Mario Kart 7

 3DS
Mario Kart 7 Image
Metascore
85

Generally favorable reviews - based on 73 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
8.2

Generally favorable reviews- based on 947 Ratings

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  • Summary: The latest installment of the Mario Kart franchise brings Mushroom Kingdom racing fun into 3D. For the first time, drivers explore new competitive kart possibilities such as soaring through the skies or plunging to the depths of the sea. New courses, strategic new abilities and customizableThe latest installment of the Mario Kart franchise brings Mushroom Kingdom racing fun into 3D. For the first time, drivers explore new competitive kart possibilities such as soaring through the skies or plunging to the depths of the sea. New courses, strategic new abilities and customizable karts bring the racing excitement to new levels. … Expand
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Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 64 out of 73
  2. Mixed: 9 out of 73
  3. Negative: 0 out of 73
  1. Gameblog.fr
    Dec 2, 2011
    100
    With almost ten years of thrilling races behind them, even the most fine-tuned racing fireballs can show signs of fatigue. But rather than risking a break-down, Nintendo was smart enough to dismantle its Mario Kart core formula in order to correctly refreshen each and every one of its clogs before putting them back together. As an added bonus, the mechanic repainted it nicely and added some of the latest technologies. The end result roars at soon as the engine starts, and promises to run nicely for quite some time thanks to solid online features.
  2. Games Master UK
    Dec 16, 2011
    94
    The greatest parts of the previous Mario Karts, crushed into a cartridge the size of DK's brain. [Jan 2012, p.78]
    All this publication's reviews
  3. Eurogamer Portugal
    Jan 3, 2012
    90
    Mario Kart 7 is a great evolution in the context of the portable console. It stands out with its graphics, being at that level one of the best games for 3DS, maximizing the three dimensional effect so as to provide a remarkable game in visual terms.
  4. GameTrailers
    Nov 29, 2011
    88
    Nintendo hasn't recreated the wheel with Mario Kart 7, but the time spent in the garage has paid huge dividends. With a console-worthy list of modes and options, brand new gameplay paradigms, the best track roster in series history, and new customization depth to plumb, it certainly makes a case to be the best Mario Kart yet. It doesn't turn kart racing on its end, but it finds a near-perfect medium of similarity and discovery as it walks the fine line of risk and reward without spinning out.
  5. Pelit (Finland)
    Jan 10, 2012
    80
    Even with Retro Studios helping the 7th installment is pretty much the same game. At minimum unfair elements like the blue shells should be corrected. Still even with the ultra-conservative approach multiplayer is satisfying. [Jan 2012]
    All this publication's reviews
  6. games(TM)
    Dec 2, 2011
    80
    It's frustrating, rewarding, addictive and entertaining in almost equal measure, and as much as you'll rant and moan when your lead is snatched away on the last corner, you'll keep going back for more. To call it the best original game on 3DS might be overstretching the meaning of the word 'original' but, all the same, this is something that no 3DS owner should be without.
  7. Destructoid
    Nov 29, 2011
    50
    As derivative as a game can get, and while we pour scorn on so many other games for rehashing themselves, something tells me this will get a free pass from many critics and gamers. That strikes me as ironic since Mario Kart 7 is the one game I'd hold up as the least deserving of any kind of leniency. It being an unadventurous and predictable retread, however, is only half of Mario Kart 7's problem. The other half is the fact that it's a lethargic and mundane game, easily outpaced by games that could be considered knock-offs of the formula Nintendo itself perfected.

See all 73 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

Write a Review
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 189 out of 254
  2. Mixed: 56 out of 254
  3. Negative: 9 out of 254
  1. MWD2490
    Dec 5, 2011
    10
    I liked Mario Kart DS and Wii a lot. This game has the playing style of the DS Version but the graphics of the Wii version. It also takes someI liked Mario Kart DS and Wii a lot. This game has the playing style of the DS Version but the graphics of the Wii version. It also takes some of the game mechanics of the Wii but has more of the elements that were in the DS version. It takes a lot from the previous versions of Mario Kart which is a good thing and it does not change much of the formula. I like the additions and the characters that are in the game. The online multiplayer is really good and I hope to use it a lot in the future. One of the best Mario Karts to date.… Expand
  2. SoleWhistle1804
    Apr 26, 2014
    10
    Very good and fun game. Although this is a kids' game, it is also very challenging to win in first place and earn all the characters. I reallyVery good and fun game. Although this is a kids' game, it is also very challenging to win in first place and earn all the characters. I really have no complaints at all about this game and the multiplayer is just amazing with no connection problems whatsoever. Brilliant game, a must-buy.… Expand
  4. nbajunior
    Jul 4, 2012
    9
    Mario Kart 7 is a very good 3ds game with a lot of content. It is an absolout must have! The small character roster and same extra gameMario Kart 7 is a very good 3ds game with a lot of content. It is an absolout must have! The small character roster and same extra game modes(balloon battle & coin runners) keep this from being a 10. If they would of just added two more modes and a few more characters it would of been a perfect ten. Overall this is a must have.… Expand
  5. r4igamer
    Jun 16, 2019
    8
    Mario Kart 7 marks yet another return to Nintendo's kart-racing franchise. Though the character roster should have been larger, and a cheapMario Kart 7 marks yet another return to Nintendo's kart-racing franchise. Though the character roster should have been larger, and a cheap blue shell can still screw up an otherwise perfect race, MK7 still offers enough innovation to keep this old formula feeling fresh. With memorable new tracks, well implemented gyro controls, the triumphant return of coins and a handful of new modes, Mario Kart 7 is full of win. The game also marks a huge leap forward for Nintendo's approach to online multiplayer, providing an experience that surpasses any of the company's other games to date. Overall it's a well-polished experience that fans of the kart-racing genre - or of the Mushroom Kingdom - should not hesitate to pick up.… Expand
  6. Sausage22
    Nov 7, 2017
    8
    Great Mario Kart game, adds many things and improves on Wii edition. Only luckluster is small cast of characters. Looks and sounds great.Great Mario Kart game, adds many things and improves on Wii edition. Only luckluster is small cast of characters. Looks and sounds great. Stable and playable online mode, its not very common for 3ds games.… Expand
  7. Ironmonger
    Dec 17, 2011
    7
    The game was good, but not great. The glider and under water capabilities do add new dimensions, but they aren't in the races enough. TheThe game was good, but not great. The glider and under water capabilities do add new dimensions, but they aren't in the races enough. The glider is only used is a little over half the races. Even when it is used, the average glide lasts no more than 6 sec. Being under water is cool, but the only difference between water and land is a slower discent and wider drifting. My three main NOs were: 1.) Only half the courses were new. Yes, it is cool to relive old courses, and I didn't see every game, so some were new. However, the Mario Kart DS (first for DS) game had every course new, which was awsome! 2.) The battle courses are kind of boring. Mario kart DS had battle courses with levels the fight above and below others. 3.) the biggest one, THEY REMOVED THE CHALLENGE MODE!!! Mario kart DS had a mode where you could do unusual talks in a kart leading up to mario kart boss battles. That part of the game was my favorite!!! *P.S. To Nintendo: would a storyline in the game hurt at all?… Expand
  8. Theowy
    Jul 1, 2023
    0
    I like this game alot and I got on a rainbow road speedrun highscore and I was proud of it but i dont like how supposedly the different kartsI like this game alot and I got on a rainbow road speedrun highscore and I was proud of it but i dont like how supposedly the different karts have different effects… Expand

See all 254 User Reviews

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Awards & Rankings

5
#5 Best 3DS Game of 2011
3
#3 Most Discussed 3DS Game of 2011
4
#4 Most Shared 3DS Game of 2011