrill players while keeping them invested in the game for the long haul. With these changes, the Mario Kart Tokyo Awards can become an integral and exciting part of the overall Mario Kart experience.a