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. Nicanorthebest
    Aug 3, 2023
    9
    Very fun and keeps me busy, great for beginners and drifting is super easy! Great courses and great items! * except the leaf...* Altogether a great game!
  2. 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
  3. 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 karts have different effects
  4. Babalee
    Jun 22, 2023
    7
    Mario Kart 7 is a solid Mario Kart game with some great tracks and an interesting character selection. The online play at the time was really fun and the mechanics are pretty good as well. The main problem with this one is a lack of content today, all you can really do is race by yourself against AI considering this game is on a handheld. Not a ton of reason to go back to it today, butMario Kart 7 is a solid Mario Kart game with some great tracks and an interesting character selection. The online play at the time was really fun and the mechanics are pretty good as well. The main problem with this one is a lack of content today, all you can really do is race by yourself against AI considering this game is on a handheld. Not a ton of reason to go back to it today, but it's far from bad and still a fun experience.… Expand
  5. Daviwaru
    Mar 19, 2023
    7
    Mario kart 7 é um bom jogo, mais acaba sendo repetitivo no final das contas.
  6. Tomatonato
    Jan 31, 2023
    7
    Gliders are so cool. GLIDERS ARE SO COOL. GLIDERS ARE SO **** COOL.

    And kart customization is awesome too.
  7. SealedLooks
    Jan 20, 2023
    7
    Mario Kart 7 had big shoes to fill. With the enormous succes of the DS console and with that the succes of Mario Kart DS, there was some pressure on the new 3D Mario Kart. Not only was MKDS a fast paced racing game wich fitted the DS very well, it was (together with the MKWII) the most inovative mario kart yet, at least on the handhelds it was. Unfortunatly for MK7, now that we know howMario Kart 7 had big shoes to fill. With the enormous succes of the DS console and with that the succes of Mario Kart DS, there was some pressure on the new 3D Mario Kart. Not only was MKDS a fast paced racing game wich fitted the DS very well, it was (together with the MKWII) the most inovative mario kart yet, at least on the handhelds it was. Unfortunatly for MK7, now that we know how MK8 and deluxe looks like, the first hit it has to take is the visuals. It is a obvious upgrade in comparison with MKDS, but that was really it. It doesnt do much for me, also because MKDS makes up for the visuals in some aspects with a lot of character, wich MK7 has way less of. Not only is the music mainly reused, but i found most of the new made maps not really inovative nor intresting, it is a given at least some of new maps in an MK will play and look cool, but (again) if you compare in with MK8, it has way less going for it. Some new aspects were decent. It introduced the glider aspects, and that does add a new mechanic to the game, and can work in your favor if you do it correct. The 'double drift boost' is also introduced here, wich is probably the best thing about the gameplay next to it using a joystick and taking very good advantage of that. But unfortunately i did not like the character selection nor did i like almost the entire feeling this game gives off. it has a blant cover and a boring menu if you ask me. It still is for me a pretty good mario kart, it still is a game you should have because you can put so many hours in it, but for me it does a little bit more than the minimum required to get you hooked. Good, but not fantastic or groundbreaking in almost any aspect… Expand
  8. Blast123
    Dec 27, 2022
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. This game was amazing.It was on a successful console and was super fun.Before 3D Land,for me this came.I still play it a lot.… Expand
  9. Kdog152
    Dec 22, 2022
    8
    Let's start with the negatives just to get them out if the way:
    - Mk7 has the worst Mushroom cup in the series next to Super Mario Kart on the NES: Toad circuit, is an alright track, Daisy Hills is decent, Cheep cheep lagoon is bland and bad, and Shy guy bazaar is an overrated track, it's just mediocre.
    -Mission mode from Mario kart ds still hasn't been brought back. - Blue spiny shells    Let's start with the negatives just to get them out if the way:
    - Mk7 has the worst Mushroom cup in the series next to Super Mario Kart on the NES: Toad circuit, is an alright track, Daisy Hills is decent, Cheep cheep lagoon is bland and bad, and Shy guy bazaar is an overrated track, it's just mediocre.
    -Mission mode from Mario kart ds still hasn't been brought back.
    - Blue spiny shells are too common. Literally though, I swear like 5 spawn a race sometimes and that's not an exaggeration.
    -There's still a time limit in Balloon battle and you still respawn when all your balloons are popped. Like why? Why can't it be like Mario Kart Ds where you had no time limit and it was a game of elimination? Once you lost your balloons, you where out.
    - There is no VS mode!!!! (unless your playing online or on multi player). WHY!!!! this means there is less replayability in this version.
    - Why didn't they have bikes return from Mario Kart Wii?
    Now for the positives:
    First of all the gliding and Underwater mechanic is a great idea that works really well, however, the water one is underutilized. This new gimmick means that the courses can be more expansive and less flat.
    The fact that you can now customize your vehicle now is awsome and leads to some really creative kart combinations.
    While this game has a small and weird character roster, all the choices are good (apart from Honey Queen)
    Besides the mushroom cup, this game has some really creative and fun tracks, such as Wario Shipyard/ Galleon, Maka wuhu/ Wuhu Mountain loop, Rock rock Mountain, Melody Motorway/ Music Park, Mario's circuit etc and it has the best Rainbow road in the series. I mean, Rainbow road in this game is phenomenal. You get to ride on Saturn's rings and literally drive on the moon and there are some really good shortcuts as well.
    The Online in this game is surprisingly functional and fun, it's very rare that you get hackers.
    For once coins are actually useful, you unlock kart parts by collecting them.
    This game has a really good selection of retro tracks.
    in conclusion, while this is one of the weaker Mario karts, it's still a good one.    … Expand
  10. Coolic
    Nov 25, 2022
    8
    Its just Mario Kart. Its great, don't get me wrong, but I feel like I should be playing Mario Kart 8 instead. Not bad, just meh.
  11. MarioReviewer
    Nov 20, 2022
    9
    In the Mario Kart series, Mario Kart 7 is not talked about enough. Just because Mario Kart 8... well... exists, 7 just gets shrugged off as 'It's on the 3DS, it's meh.' . However, I feel like Mario Kart 7 has the best tracks of any Mario Kart, including Wii Coconut Mall, DS Airship Fortress and of course the sublime Rainbow Road. Move over, Mario Kart Wii (or Super Circuit if you're anIn the Mario Kart series, Mario Kart 7 is not talked about enough. Just because Mario Kart 8... well... exists, 7 just gets shrugged off as 'It's on the 3DS, it's meh.' . However, I feel like Mario Kart 7 has the best tracks of any Mario Kart, including Wii Coconut Mall, DS Airship Fortress and of course the sublime Rainbow Road. Move over, Mario Kart Wii (or Super Circuit if you're an OG), because this one is packed with joyful... goodness...? Anyway, this game also introduced the paraglider and underwater sections, which the paraglider I absolutely love, yet the underwater sections being lacking and just the overworld with slower karts and annoying fish. I'm glad they haven't shut down the online (yet), because it's so fun to square off against other people just like you who probably has been questioned for carrying about a 3DS, but when you show them your shiny Mario Kart game they apologize and leave you alone. Also, the battle mode is a battle mode. The battle mode is fun sometimes, but I really couldn't care less about it when you already have a bunch of joyful grand prix cups to play (especially this game) and some ol' time trials. Overall, in terms of design, gameplay and battle mode, this game is *takes deep breath*... better than Mario Kart 8 (Deluxe).… Expand
  12. hector_bcn98
    Nov 4, 2022
    8
    Diversión pura y dura. Podrían haber sumado muchos más desbloqueables de interés.
  13. huntams
    Sep 13, 2022
    8
    a game that has no alternatives. Nintendo uses an effective formula and beats its buyer. it follows the given formula without any changes, so it always turns out well
  14. funnymystical
    Aug 30, 2022
    8
    MARIO KART WII ON THE 3DS????
    HELL YEAH!
    now give us mario kart 9 nintendo or i will emulate this using a pirated rom
  15. FireBroFilms
    Aug 15, 2022
    9
    ‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎
  16. DolphinReviews
    Jul 20, 2022
    3
    It exists... really all you can say about Mario Kart 7. It's a bland, unoriginal entry in a great series.
  17. GDsReviews
    May 27, 2022
    1
    Mario Kart 7 has a good soundtrack, but easily the worst character roster and controls of any Mario Kart game. It is extremely easy to accidentally engage the Gyro controls while steering with the 3DS’ control stick. Some of the new tracks are split into sections rather than laps, adding a new challenge to the series that was carried over into Mario Kart 8. Overall, the wonky controls andMario Kart 7 has a good soundtrack, but easily the worst character roster and controls of any Mario Kart game. It is extremely easy to accidentally engage the Gyro controls while steering with the 3DS’ control stick. Some of the new tracks are split into sections rather than laps, adding a new challenge to the series that was carried over into Mario Kart 8. Overall, the wonky controls and atrocious character roster makes this easily one of the worst entries in the Mario Kart series.… Expand
  18. lesiuML
    Mar 21, 2022
    7
    Very solid Mario kart, frustrating as ever and not fair as always! Lot of fun and fast racing. Nice levels design although there could be little more of them. There could also be little more of characters and vehicles... But it is all much improved in MK 8 deluxe on switch.
  19. Paperplayer
    Mar 10, 2022
    10
    Pretty good game.Has great picks for retro tracks and has the best rainbow road and controls great and about nothings wrong.I love it
  20. Fireyoshi779
    Jan 9, 2022
    8
    The 3DS has the power almost to the wii which makes this game look like mario kart wii on 3ds all while adding new tracks which are good.It added gliders and going underwater and going underwater used to be a no no and the tricking off ramps thing returns!This is my first mario kart ever but after playing 8,the only bad thing is that there no vs mode so you sadly can't choose what 4 tracksThe 3DS has the power almost to the wii which makes this game look like mario kart wii on 3ds all while adding new tracks which are good.It added gliders and going underwater and going underwater used to be a no no and the tricking off ramps thing returns!This is my first mario kart ever but after playing 8,the only bad thing is that there no vs mode so you sadly can't choose what 4 tracks you wanna do but still a great game!… Expand
  21. 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 :(
  22. Ardho
    Sep 8, 2021
    9
    So much better than Mario Kart Wii, but unfortunately only available on 3ds, I hope to be able to play on Wii U/Switch
  23. deycd
    Aug 13, 2021
    8
    El juego podría haber llegado a diez. Los controles son geniales, las pistas, también lo son, pese a la baja calidad de la 3ds. El 3d, está bastante bien,. Las alas deltas revolucionan la jugabilidad. Fue un gran acierto dejarte cambiar las partes de los coches. Pero tiene un gran inconveniente, y es que los personajes son bastante malos:, Lakitu, la floruga, mario de metal, sobraban en elEl juego podría haber llegado a diez. Los controles son geniales, las pistas, también lo son, pese a la baja calidad de la 3ds. El 3d, está bastante bien,. Las alas deltas revolucionan la jugabilidad. Fue un gran acierto dejarte cambiar las partes de los coches. Pero tiene un gran inconveniente, y es que los personajes son bastante malos:, Lakitu, la floruga, mario de metal, sobraban en el juego, y dado a que tiene pocos personajes, podemos decir que faltaron Funky kong, Didy Kong, Bowsitos, el Boo, El juego también tiene un pequeño inconveniente, no tiene suficientes modos solitarios como el de la ds, con misiones y jefes.… Expand
  24. ND-Bringer
    Jul 13, 2021
    6
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. At the time it was viewed to be an utterly brilliant game, but it hasn't aged well with Mario Kart 8 Deluxe overshadowing it. Now don't get me wrong, I still think it's a good game. While the core mechanics have improved and the new gliding plus underwater driving mechanics are a blast...the variety is pretty bland this time. No missions, no simple VS matches, at least we have Balloon Battle and Shine Runners...I mean Coin Runners!The main meat of this game is the online multiplayer which can be pretty entertaining, but playing this game alone is otherwise pretty barren. Imagine if you were unable to connect with said friends. The only thing you could really do is replay cups and collect coins for random new parts. Not a bad way to kill time, I've collected over 700 coins and have only unlocked 1 new glider. I really like the customization options, but like Skylanders Imaginators, you need to wait a long time before you can unleash your customization creativity until you have the necessary parts. Even 16 cool, new tracks can get old fast. Even little problems can grow in time, like how in DS, enemies like Thwomps are shown on the bottom screen mini map, while in 7 they're no where to be seen. What if your on a long, straight path, wondering where the next turn is...AND BAM! You're hit by an out of nowhere enemy while scanning the area below. It's gets worse with trying identify the theme Nintendo is trying to create with this game. DS carries a Super Mario 64 theme, while the tracks aren't mysterious, they are rich with colorful designs. Its links with 64's adventure theme. If you play Kart DS after 64 or 64 DS, it's a really wonderful game combo since they carry similar spirits. 7 on the other hand is a mash between Galaxy, 3D Land, Mario Kart Wii's shadow art style. There's not enough room on a handheld system to fit all of that together. I also would've preferred mainly 3D Land theme as well as having a similar colorful art style so it at least could carry a decent theme that's a treat for the eyes. This shoddy art style feels bland somehow. 3DS kids games should have flourishing colors not serious shadows. That's better suited for E10 and teen games. That's the least of this game's problems. The character selection may not be the worst, but where is Waluigi? He has his own killer track now, this isn't Smash Bros, many people count on him being a playable character! Remember how irritating it was when DK wasn't a playable character in Mario Party after 4 until 10 came along? He's no sideshow attraction! Even though he was in the first game. Seriously, the Honey Queen was that important to make a new character? I may love unlocking new characters, but there is little thrill to be found here. The rest of the characters may be cool, however unlocking them is a challenge with unbalanced difficulty. It's not that hard, heck the com difficulty feels a lot easier compared to DS. New characters except for the Mii, can only be unlocked by claiming 1st place cups from the 150cc Grand Prix. In DS, characters and karts are unlocked with each completed cup from easy to hard. Giving the racer a sense of growth while playing through the game. But here in 7 all the challenges are at hard difficulty. Making the journey feel one-minded and frustrating inexperienced players. I still remember tasting defeat every day while trying to complete these cups.It just makes things stressful with this unbalanced difficulty. Even after collecting a ton of coins after a cup you're not guaranteed to get a new part, its uninspiring to get better at this game unless you have some friends to compete with. As for the tracks, we got a decent selection of new and old tracks. At least Waluigi Pinball made it into this game! DK's jungle reboot stage is great! But he's strangely calm that the Tiki Tak Tribe is attacking his island this time. Also, Wuhu Island is a great setting and all, but do you really need to add 3 Wii Sports themed stages? I'll say it a game, this game needs more variety. If you want to add another Rainbow Road stage, despite all of the tension they create, I can live with that. But I don't know if everyone remembers Pilot Wings and Wii Sports Resort all too well. Point is, I didn't love this game like DS. The driving and multiplayer mechanics may have improved, but without that, this game would have nothing to stand on. I will give it credit for giving birth to 8, but today its a fallen king that's likely to stay down and leave its kingdom to the next heir. But this king hasn't aged well. Great at the time, but its just not as enjoyable as DS. It may have better control, but you're in for underwhelming experience compared this series last Mario Kart handheld game. Even after winning all the cups in 1st place with my Bowser Jr. Mii, I not really satisfied. This game failed to appeal to me. Sadly it will forever live in Mario Kart 8's Deluxe's shadow. Sigh...now if we could only get bosses & ROB into Mario Kart Deluxe.… Expand
  25. MaddoxWhite
    Apr 25, 2021
    8
    This is the Mario Kart I grew up with. Really fun game, still holds up. Just like a portable Mario Kart 8 before Deluxe came out.
  26. TropicalNayr
    Mar 31, 2021
    6
    i would give this a 65%
    This is a improvement of Mario kart ds where they just went over there mistakes and laziness in Mario kart ds, the graphic are way better than before, and they added some new games to make it more fun but if you already played Mario kart ds you don't need to play this it is basically a redone version.
  27. Mutty99
    Feb 18, 2021
    8
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. With an average character roster, and even if the courses are playable in Single Player only inside Gran Prix, this title is hella solid to this day. The course selection is not the best in the series, but still very good: they brought back the best tracks from both DS and Wii in the retro courses, and the new ones are charming as well, especially Music Park, the Wuhu tracks and the one-lap Rainbow Road.
    I think the biggest downside is the over-exaggerated grinding for acquiring the gold parts; even if the wheels are obtainable without too many problems, the other ones require either Streetpass + Way too much time to spend online, or an unrealistic amount of coin grinding. 20k coins for the last part, when the max coins you can get from a Grand Prix is 40. Nintendo, really?
    Still, Shy Guy is a fully playable racer, so I guess it's a win on both sides.
    Summing up: if you are a Mario Kart fan, you're gonna enjoy this title for sure, downsides or not.    … Expand
  28. BeeSting1
    Jan 1, 2021
    8
    Very solid game.

    Good

    - refined Mario Kart experience.

    - 3D looks good.

    Bad

    - if you use big char and big wheels, sometimes your char will block your view

    - some parts the screen cut off what I needed to see on top.
  29. wiredspore44
    Dec 28, 2020
    8
    Decent Mario Kart game but is missing some key elements. Also how is honey queen in the game but not Link?!
  30. Halkem
    Oct 28, 2020
    9
    Amazing multiplayer experience and the best racing game on 3ds. Fast matchmaking too.
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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 »