Glide Ramp
A Glide Ramp[1] is a type of Ramp that first appeared in Mario Kart 7. Glide Ramps appear in various courses and function similarly to regular ramps, except that when driven over they automatically deploy the Kart's Glider, which then enables the player to glide over sections of the course. Players are still able to perform Tricks off of these ramps to gain a speed boost when gliding. The panels on the ramps are blue with scrolling white arrows on them to differentiate them from Dash Panels. From Mario Kart 7 onward, Barrel Cannons that appear in Mario Kart courses use a Glide Ramp as the method of propulsion instead of the Barrel Cannon's blast.
History
Mario Kart 7
Glide Ramps were first introduced in Mario Kart 7 as part of the gliding function, where they are used in numerous courses throughout the game. As well as being used in the new courses, Glide Ramps are also used in retro courses instead of longer jumps and Barrel Cannons and also to replace or provide an alternative route for some sections of the course. Some sections are also entirely replaced with a Glide Ramp, such as the bouncing net at the end of Wii Maple Treeway. Although most Glide Ramps remain in the same position, the pair before the Bouncing Note section in Music Park change position every so often, leaving just a lower regular ramp when they change height and side. The Glide Ramp will flash before changing, but can still be glided from when it is flashing. As well as the ramps, one of the Mushroom Trampolines in Wii Mushroom Gorge has now been recolored blue and functions the same way as a ramp, as once the player bounces off it, the Glider will be deployed and the player can glide over the remainder of the cave instead of bouncing over more mushrooms.
Mario Kart Arcade GP DX
Glide Ramps reappear in Mario Kart Arcade GP DX, where they appear and function identically to in Mario Kart 7. The ramps are used in a large amount of the courses in the game.
Mario Kart 8 / Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
Glide Ramps reappear in Mario Kart 8 and Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, where they serve the same purpose as in Mario Kart 7. As well as being integrated into new courses, the ramps are also now included in several of the retro courses, such as replacing the original boosted ramp in N64 Royal Raceway. Glide Ramps are also used on the dash panel ramp truck included in the updated N64 Toad's Turnpike.
References
- ^ Alex Musa (May 30, 2014). Mario Kart 8 Official Game Guide, page 9. PRIMA Games. Retrieved December 6, 2017.
