It’s been almost two decades since the original Mario Kart debuted and since then, we’ve seen a Mario Kart game released for every Nintendo console. Mario Kart 7 continues this trend on the Nintendo 3DS. Mario Kart 7 adds a couple of spins and new features to the original formula that has been there since its original debut. Mario Kart 7 is packed in terms of features in all areas. A large number of racing tracks, gameplay modes, a well-sized roster and a polished online.
The game offers a total of 32 tracks, of which 16 are brand new while the other 16 are retro tracks that were used in previous Mario Kart games. The game uses the same old items but adds in a few new ones.
Mario Kart 7 also boasts a large number of racing modes. There is the usual Grand Prix mode which puts you against seven players for four races to compete for the cup. Players can race against their nearby friends or even go online to join their friends, communities or just race others from around the world. Alternatively, there is VS. Mode if the player wishes to race on specific tracks against another person. Mario Kart 7 even has Download Play to allow gamers to race against their friends who don’t have the game.
If you’re looking for more than just racing, Mario Kart 7 features two battle modes. There is the Mario Kart regular, Balloon Battle. Each player has three balloons attached to their kart, the player must then use items to knock balloons off of rival’s karts, the goal is to be the last person with any balloons attached. The next battle mode is Coin Runner. Very similar to Balloon Battle, the goal of Coin Runner is collect the most coins as quickly as possible.
Next up, is the roster. The game starts you off with 8 standard characters with another 9 more waiting to be unlocked. That brings it to a total of 17 characters. While this number was not low or lacking, I was expecting a number closer to the Mario Kart Wii’s total of 25. Many faces from Mario Kart Wii were removed while new ones were added.
Mario Kart 7 also gives you the ability to customize your karts. Players can choose from a variety of parts including bodies, gliders and wheels to customize their kart to suit. Players can use these customizations to gain an advantage on their opponents on different tracks. With the new layers of underwater and gliding gameplay added to the game, players need to take into consideration the terrain of the tracks when customizing their karts.
The Nintendo 3DS hardware also adds to the experience. The game makes good use of the Nintendo 3DS’ gyroscope, 3D graphics and the StreetPass feature. Mario Kart 7 allows players to tilt their 3DS to steer their kart. While many may prefer the circle pad, this feature was well implemented as the controls are quite responsive. Next, the 3DS’ 3D effect also does the game well. Racing looks outstanding and realistic in 3D, distances between players look real and easy to measure. Finally, there’s StreetPass which is used to exchange player data, this also makes for its own fun. Ghost data is also exchanged in StreetPass, allowing you to compete with other players in Time Trial mode.
Conclusion
This is the seventh release in the Mario Kart series and Mario Kart has never looked better than this installment. Mario Kart 7 packs a number of tracks and gameplay modes, the roster is not the largest there’s been but unlocking the secret characters will make for a challenge. The new underwater and gliding sections of tracks and the ability to customize your kart to gain an edge in these terrains add a great new spin on the original Mario Kart formula. The polished online play is the best it’s ever been in Mario Kart. The game also makes good use of the 3DS Hardware to top it off. This is Mario Kart at its finest to date.
9.2
Related Posts:
Loading ...
I have it and it rocks