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. 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 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 theI 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. Teliiii
    Dec 5, 2011
    8
    An amazing game, a must have for any Mario kart fan/3DS owner!! The graphics are absolutely marvelous, the tracks are unique, and the amount of multiplayer options there are! Despite this though, I thought the game was a little disappointing. The character rooster was weak, there were barely any characters, and not to mention some of the characters they added were useless. Other than thatAn amazing game, a must have for any Mario kart fan/3DS owner!! The graphics are absolutely marvelous, the tracks are unique, and the amount of multiplayer options there are! Despite this though, I thought the game was a little disappointing. The character rooster was weak, there were barely any characters, and not to mention some of the characters they added were useless. Other than that I would say this is a great game overall!… Expand
  3. TheGale
    Mar 23, 2012
    9
    While i was fairly disappointed by the exclusion of the bikes (MKW) and the Missions (MKDS).. Mario Kart 7 new mechanics makes the game somewhat funnier than the others!... Is Still the same fun game that i always enjoy. I've spend 100+ hours on it, and i'm not bored of it!... The Online is so great and functional!
  4. mdwilsonbsc
    Dec 11, 2011
    9
    Above all else, Mario Kart 7 is about fun. You can pick it up for 5 minutes or play it for hours and, all the way through, you'll be enthralled.
    Most noticeable about the graphics is the animation which is really quick to give a smooth, solid feel, finished off with plenty of detail and good use of colour.
    The use of gyro-controls feels reminiscent of steering wheel controls on the Wii    Above all else, Mario Kart 7 is about fun. You can pick it up for 5 minutes or play it for hours and, all the way through, you'll be enthralled.
    Most noticeable about the graphics is the animation which is really quick to give a smooth, solid feel, finished off with plenty of detail and good use of colour.
    The use of gyro-controls feels reminiscent of steering wheel controls on the Wii which is a great addition to get you more "into" the game.
    It's fine to work through the single player modes, but the game is harder to put down when you play over the internet. Racing can be frustrating at times but it is so addictive that you are sure to come back to it once you've calmed down!
    The best driving game on 3DS so far. Highly recommended.    … Expand
  5. HershelLayton
    Feb 5, 2012
    10
    Addictive Online play combined with refined and perfectly tuned gameplay make this a must have. It is easy to play but impossible to master meaning anyone can love it.
  6. 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
  7. muzziklover
    Jan 23, 2012
    8
    This is probably going to be a tradition of mine. Whenever there is a new Nintendo handheld console, I would probably always get a Mario Kart game and Mario Kart 7 is the first 3DS game I've ever got my hands on. Being the successor to Mario Kart DS, the best if not, one of the best Mario Kart games ever, consider me a bit disappointed. Mario Kart 7 is a good game by all means but it's a aThis is probably going to be a tradition of mine. Whenever there is a new Nintendo handheld console, I would probably always get a Mario Kart game and Mario Kart 7 is the first 3DS game I've ever got my hands on. Being the successor to Mario Kart DS, the best if not, one of the best Mario Kart games ever, consider me a bit disappointed. Mario Kart 7 is a good game by all means but it's a a step down from Mario Kart DS. Let's talk about the good things first. The gameplay is still as solid as any Mario Kart game, you can now customize your own kart, the track selection is excellent, they fixed the rubberband AI from Mario Kart Wii (thank god) and the multiplayer is as good or maybe even better than Mario Kart Wii's multiplayer. The big problem with this game is the content. Mario Kart DS' biggest high point was the high amounts of content it offered and being a generation ahead of MKDS, Mario Kart 7 should've done more and it's the same story all over again with the content issues of New Super Mario Bros. Wii where Nintendo are just being damn lazy. To be fair, I guess I'm judging this game by the standards of what made Mario Kart DS so perfect but MKDS was a generation behind and Mario Kart 7 is in a brand new generation. It needs to be bigger, it needs something new and it needs to have more than its predecessors offered. Gliding and going under water is not going big, Nintendo. Overall, it's still a solid Mario Kart game but for the love of god, try harder Nintendo.… Expand
  8. IrishChai
    Jul 19, 2012
    8
    It's hard not to like this game. The levels are well done (and taken from all the other mario karts to date) and all of the races are fun to play hundreds of times with different shortcuts and tricks to each map. It's very entertaining gameplay long after you know the course like the back of your hand. That's a hard feat to keep something interesting after you've raced it to death over andIt's hard not to like this game. The levels are well done (and taken from all the other mario karts to date) and all of the races are fun to play hundreds of times with different shortcuts and tricks to each map. It's very entertaining gameplay long after you know the course like the back of your hand. That's a hard feat to keep something interesting after you've raced it to death over and over, but Nintendo definitely achieved that goal. There is a ton of unlockables, and an excellent multiplayer design on top of the time it will take you to win all the races in single player with a 3-star gold cup achievement. Even then, you'll get a whole new challenge unlocked in the mirror mode. The few side games included in the package are somewhat entertaining too, although I didn't really enjoy them personally and don't plan to spend any more time in them. I think I will enjoy hopping online for a race or try and beat the fastest times in the player ghost races for a long time to come.… Expand
  9. JSxGaming
    Dec 12, 2011
    8
    I love this game and in my opinion it is one of the best mario kart games ever but it feels like a refresh of mario kart ds with the exception of its graphics, tracks and awesome online multiplayer; with this in mind it is still a great game and i would definately reccomend this to anyone.
  10. Umaro67
    Dec 27, 2011
    10
    The very best Mario Kart ever made, if not the most original or exciting. A ten out of ten means a perfect execution of concepts with no visible flaws, and that's exactly what MK7 is. This entry has the best physics, the best track design, the best balance and the best controls. Instead of breaking down the pros and cons, I will simply dissect the pros due my lack of conviction in theThe very best Mario Kart ever made, if not the most original or exciting. A ten out of ten means a perfect execution of concepts with no visible flaws, and that's exactly what MK7 is. This entry has the best physics, the best track design, the best balance and the best controls. Instead of breaking down the pros and cons, I will simply dissect the pros due my lack of conviction in the existence of any flaws. The overall presentation: it's essentially Mario Kart Wii, very similar menus and layout. This is idea, as Mario Kart Wii had the best layout and menus of any Mario Kart game. The online menus and functionality is also largely identical to MKWii, except with a few new features like communities or groups or whatever they're called, I wasn't terribly interested in that kind of stuff. The real meat and potatoes are the raw elements, and this where the game is unstoppable. The tracks in this entry were designed in collaboration with Retro Studios, who if you are not familiar are among the most consistently fantastic level designers in the world. MK7 does not disappoint. Tracks are sharp, engaging, surprising, and layered. The new layers often come in the form of aquatic and aerial sections in which you race in floaty underwater physics or very different hang gliding segments. I cannot stress how much these new sections actually add to the game. On the surface they may strike you as simply being minor distractions, until you discover that you can pull off absurd drifting techniques underwater and that your technique in the air allows you to create your own little shortcuts, soaring past foes on the ground with the right movements through the air and evasion of obstacles. When the tires hit the road again, it's Mario Kart at it's finest. The silky-smooth controls, performance and surprisingly slick circle pad leave every element of manipulation behind. I found myself completely immersed and engaged with the experience, as I frantically evaded green shells, made breath-stopping drifts along the edges of demise in Neo Bowser City and exploited nifty and treacherous shortcuts on Wuhu Island (but no glitching, shame on you!). The drifting is, I guess for a lack of better term, deep and satisfying. The items are all over the place and constantly bring the random chaos to the table while still allowing skill to be the defining pillar in your success....almost all the time. The 3D effect is both profound and subtle. It's essentially perfect, because it doesn't distract or define the experience but adds something foundational to the experience. It's kind of a paradox. I really like the 3D and use it 100% of the time with very little strain or discomfort, and I often have both of those problems with 3D. So in short: use it. The Characters and karts are all largely the same as before except now you can swap out tires with your kart, it's not terribly exciting but does allow for greater customization over your ride than any other Mario Kart which lends itself to more strategies than before, like taking advantage of the "off-road" portions of the track design which is more pronounced in this iteration than any other. Another aspect of the track design that I found fun were the single-lap super tracks, adding some variety and a new spin on rainbow road, the rainbow road in MK7 is also the best version yet with more layers to its design. Overall, I can only attempt to recommend this game enough to any fan of racing games or Mario Kart. There's certainly a sensation of deja-vu coming off of Mario Kart Wii, but the execution is in top form. The worst thing I can say about Mario Kart 7 is that it makes all the other ones irrelevant.… Expand
  11. 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
  12. D-Lew
    Dec 30, 2011
    9
    Outstanding Mario Kart title, and a much needed big name title for the 3DS that lives up to its reputation. Mario Kart 64 still takes the title of my favorite Mario Kart, but this is a very close second. The visuals are spot-on perfect, sounds and music are nice, and the controls are very precise and easy. The online racing feature is really fun and great, with the exception of theOutstanding Mario Kart title, and a much needed big name title for the 3DS that lives up to its reputation. Mario Kart 64 still takes the title of my favorite Mario Kart, but this is a very close second. The visuals are spot-on perfect, sounds and music are nice, and the controls are very precise and easy. The online racing feature is really fun and great, with the exception of the interface. I wish it had a "party system" for joining races with friends, and I'm sad there isn't a voice chat feature between even registered friends. Instead, it's oversimplified to make everything easy, while making joining your friends a little difficult. You can create your own groups and invite your friends only to make it easier to race with them, but unless you have lots of friends playing all at once you cannot participate in the 8-player races this way. The new items are pretty fun, but I miss the fake item boxes and Boo. I feel some of the character selection could have been better as well. Kart customization adds a nice personal and strategic touch to the game, and I love several of the designs. Single player will still enrage you if you are trying for 3 star ratings in each cup, as you will always get hit with a blue shell seconds before you cross the finish line. I have had lots of fun racing against time trial ghosts with Spotpass and trying to beat the bell curve of record times and set "perfect" laps - unfortunately the area I live isn't very 3DS active, so I haven't been able to try the StreetPass features. If you like racing games, or are just looking for a new game for your 3DS library, this is a great choice.… Expand
  13. piford
    Feb 13, 2012
    9
    This game is great, although not a good as the DS version. The loss of Missions make this game not as good, plus the underwater sections make the game not as fun though. The character roster was not as good, but still pretty good. What was better were most of the courses, the Flying sections, and the online play. Street pass and Spot pass add to this giving you ghost to play against.
  14. lSCYTH3l
    Feb 14, 2012
    9
    Yet another must get for the 3DS. Levels are fun and immersible environments. The races, especially the upper classes, are challenging. This game is too much fun too look past. You can play Vs, Battle, and even GRAND-PRIX mode via download play which is always addicting. The overall competitiveness has died-down now that snaking is harder(for you competitive players). Also online play viaYet another must get for the 3DS. Levels are fun and immersible environments. The races, especially the upper classes, are challenging. This game is too much fun too look past. You can play Vs, Battle, and even GRAND-PRIX mode via download play which is always addicting. The overall competitiveness has died-down now that snaking is harder(for you competitive players). Also online play via Nintendo wi-fi has been a bit of a problem for me, i can never get a match, but that's probably because my internet provider is to blame. Great game, fun, ;pretty, smooth, enjoyable, any other words synonymous with these.… Expand
  15. Frinker
    Mar 8, 2012
    8
    An overall worthy entry to the long running kart franchise however like Super Mario 3D land, it is far too easy and everything can be locked in a short amount of time. Nevertheless the track are amazing both old and new, a slightly disappointing roster this time round but amazing online play knocks up the fun and replay ability!
  16. Dom1nAtAr
    Mar 17, 2012
    8
    Mario Kart 7 is one of the best games in series. Everything in the Mario Kart formula has been improved and there are also some new additions. There are many ways to enjoy Mario Kart 7, you can race alone, race with a friend in local multiplayer or head online and vs up to 8 players from around the world. There are great new additions. You an now customize your kart. There are gliders,Mario Kart 7 is one of the best games in series. Everything in the Mario Kart formula has been improved and there are also some new additions. There are many ways to enjoy Mario Kart 7, you can race alone, race with a friend in local multiplayer or head online and vs up to 8 players from around the world. There are great new additions. You an now customize your kart. There are gliders, different types of wheel and a big selection or karts. The customization could of been a bit deeper but still works well. The 3D graphics are great but playing in 2D is best. The new gyroscope controls are innovative but the classic controls are best. Mario Kart 7 is a great game and is another must have title for the 3DS… Expand
  17. TwistedFantasy
    Aug 4, 2012
    8
    I appreciate that they tried to change it up with the seventh Mario Kart instalment. The addition of flying and driving underwater is great; it adds something new to the series, but allows the game to still feel like the same Mario Kart that people love. I think the underwater driving could have been implemented a bit better into the game, and some of the levels were a bit disappointing toI appreciate that they tried to change it up with the seventh Mario Kart instalment. The addition of flying and driving underwater is great; it adds something new to the series, but allows the game to still feel like the same Mario Kart that people love. I think the underwater driving could have been implemented a bit better into the game, and some of the levels were a bit disappointing to me, but I still enjoyed the game. Online is also good. 8/10… Expand
  18. RainbowYoshi
    Dec 26, 2011
    10
    I've played and enjoyed Mario Kart 64, Mario Kart Double Dash, Mario Kart DS, and Mario Kart Wii but this certainly my favourite of all of them. The items from Mario Kart Wii are ditched (because they would mess up gliding and Lightning is just enough) and three new items take their place. One is the Lucky 7 which allows for the usage of the 7 items in the game (this really isn'tI've played and enjoyed Mario Kart 64, Mario Kart Double Dash, Mario Kart DS, and Mario Kart Wii but this certainly my favourite of all of them. The items from Mario Kart Wii are ditched (because they would mess up gliding and Lightning is just enough) and three new items take their place. One is the Lucky 7 which allows for the usage of the 7 items in the game (this really isn't overpowered though), the Fire Flower (which is really a refined version of the fireballs in Double Dash), and the Tanooki Tail (which is useful for collecting coins that you cannot just reach, stopping the weaker items from affecting you and close range attacks). This is certainly my 2nd favourite game of the year, behind Uncharted 3: Drake's Deception but in front of The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim and The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword.… Expand
  19. 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
  20. BubblegumImp
    Mar 27, 2012
    8
    The king of kart racers returns for another victory lap... warts and all. While retaining everything which made it such a beloved series, Kart 7 has also failed to address a number of gripes which fans of the franchise have been making for years. Lack of customisation? Check. Not enough tracks? Check. Dreaded blue shell? Check. It's all back for another fun, but flawed outing.
  21. Tommy758
    Feb 2, 2012
    8
    Mario Kart 7 isn't as good as I thought it would be but it is still a great Mario Kart game. It's a blast playing with friends, the graphics are pretty, the 3D is great and the tracks are nice. But the big let down of the game for me is there's barely any content. There's less content in this game than in Mario Kart DS. The removed the ability to add an emblem to your kart, they leftMario Kart 7 isn't as good as I thought it would be but it is still a great Mario Kart game. It's a blast playing with friends, the graphics are pretty, the 3D is great and the tracks are nice. But the big let down of the game for me is there's barely any content. There's less content in this game than in Mario Kart DS. The removed the ability to add an emblem to your kart, they left out the single player missions and mot of the tracks are old ones. If I wanted to play old tracks I'd play the old Mario Kart games. It just feels lazy. I do however like how they added the ability to customize your kart. That's a really neat feature but they don't quite explain how you unlock different parts well. It's also pretty nice to just go into the water to drive or glide across the skies. It feels different which is neat, but there should've been more of these segments in my opinion. Overall, despite my disappointment with somethings I think anybody with a 3DS should but this game. It's really fun to play with friends, the online has improved from the DS counterpart and the 3D is well done.… Expand
  22. MANU3L69
    Feb 3, 2012
    9
    Although a seasoned player can easily get through all the cups in a day, Mario Kart 7 is a great game, and among the best in the 3DS lineup. I have to say, I've played several Mario karts and they just don't seem to change much in almost anyway. It's honestly like Call of Duty. You can't wait to see the new graphics, or the new roster or the new amazing courses they have set up for you.Although a seasoned player can easily get through all the cups in a day, Mario Kart 7 is a great game, and among the best in the 3DS lineup. I have to say, I've played several Mario karts and they just don't seem to change much in almost anyway. It's honestly like Call of Duty. You can't wait to see the new graphics, or the new roster or the new amazing courses they have set up for you. Honestly, it's a love it or hate it type of thing. If you like the formula and you just want new maps and racers, then this game will more than satisfy you. On the other hand, if you think each Mario Kart is too similar and you think it's become a bore, then you should probably pass. That being said, I would like to just say what I like and dislike about the game. First off, I love the graphics and controls. At first, the driving feels a bit weird, but once you get used to it, you'll be zipping through the maps with ease. I also love the gliding and the underwater parts on each map. They make it more dynamic and more atmospheric. The game is colorful and bright but also dark in some areas as well. I also found that the 16 old maps are actually revamped and some even seem like totally different maps. The 16 new maps are amazing, my favorite being Rock Rock Mountain or Wario Shipyard. There are 32 maps, and all of them are fun to play on. The multiplayer is rock solid as well. It's fleshed out pretty well and there's almost no lag to worry about. The things I dislike are the AI and that goddamn blue shell. The AI in 150cc are pretty difficult to overcome and the blue shell almost always hits me on the last lap. These are old problems that Mario Kart fans should come to terms with however. Overall, it's a great racing game, with a decent roster, really fun courses, solid online multiplayer and good graphics. I recommend this to any 3DS owner who likes Mario Kart remotely.… Expand
  23. BlogDog123
    Jan 27, 2012
    9
    This is the second best Mario Kart game to date (Mario Kart 64 is still the best). The wide selection of new and retro tracks are teeming with details, and the 3D really brings the game to life. Also innovating for the franchise is customizable karts; something I hope Nintendo will do for future Mario Kart titles. The only reason this doesn't get a 10 is because it's not completelyThis is the second best Mario Kart game to date (Mario Kart 64 is still the best). The wide selection of new and retro tracks are teeming with details, and the 3D really brings the game to life. Also innovating for the franchise is customizable karts; something I hope Nintendo will do for future Mario Kart titles. The only reason this doesn't get a 10 is because it's not completely flawless: CPU attacks can feel frustratingly cheap and collecting coins to unlock more parts for karts takes a tad too long.… Expand
  24. buellerbueller
    Dec 27, 2011
    10
    Though this game has its flaws, which I'll explain in a minute, this is probably the most thought-out Mario Kart ever (even the title has a reason for being "Mario Kart 7"). My first criticism is that the action is slow. I'm driving my kart around, and it seems like I'm going under the speed limit. Also, the characters are quite aggressive, and the result is one too many hits with a RedThough this game has its flaws, which I'll explain in a minute, this is probably the most thought-out Mario Kart ever (even the title has a reason for being "Mario Kart 7"). My first criticism is that the action is slow. I'm driving my kart around, and it seems like I'm going under the speed limit. Also, the characters are quite aggressive, and the result is one too many hits with a Red Shell. Speaking of power-ups, that's one of the best parts. With the new 7 power-up, you can use 7 objects at once! I also love the beautiful and well-built tracks, specifically the Pirahna Plant track in the Star Cup. I love the glory of unlocking a new customization to your kart when you get a certain number of coins (the coins are actually new to the series.) I love these features, but the heavily-promoted abilities of flying and underwater driving are the sole power of the game. If only they could use more of this feature. I hope that the flying and underwater driving aren't shelved, like the two-person kart in Double Dash!! Overlooking the flows and frustration, this might be the best Mario Kart game. Period.… Expand
  25. cub317
    Dec 26, 2011
    8
    Mario Kart 7 is another very good entry into the Mario Kart series. The graphics of this game are among the best on the 3DS, and the game is very fun too. In this game, you can create your own kart to suit your needs, and go out to win a Grand Prix. There are a few new gimmicks to note as well. There are hang gliders now, which allow you to glide in the air, and you can now goMario Kart 7 is another very good entry into the Mario Kart series. The graphics of this game are among the best on the 3DS, and the game is very fun too. In this game, you can create your own kart to suit your needs, and go out to win a Grand Prix. There are a few new gimmicks to note as well. There are hang gliders now, which allow you to glide in the air, and you can now go underwater. Both of these gimmicks make the game far more interesting. The new courses have been created specifically so you can get a feeling for both gimmicks. The controls of this game are no different from any other Mario Kart game, and that's another thing that makes this game great. The graphics of this game are very bright and colorful. By 3DS standards, they're amazing. However, there are also a few criticisms to this game. The first thing is that there is no versus mode. This made me very disappointed because that was my favorite mode of the regular DS version. In versus mode, you were able to start your own Grand Prix, and choose the settings to fit your needs. You could choose the A.I. level, the rules, the engine size, the number of races needed to win, and whether or not you want a team. The 3DS version doesn't have this. It probably has it in multiplayer only now, but I don't play the game on multiplayer so this is a let down for me. Also, the game may have a customizable car, but the rest of the options are limited to what you can change within the game. The rest of the game more than makes up for this short-coming. However, if I had to pick a favorite, I'm afraid I'll have to say that Mario Kart DS is better than Mario Kart 7. Mario Kart DS has more customizable options, has a versus mode, and still stays true to the Mario Kart formula. Mario Kart 7 is a very good game overall, but if you want something better, buy Mario Kart DS instead.… Expand
  26. Happymonk
    Feb 29, 2012
    9
    Mario Kart 7 is quite possibly the best Mario Kart game yet! All of the tracks are great fun, with some I can see being all time classic tracks in the future. There is a lot to do in the game but it's lacking the mission mode from Mario Kart DS. All in all I'd say the gameplay is brilliant and is the best I've seen in a Mario Kart game to date, the items are reasonably well balancedMario Kart 7 is quite possibly the best Mario Kart game yet! All of the tracks are great fun, with some I can see being all time classic tracks in the future. There is a lot to do in the game but it's lacking the mission mode from Mario Kart DS. All in all I'd say the gameplay is brilliant and is the best I've seen in a Mario Kart game to date, the items are reasonably well balanced (they've improved the Blue Shell this time!) although the two new items seem a little pointless, I'm sure nobody actually hates them. Now, the inclusion of gliding is very good and I really hope it stays, it feels as though it has been pulled straight from Pilotwings 3D! the underwater sections don't really add a lot to the overall experience, but I wouldn't complain if they ever returned. The ONLY problem with this game is its character roster, it doesn't feel like it has enough, 17 in all, and its missing a couple of Mario Kart essential characters (WALUIGI!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! and Baby Mario), don't get me wrong, the characters that are there are all good (yes, I don't mind the Honey Queen or Metal Mario) but it's just oddly missing the two characters I've already mentioned. And for that reason Mario Kart 7 is on about the same level of awesomeness as Wii, but 7 probably just edges it in fairness. If you own a 3DS, buy Mario Kart, it's one of those games that you'll still be playing a few years down the line, it won't disappoint!… Expand
  27. dharma
    Jun 16, 2012
    8
    Mario Kart 7 is another must have title for the 3DS. They all feel the same, I know, but it's a game that really benefits a lot and fun to play during your traveling time. For once though, the rubber band AI is slightly 'toned down'; a more hardcore experience for the fans (and still accessible for casual gamers as well)
  28. Darkicicle
    Apr 7, 2013
    8
    Although I am a bit late to review this and I got it first thing it was released, I am still going to.
    It is a lot better looking than any other Mario Kart game although it is still the same base game there are many new tracks and lots of new features. I am glad there aren't bikes in this game and I like how they used the gyro/motion control of the 3DS and you can use it if you want to.    Although I am a bit late to review this and I got it first thing it was released, I am still going to.
    It is a lot better looking than any other Mario Kart game although it is still the same base game there are many new tracks and lots of new features. I am glad there aren't bikes in this game and I like how they used the gyro/motion control of the 3DS and you can use it if you want to.
    It is also nice that you can now use gliders in the game if you go on blue boosters, it is quite enjoyable and can sometimes show off a bit of the track. The coin system is allso interesting, you can get coins to speed you up more but it is only a small increase in the speed and coins contribute to some unlocks.
    Although I don't think that half the game should be retro courses, I reckon it'd be better is there is only 4-6 of them.
    The multiplayer either online or locally worked amazingly and had to be the best multiplayer out of all of the Mario Kart games. Although the friend code system can be a bit tedious and would be better if only one person needed to add you then you get a notification saying if you want to add them or not would be a lot better. Other than that it works quite well.
    It is quite sad that they removed the VS mode where you can just race against CPU's as practice for Grand Prix's you can still use VS mode in multiplayer with a friend, but even without the VS mode for singleplayer I still enjoyed it a lot, even though there can be a bit of coin grinding here and there.
    One final thing; the Streetpass/Spotpass features are quite good, you can race against people you saw online with their ghosts and people you pass by in Streetpass if they have the game and you can do other things too.
    Overall great game and I'd definitely recommend this to anyone who'd like to try out a racing game for the 3DS or is a fan of Mario.    … Expand
  29. hit925
    Jan 1, 2012
    8
    It's Mario Kart, of course it's going to be good. The online is improved from MKWii and the communities are a good idea but could have been expanded. I think the new courses are mostly good, particularly the 1 lap Rainbow Road but some aren't the best. I saw no point in having two Wuhu island courses. The old courses also have some odd choices but are mostly good. The new changes are goodIt's Mario Kart, of course it's going to be good. The online is improved from MKWii and the communities are a good idea but could have been expanded. I think the new courses are mostly good, particularly the 1 lap Rainbow Road but some aren't the best. I saw no point in having two Wuhu island courses. The old courses also have some odd choices but are mostly good. The new changes are good but ultimately it is still good old Mario Kart.… Expand
  30. Kirisoul
    Jan 9, 2012
    10
    This game has all the depth of a console mario kart on a handheld. The tracks are beautiful and detailed, the models are well rendered and simple but good refinements to the traditional formula make this a must own for 3DS. The fact that none of the new elements like kart customization and gliders feel fun instead of being gimmicks is more than you can say for most wii games already, andThis game has all the depth of a console mario kart on a handheld. The tracks are beautiful and detailed, the models are well rendered and simple but good refinements to the traditional formula make this a must own for 3DS. The fact that none of the new elements like kart customization and gliders feel fun instead of being gimmicks is more than you can say for most wii games already, and the multiplayer is simply astounding. Wifi is excellent, local multiplayer is great, you can even set up your own grand prix! Honestly, I don't see any other 3DS game matching this in quality except OoT 3D and maybe the upcoming Metal Gear Solid.… Expand
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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

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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.
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  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.
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  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]
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