Mario Kart 7

 3DS
User Score
8.2

Generally favorable reviews- based on 947 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 745 out of 947
  2. Mixed: 162 out of 947
  3. Negative: 40 out of 947
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  1. maddymarie
    Jan 1, 2013
    6
    In comparison to it's predecessors, Mario Kart 7 does a fantastic job of knocking them off course via blue shell. The many different courses that could be selected, the kart customization, the new characters; it all was a thrilling ride.. While it lasted, which wasn't very long. I had high expectations when it came to this specific Mario Kart, and to be honest, it didn't live up to what IIn comparison to it's predecessors, Mario Kart 7 does a fantastic job of knocking them off course via blue shell. The many different courses that could be selected, the kart customization, the new characters; it all was a thrilling ride.. While it lasted, which wasn't very long. I had high expectations when it came to this specific Mario Kart, and to be honest, it didn't live up to what I thought it would. Nintendo had so many opportunities to change things up with Mario Kart 7. A good portion of the game, felt recycled to me. Although it was nice to have many different courses to choose from, many of them were from previous titles in the series. The character roster also felt very small - and I've unlocked every playable character. It would have been great to see new play modes as well. The coin collection and balloon battle modes are quite fun, however it would've been really nice if Nintendo had of added at the very least one extra mode. To end my review, I say that this game is worth purchasing, if you don't mind playing through some of the old courses, or are new to the series.… Expand
  2. animegamingnerd
    Dec 8, 2011
    7
    mario kart 7 is the seventh mario kart as the title suggest but how is the game does it live to the series standards or gets hit by a blue turtle shell read to find out STORY if you ever played a mario kart game then you will know that there is no story or career mode i can see hard core racing fans being turned off by is GAMEPLAY mario kart the gameplay remains the basically the same withmario kart 7 is the seventh mario kart as the title suggest but how is the game does it live to the series standards or gets hit by a blue turtle shell read to find out STORY if you ever played a mario kart game then you will know that there is no story or career mode i can see hard core racing fans being turned off by is GAMEPLAY mario kart the gameplay remains the basically the same with trying to get first place as in anything racing game and use items to get up in the race and keep your potion but with a few new editions first is racing in the air and water these aren't that long and sadly there is no tracks that have these only have gliding or under water also coins that give you a boost which have which haven't them since original one on the super nintendo version of mario now for the bad the AI always seam to have good luck while you always have bad luck isn't bad 50cc notice in 100 but 150cc makes it insanely hard and of course the blue turtle shell always appearing at the worst time now my final complaint is that there is no free race all there is for single player is grand prix time trial and battle that is it now for the good the online play is the best in any 3DS game with awesome use of street pass and spot pass also being able to race as your mii VERDICT is this the best mario kart no if never like the series before is won't change your mind but if you are huge fan you are going to enjoy is game i give mario kart 7 a 7/10… Expand
  3. Aouzy
    Feb 12, 2012
    7
    Well, i actually thought all the rumors about this game being best in the series was true. MKW was bad and i thought this was going to redeem it. But no, this is just as bad. Here are some pros and cons

    Pros: Kart customization, Better online and communities, some great tracks like Neo Bowser City, better retro courses, blue shell problem is fixed (It used to be 3-5 a race in MKW, now    Well, i actually thought all the rumors about this game being best in the series was true. MKW was bad and i thought this was going to redeem it. But no, this is just as bad. Here are some pros and cons

    Pros: Kart customization, Better online and communities, some great tracks like Neo Bowser City, better retro courses, blue shell problem is fixed (It used to be 3-5 a race in MKW, now it's 1-3)

    Cons: The Fireflower item which is very unfair and you get it around 2nd place. Very small and tight courses. The Maka Wuhu glitch that noobs do online. Very short Rainbow Road. 100cc isn't needed unless you want gold wheels. Bad characters, don't even try doing the first 3 retro courses on 150cc. And a lot more item abuse than MKW.

    Overall it's good if you don't mind getting unfairly beaten on your last lap.    … Expand
  4. DarkFlame16
    Feb 11, 2012
    7
    A decent Mario Kart. It's not the best in the series, but, people will enjoy customizing their karts, driving underwater, and gliding through the air just to get that trophy waiting for them at the finish line. But, the thing that really pisses me off the fact that you can get hit with ANY shells in the air. Come on, really, it's bad enough that they do this on ground level, but, now theyA decent Mario Kart. It's not the best in the series, but, people will enjoy customizing their karts, driving underwater, and gliding through the air just to get that trophy waiting for them at the finish line. But, the thing that really pisses me off the fact that you can get hit with ANY shells in the air. Come on, really, it's bad enough that they do this on ground level, but, now they can do it in the air too?… Expand
  5. JakeWarburton
    Mar 9, 2012
    7
    Good points:
    -Fun gameplay
    -Fun online, provided you don't get disconnected often like I do... -Good replayability -Kart customisation -Different game modes. Grand Prix, Vs Race, Time trial, Coin battle, Balloon battle. -Land, sea, air. You can be driving one minute and the next underwater with a propellor or gliding through the air. Bad points: -Blue shells got EVEN MORE annoying. Now    Good points:
    -Fun gameplay
    -Fun online, provided you don't get disconnected often like I do...
    -Good replayability
    -Kart customisation
    -Different game modes. Grand Prix, Vs Race, Time trial, Coin battle, Balloon battle.
    -Land, sea, air. You can be driving one minute and the next underwater with a propellor or gliding through the air.

    Bad points:
    -Blue shells got EVEN MORE annoying. Now they run along the road taking out people who aren't even in first.
    -Rubber banding: Doesn't matter how skilled you are, they will always catch up. Some may call this fun, I call it a pain in the arse. When combined with homing shells, this can mean the difference between a clear win and coming in last. Seriously, I've been bombarded on the last race of a grand prix 10 meters before the finish line by 3 different CPU opponents and ended up coming next to last.
    -Glitches. There are a couple of known glitches in races at the moment meaning what could have been your favourite track is now your worst nightmare. Nintendo are NOT patching this in order to "keep things fair for early adopters vs. newcomers." The game won't be going down in price any time soon so you might as well grab it if you plan on buying it.    … Expand
  6. WhiteTalpa
    Jan 12, 2013
    7
    Once again Nintendo show why Mario Kart is still one of the best game series on any console. The game looks great, the new features do really add to the gameplay and the only multiplayer is great. If you own a 3DS you have to but this game.
  7. GamecubeLover
    Aug 1, 2016
    7
    Mario Kart 7 is good but probably the worse in the series. I think the game has a BAD selection of characters and the courses are similar to other mario kart courses. This game is also another way to use Miis but the concept is overused.
  8. TheOkCringe
    Apr 26, 2020
    7
    This game is all right, but certainly not a perfect title. The game definitely offers some innovative mechanics, and some pretty memorable courses, but the overall feel of this game if kind of awkward. The battle feels lackluster, especially with the 10 coin limit in Coin Runners, which makes no sense. Nothing totally wrong with the title, but it only got a 6.83 out of 10 from me, makingThis game is all right, but certainly not a perfect title. The game definitely offers some innovative mechanics, and some pretty memorable courses, but the overall feel of this game if kind of awkward. The battle feels lackluster, especially with the 10 coin limit in Coin Runners, which makes no sense. Nothing totally wrong with the title, but it only got a 6.83 out of 10 from me, making it my 6th favorite title.… Expand
  9. 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. 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 NOsThe 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
  10. JD_Chambers
    Feb 24, 2013
    7
    Mario Kart 7 was in my opinion a good game. Its what you would expect of a Mario Kart game. The gameplay is familiar, and quite good, and i sunk hours into it. The only things that bothered me were small things like the lack of characters from previous games. The character roster being rather small compared to what I thought it would be. Waluigi, Dry Bones, Dry Bowser, Birdo, Funky Kong,Mario Kart 7 was in my opinion a good game. Its what you would expect of a Mario Kart game. The gameplay is familiar, and quite good, and i sunk hours into it. The only things that bothered me were small things like the lack of characters from previous games. The character roster being rather small compared to what I thought it would be. Waluigi, Dry Bones, Dry Bowser, Birdo, Funky Kong, as well as a few others, have been ignored in favor of some less important characters (IMO) such as Lakitu, Metal Mario, Wiggler, and the Queen Bee from the Mario Galaxy series. I mean c'mon why would you take Waluigi from us? The 10 coin limit is also rather annoying when you are trying to unlock different car parts. All in all, its worthy to pick up, but it could have had a lot more unlockables, maybe a few new modes to shake up the mix, and easier online capabilities.… Expand
  11. dryyoshi7
    Dec 14, 2011
    7
    I have to say, This game wasn't half bad. The tracks were outstanding and the level of creativity was great. I also liked the fact that you can fly in the air or go underwater ( not like mario kart wii were you would just die instantly). Th only let down of this game were a few of the powerups. The tanooki suit was pretty useless and I STILL get annoyed by the blue shell. Overall I giveI have to say, This game wasn't half bad. The tracks were outstanding and the level of creativity was great. I also liked the fact that you can fly in the air or go underwater ( not like mario kart wii were you would just die instantly). Th only let down of this game were a few of the powerups. The tanooki suit was pretty useless and I STILL get annoyed by the blue shell. Overall I give this game 7… Expand
  12. Farmerboy1992
    Apr 28, 2012
    7
    Excellent example of how a well known game title is not just milked, but also improved every port / new version again.

    But guys, remember: If you give it a ten now, what should the next mario kart Wii-U get? There's no 11 or 12 to be given here...
  13. benjy24
    Mar 9, 2013
    5
    There is no vs and the game is like Diddy Kong racing (airplane=glider and boat=propellers in water). It doesn't help if you can't connect to StreetPass
  14. wafflewithsyrup
    Dec 10, 2011
    5
    I don't really know what to think of this game, it feels like the DS version with prettier graphics, and some other stuff like high-flying and underwater racing (WTF).
  15. Cyrose
    Aug 7, 2012
    5
    Frustrating and disappointing, Marion kart DS was much better.
    However, graphics and on-line are great.
    But: -the VS mode has been removed, -no missions -glider customization is totally useless -no speed...
  16. Brc123
    Nov 15, 2014
    6
    I think people are giving this game leverage just because it's "Mario Kart". Don't get me wrong, I love Mario Kart, but I could have done fine with not buying this game.

    I will start with the positives: The tracks are very good. The game looks fantastic for a Nintendo Handheld. And the underwater and hang gliding actually feels like a much-needed feature. The soundtrack is pleasant, the    I think people are giving this game leverage just because it's "Mario Kart". Don't get me wrong, I love Mario Kart, but I could have done fine with not buying this game.

    I will start with the positives: The tracks are very good. The game looks fantastic for a Nintendo Handheld. And the underwater and hang gliding actually feels like a much-needed feature. The soundtrack is pleasant, the controls feel smooth and accurate. The new items are fun. And the kart customization is pretty cool. And that's about it.

    Now for the negatives: I have no idea why Nintendo brought back coins, it only adds to the luck factor when you're hit 5 times in a row by shells, bullet bills, stars, and your loss of coins causes your maximum speed to go down. The roster is beyond pathetic. Taking out classics such as Waluigi, Toadette, Birdo, Diddy Kong, etc, for characters like Lakitu, Metal Mario, HONEY QUEEN? Really? Probably Mario Kart 7's most unforgivable mistake was the absence of a VS mode. If you don't have Wifi or a friend with the game, you can play Grand Prix (Gets old really fast and can't choose specific maps), Time Trial (Boring...), and the terrible Battle mode. The elimination for balloon battle, shine runners, etc, was the best part of battle mode, but with coins it is pretty much impossible to lose and extremely boring.

    All in all, the game feels lazy, and was probably just rushed out to help out with the 3ds's abysmal launch sales. I may have ranted a lot about the cons of this game, but the things Nintendo did do well in this game, were fantastic. I will continue to have mixed feels about this game but for now    … Expand
  17. ikereview
    Nov 2, 2014
    6
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. this game i consider mediocer underwater racing and gilding is nice but they removed dry bones and waluigi but they put characters like honey queen rosalina and wiggler witch are all unlockables why mario kart 7 y u ruin handheld mario kart… Expand
  18. TeaFan556
    Dec 21, 2021
    7
    [RU]
    Простите меня, начал играть в эту часть слишком поздно, из-за чего нормально не принимал участия в онлайне. Поэтому не сильно зацепило :(
  19. bigeli
    Jul 7, 2023
    5
    One of the Mario Kart games of all time. Truly one of the video games ever. Mario Kart 7 has one of the most terrible character rosters I've ever seen. Wiggler and Honey Queen, are you kidding me. Besides that, they added gliders and custom karts, (wow!) The graphics are nice but this game really doesn't do anything with the Mario Kart franchise. No Mario Kart game is bad but this is theOne of the Mario Kart games of all time. Truly one of the video games ever. Mario Kart 7 has one of the most terrible character rosters I've ever seen. Wiggler and Honey Queen, are you kidding me. Besides that, they added gliders and custom karts, (wow!) The graphics are nice but this game really doesn't do anything with the Mario Kart franchise. No Mario Kart game is bad but this is the most medicore in the series. The game does have a pretty cool track selection, but that doesn't matter, as there is literally no VERSUS MODE.… Expand
  20. Incarta
    Feb 16, 2014
    7
    Abit of treading water is going on here. The course design is nothing special and the elements they've added add very little to actual gameplay. A lazy update
  21. BlacksitePSU
    Apr 27, 2013
    7
    I would give the game an 8 out of 10, if it weren't for the exclusion of single races for the single-player mode. And who would honestly be interested in driving as Queen Bee? Lol. Other than that, it's a fun, easy-to-get-into racing title with a nice visual upgrade.
  22. tdunster
    Jul 4, 2015
    6
    My introduction to Mario Kart was when the SNES release came out. I was expecting a lot from the 3ds version and as such I was disappointed. it's just not fun anymore. Even online you still feel like you are on your own as it's become more about holding a racing line than actually competing with your opponents via power-ups and launching things at them.

    Lots of people love this game    My introduction to Mario Kart was when the SNES release came out. I was expecting a lot from the 3ds version and as such I was disappointed. it's just not fun anymore. Even online you still feel like you are on your own as it's become more about holding a racing line than actually competing with your opponents via power-ups and launching things at them.

    Lots of people love this game but I have no idea why. It's too simple to be a simulation and its too boring to be an arcade racer.

    The graphics and 3d effects are good as is the sound and overall presentation so for that I will give it a reluctant 6/10.    … Expand
  23. Malprodigy
    Oct 20, 2015
    7
    Online matchmaking is a disaster (expect to wait at least 5 minutes before getting into a game) and the customization options, while intending to cater to individual's racing preferences, leave only a few viable combinations if you want to actually win online. Other than that, a great racing game as are most Mario Kart entries!
  24. Vanpire73
    Mar 19, 2014
    5
    The Diddy Kong Racing format was much, much, MUCH better. I can't even comprehend why they don't use a formula similar to that. There is zero strategy in this game other than trying to not be in first place until the bitter end of the race. Random power-ups are just not fun IMO. Being heavily rewarded for being in last place and heavily punished for being in first just doesn't cut the mustard.
  25. alphaomega88
    Jan 6, 2016
    6
    Probably my least favorite Mario Kart game ever...while nothing feels broken, there is just 'something' missing, and it leaves this iteration, at least for me, feeling kinda soulless. IMHO, Mario Kart DS is the best handheld iteration yet released.
  26. gorelequint
    Apr 19, 2013
    6
    Everything about this is an improvement over the Wii version slightly better handling, replacing the tricks with surprisingly good hang-glider and underwater sections, great course designs, slightly less chaotic, meaning a skillful player stands a higher chance of winning (as opposed to the Wii, which made it very hard for the most skillful player to consistenly win, with it's over theEverything about this is an improvement over the Wii version slightly better handling, replacing the tricks with surprisingly good hang-glider and underwater sections, great course designs, slightly less chaotic, meaning a skillful player stands a higher chance of winning (as opposed to the Wii, which made it very hard for the most skillful player to consistenly win, with it's over the top blue shells etc.)

    The graphics are a big step up from the DS version.

    The reason I'm marking it with only 3 stars, is for 2 of the most willfully stupid design decisions I've ever seen in a modern video game.

    Firstly they've removed single races so if you want to have a quick race on your favourite track? Tough, you can't. You have to do a 4-race Grand Prix in sequence you can't just have a single race. So if the track you fancy playing happens to be the excellent new Rainbow Road track, you have to finish 3 other races before you're allowed to play it (unless you choose to do a solo time trial). While it's not game breaking, it is an idiotically stupid decision. It's really page one of Video Game Design 101 in a racing game you let players pick a course and race on it... has there been any other racing game in modern gaming history where that feature was removed?

    And secondly there are 2 camera views normal and the view surprisingly works really well, gives a great impression of speed, lets you have a close-up view of the other racers. It should be a lovely optional extra feature for players who prefer it... except... when you select view, tilt controls are enabled whether you want them or not.

    Other companies allow the player to choose which control method they prefer, and which camera they prefer... but apparently not Nintendo.
    If you like the view, you have to suffer tilt controls whether you want them or not... and if you prefer the conventional view, you're not allowed to use the tilt controls even if you wanted to.
    Tilt controls are ok, but tilting messes up the 3D so you you like the 3D effect, and like the view, you have to painstakinginly keep the 3DS dead level as you steer with the circle pad (cirle pad still works in view), anytime you accidently tilt the console, you veer off to the side.

    Another annoyance is the 3D the depth of 3D is really toned down here, compared to something like Starfox. Again, other companies might let the player choose how much 3D the player wanted (after all, that's the whole purpose of the 3D slider) but no, Nintendo have decided that the players only have the option of a very gentle 3D effect here if you wanted deeper 3D like other games? Tough, Nintendo have decided you can't have it.

    There's no denying, it's great to look at, fun to play but when Nintendo start turning into Apple, with their philosphy of telling customers what they want, instead of allowing them to choose, and it starts to impact on how much fun a game is to play, they deserve criticism.    … Expand
  27. noob_saibot
    May 4, 2013
    5
    Just looks the same from other games like always sorry but MK games is now a copy over from other games only with new things added to this one and lack of characters too where ist Waluigi go?

    And the bikes too? They is no bike's anymore?

    Then most part I asking you all to stick with the Wii version is better than this one.
  28. killian13
    Jul 29, 2013
    7
    I love mario kart all the mario kart is very well but this mario kart is for me the .........best of this serie .
    the modifications with the new features to make this game a global success
  29. mykellinden
    Jun 23, 2013
    6
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Mario Kart 7 is defninitely a solid entry into the MK franchise, however, the only qualm I ever had with the game is that, after completing all of the CCs and acquiring all Kart parts, the game begins to lose a little bit of its shine, as at that point, the game comes to rely on the online functionality for its fun, as well as the multiplayer. There was a time, back when Mario Kart Double Dash was the major MK at the time, even though there was no Story Mode, as is typical with Mario Kart, Double Dash had a decent amount more replay value than Mario Kart Wii and 7. I feel that what I am trying to say is, Mario Kart 7 is good...for a while, until its replay value starts going down.… Expand
  30. Carlsdil000
    Oct 25, 2013
    6
    Kinda boring after a while. The Mario Kart formula works better on home console when you can use a joystick to drive around. The analog stick on the 3DS doesn't really drive all that well. I was disappointed with this game, but if you're a huge Mario Kart fan then go ahead and get it.
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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

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
85

Generally favorable reviews - based on 73 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 64 out of 73
  2. Mixed: 9 out of 73
  3. Negative: 0 out of 73
  1. Gameplanet
    Feb 14, 2012
    80
    It's not doing anything revolutionary on it's own, but serves the loyal audience with the best offering Nintendo can muster – and that's pretty good indeed.
    Read full review
  2. Gamer.no
    Feb 6, 2012
    70
    Unless you are a big Mario Kart-fan, this game might not be worthbuying. By all means, it's fun the way only Mario Kart can be, itlooks more stunning than ever before and if you need new tracks it caneasily offer hours of entertainment. But Nintendo must have made this game on autopilot.
    Read full review
  3. LEVEL (Czech Republic)
    Jan 19, 2012
    60
    Arcade racing game cooked by well-tried foolproof recipe entertains you most of the time but there are a few frustrating moments too. [Christmas 2011]
See all critic reviews »