Nintendo has took it slowly with the first three waves of new tracks to the masterpiece that is Mario Kart 8 Deluxe. But with wave four… it went awesome.

Really, this new batch of eight tracks are easily the best yet. Nothing close to being a dud. And the shining highlight is a new track that’s an instant, glorious classic.

It’s All About Mario Kart 8 Deluxe: Wave 4

Nintendo is sporadically announcing these waves over the course of a few years, with each new update being a source of excitement for fans.

Straight up, the best new track (and one of the best tracks in the whole game) is now the glorious Yoshi’s Island. It’s based on the all-time classic 1995 platformer Yoshi’s Island. This thing is off the charts levels of epic.

At first we were playing this wondering what that all-too-familiar music was we could hear. As soon as we rounded a bend and saw a giant purple monster from the original game we swooned and fell in love with the thing.

Plus, there’s the little case of that super uplifting music.

It reminds us of the use of upbeat violin stuff in Super Mario Galaxy 2 (2010). That’s how goddamn awesome the whole thing is.

And then there are seven more tracks to go with this! These are (along with their game of origin):

• Amsterdam Drift (Tour)
• Riverside Park (GBA)
• DK Summit (Wii)
• Yoshi’s Island
• Bangkok Rush (Tour)
• Mario Circuit (DS)
• Waluigi Stadium (GCN)
• Singapore Speedway (Tour)

Yes, then, Nintendo is revamping many tracks from games such as Mario Kart Tour (for the iPhone). These tracks have, generally, been the most disappointing out of all the waves so far.

But for wave 4, we’ve really got an excellent selection. Singapore Speedway is sprawling and neon lit. Amsterdam Drift we like even more, dragging you out into the Dutch countryside, underwater, and then back amongst the daisies again.

Anyone concerned Nintendo wouldn’t work its usual magic with these waves can now rest easy, as this batch takes things to a new level.

One of the main appeals about Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is its online multiplayer races, where 12 people across the world compete one chaotic race at a time. It’s a real adrenaline rush and perfect escapism. Just a hell of a lot of fun.

And with new tracks we’re addicted to the experience all over again.

Anyone wondering why adults play Nintendo’s games, just consider this right here—fun. Sheer life-affirming fun and lots of scope to enjoy this imaginative sweep.

Fun is perfectly encapsulated in these new tracks.