Mario Kart World and “seamless” media

Mario Kart World for the Nintendo Switch 2 adds a new unique game mechanic for the series where courses that neighbor each other in the sprawling world map can physically and thematically morph over a short transitionary “lap”. These course-connecting laps are commonly called Routes or “Intermission Tracks”. There are 202 routes connecting the 30 courses in Mario Kart World, some of which change depending on your direction between courses. This new mechanic enables what I consider the highlight of the game: a new mode named “Knockout Tour” that is reminiscent of arcade racing games with time-based checkpoints. Diagram showing which courses can transition to one another. Created by u/SnooHamsters6067 Previously in Mario Kart, beginning a new course meant selecting the course or Grand Prix by name in a menu. Lakitu would provide a sweeping camera fly-over of the course, highlighting the title and the challenges to come. The racers would be presented and a countdown from three would…