>>713367827
>80% of the race is holding A and literally driving in a straight line
>your position does not matter during this 80%
>the final item box and what place you were in when you got it determines 90% of races
This is my problem with it too. It's subtle, but they basically converted the gameplay into gambling. And it's surprisingly effective and really addictive, I think because the odds are generally in your favor. Being in a losing position but then getting a run-saving item at the last second and just barely pulling through is very satisfying and really activates my dopamine receptors. It feels similar to playing Texas Holdem, where there's some amount of skill involved to edge the chances in your favour, but the core gameplay is still based on luck...
It's hard to explain without sounding like a conspiracy theorist, but under the hood I really believe that this new Mario Kart was designed with this addictive gambling gameplay style in mind, especially with how quick and effortless it is to jump back into a new lobby after losing.