The way to make MK more skill based was to balance item distribution, which they started doing decently after MKDS.
It’s not like drifting is automatic in modern MK (well, it is in auto mode, but it’s meant for complete beginners and it sucks for anyone who knows how to play). You’re still calling all the shots regarding when to drift and for how long. It’s just less annoying to do.
You’re calling that “dumbed down”, but I’d call the old input arbitrary. I don’t see the point of hiding a major gameplay mechanic behind a complex input. You don’t use a cryptic button combo to jump in a platform game.
I didn’t like MKDS very much.
I like how they got rid of the left-right bullshit on drifting after it. It’s just annoying and achieves nothing. And it’s especially bad having to do that on a d-pad.
I also think Wii is the one that really started balancing items a lot more fairly, though 7 and 8 refined it even more.
Most remote design is honestly atrocious. Somehow they keep hiding “source” in random spots, when it should be one of the most important buttons. The obscure pictograms are all over the place, and most buttons will never be used by anyone.
I have done semi complex move combos with Cappy in SMO, not sure what you consider “the” tech though.
Doesn’t matter. It’s cool to pull off, but it’s not required in any way. And most importantly in the end those combos are not programmed that way, they’re a string of independent moves that are directly associated to their button.
I have no idea what is supposed to connect “get a boost” to “rapidly alternate left and right direction buttons while you drift”.