If you are looking for a demonstration of how to get triple stars in all the GP's, check out my video thread, here.
Hopefully, this thread will reduce the creation rate of the "how do I get star rating" threads on this forum. It is a common question and one that I think should be addressed. Be aware that this guide was made for getting triple star using manual.
While I have not examined the code on the MKW game disc, I have played long enough to get a good idea on what the rating system is. From what I can tell, this rating system is nothing like the MKDS point system. The only reason people think the 2 are similar is because some random person posted an MKDS rating chart on a GameSpot forum, back when MKW was less than a week old. So please, stop thinking about the MKDS rating criteria, MKW is a SEPARATE GAME.
From my experience (I have created more than 4 triple star licenses), the ranking criteria is broken into 2 parts:
50cc - Make sure you do not hit too many environmental hazards, fall off too often or drive offroad for too long, because all 3 of those directly influence your rank in 50cc! I have had triple star runs with like 3 blue shells a race, 57 points, etc (in 50cc). I compared them to my 60-point, 90% first place triple star runs (in 50cc). They all had the same thing in common: I never fell off or got hit by stuff like chain chomps, crushing ceilings and lava balls.
100cc, 150cc, mirror - Forget about not messing up, as it does not directly influence the ranking like in 50cc. Only two things matter: get 60 points and STAY FIRST. There is a magic percentage for each of the modes, if you do not stay first at least that percentage of the time you will not get a triple star.
Take this as you will, I have played Grand Prix extensively, and from my experience those are the only factors. The reason people think things like falling off in 100cc/150cc/mirror deduct from ranking is because falling off is an indirect influence. What I mean by that is that, while such mistakes do not themselves deduct rank, they can (and usually do) result in the CPU passing you, reducing the % of time you stayed first. I have had plenty of 100cc/150cc/mirror games where I fell off/got hit multiple times at each stage but got the triple star, just because the CPU was still unable to catch up.
I did find one exception to these rules: off-road. I've been experimenting with the Magikruiser in 150cc/mirror Banana Cup and I've noticed that going off-road for too long (without a speed-boosting item) deducts from rank even in mirror. From what I've observed so far, it doesn't deduct much at all and how much it deducts depends on how strong the off-road is (how much it slows you down by). For example, taking the shortcut more than once in Delfino Square without a shroom can deduct a whole star, compared to me having to stay in the blue water in Shy Guy Beach over 50% of the time to produce the same result.
You may be wondering, just how good do you have to be to stay 1st almost all the time, especially in 150cc/mirror? What does it take? Well, before I delve into some of the technical things about manual, I would like to point to DuVal AK47's video thread. That is approximately the level of play you should be at if you expect to get triple star ranks in 150cc/mirror.
You should know every track by heart and there shouldn't be a single track where you do not race well. You should know where to drift, where to mini turbo, where to wheelie, where to trick. On any given map, you should be able to get a large enough lead on the CPU to account for at least 1-2 blue shells. There is almost no room for mistakes. Be strong, be perfect, have your twitch ready. Be in the middle of a mini turbo or a wheelie as often as possible, while still taking the shortest paths.
Also, be aware that there IS something you can do about the blue/red shells you get spammed with. If you are using a high-speed, low-acceleration vehicle, instead of reaccelerating back up, stay where you are and mini-turbo from standstill. While it at first looks like you are wasting time just standing there, it saves you time in the long run, because a mini-turbo gets you to your top speed instantly. It reduces the time lost from a blue shell hit (or any hit that launches you) by about 1/3rd, if not more.
Having said that, mirror mode WILL make you fail a few times, regardless of how good you are, so be patient as well. Keep in mind that the CPU's only strength is their item usage. They fail at proper racing and situational awareness.
In conclusion, getting a triple star next to your name (NOT by using the cop-out "I'm going to race automatic and keep trying till I get it" method) is not an easy task and will take skill (lots of it), patience and usually lots of tries (the first time around anyway).
(OPINION, take with a grain of salt) On automatic, and why it will never be part of this guide:
Spoiler
Simply put, automatic GP does not require high-end play and therefore will never be part of this guide.
CPU are WAY more tame on automatic, considerably less blue shell -> red shell setups, considerably less pow/lightning off boost jumps, less inhuman-aim green shells of doom, and less "I got hit with blue shell, then 5 stars ran me over". They also mini turbo/slipstream much less and their average speed tends to be noticeably slower.
I have actually experimented with automatic and IMHO 3-starring something on auto is just too easy (but usually more time consuming); the whole pace of the game is just wrong. You are not playing MKW if you play on auto, you are playing a f***ing slot racer. I agree that it takes SOME basic skill to get triple stars on automatic (hold down acceleration, use the turn buttons, and off you go!), but I disagree that it takes A LOT OF skill.
Last edited by Slic; 03-31-2009 at 06:31 PM.
Reason: minor clarification in offroad section
I would disagree with one thing, though. The part where you say ""I'm going to race automatic and keep trying till I get it" method", as though anyone can get 3 stars if they pick automatic and race repeatedly. Anyone who gets 3 stars has to be very skilled; irrespective of what control type they use. In fact, you could argue it's harder without mini boosts.
Linear Mode
