User Score
8.2

Generally favorable reviews- based on 947 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Negative: 40 out of 947
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  1. 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
  2. Dec 21, 2011
    10
    Mario Kart is back and better than ever. Beautiful graphics, fantastic courses, and awesome online. The online is the best Nintendo ever produced. Mario Kart 7 gets my highest recommendation to 3DS owners and newcomers to the system. Fun, Fun, fun!
  3. 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.
  4. 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
  5. Jan 8, 2012
    10
    After playing Mario kart 7 it is fun. Because you can fly threw the air and swim in water. and meet new people online or play with your friends but the most thing I like is when you play with someone online you can also get there mii character and create a newer version of that person so it is very cool
  6. 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
  7. Dec 6, 2011
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. realmente el mejor mario kart el mejor juego de 3ds y un juego que le pelea el uso del online a cualquier otro una maravilla de juego . Expand
  8. Dec 28, 2011
    10
    This game is amazing and with 3d, flying, swimming, new tracks, new charecters, and tons of extras with great online this is the second best game on the 3ds behing super mario 3d land.
  9. 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
  10. 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
  11. Jan 16, 2012
    10
    I can't believe the low user score. This game is perfect to pick up and play, whether online or against comp it's great fun. This incarnation feels very similar to the Wii version, and in fact it's visuals are on a par with if not better than the Wii version plus the 3D is solid and convincing. The online features have been improved over the Wii and DS. Most importantly so far I haven'tI can't believe the low user score. This game is perfect to pick up and play, whether online or against comp it's great fun. This incarnation feels very similar to the Wii version, and in fact it's visuals are on a par with if not better than the Wii version plus the 3D is solid and convincing. The online features have been improved over the Wii and DS. Most importantly so far I haven't encountered any "snakers" which eventually stopped me playing the DS version online. If you've got a 3DS, this is why you bought one: classic fun which is what ninty does best. Expand
  12. Jan 17, 2012
    10
    This is simply the most fun and best mario kart game because it has the best graphics, its in 3D and now you can use an analog stick AND its portable.

    The online feature the best aswell!
  13. Feb 6, 2012
    10
    this games is really fun as a single player game with fun and inventive courses however the game shines in online mode and the 3d is a nice touch and a must have for the 3ds
  14. Apr 12, 2012
    10
    Mario kart 7 is an incredible kart racing game, (Mario kart started off the genre) possibly the best out of all of them! It's got very good graphics, awesome music, loads of things to do, great multi-player, impressive 3D and terrific game-play.
  15. Feb 22, 2012
    10
    Best racing game for the 3ds! It has a massive replay value because it's a competitive racing game even in single player mode (talk about time trials) and most of all because of the online features such as online multiplayer, battle, time trial records, etc.
  16. Feb 24, 2012
    10
    So i picked up a game called Mario Kart 7. First of all, i'm one of those guys who - of all Mario Kart games - liked Mario Kart 64 the most. I'm not a big fan of Mario Kart Wii, nor Mario Kart Double Dash (worst MK-Game in my eyes). Mario Kart DS was ok, but not at the same level Mario Kart 64 was back in the days. I'm sayin all that stuff to show that i was very sceptical at the beginningSo i picked up a game called Mario Kart 7. First of all, i'm one of those guys who - of all Mario Kart games - liked Mario Kart 64 the most. I'm not a big fan of Mario Kart Wii, nor Mario Kart Double Dash (worst MK-Game in my eyes). Mario Kart DS was ok, but not at the same level Mario Kart 64 was back in the days. I'm sayin all that stuff to show that i was very sceptical at the beginning about this game. I seen the Trailers and the new stuff and thought that it could only go two ways: (A) Be very dissapointing OR (B) A welcomed upgrade to a legendary Kart racing game that made my childhood very entertaining when wheather wasn't the greatest and i had to stay at home. After several hours of playing this game i decided it was (B). The game has what made Mario Kart 64 so popular and didn't take stuff into the game that made other Mario Kart games terrible. It's the best Mario Kart in my opinion. So... jeah, i know i said Mario Kart 64 was the legend of all Mario Karts but this game is even better. My initial scepsis about the new stuff like cruisin' under water or flying in the air dissapeared really fast and transformed into the point that this is the stuff that makes this game so special and adorable. Another thing i noticed are some "balance" changes.

    In Mario Kart DS it was possible to drive past the courses like a snake to get infinite boosts and even though u didn't drive the shortest possible route, u was faster than your opponents because u was always on that boost-mode. Asians were the most common guys to play like this. Mario Kart 7 cut that corner. It's not possible any more. Drifting is still a big part about this game, but its not faster to drive on a straight route like an S looks and be faster than a guy who just takes the shortest possible way. Conclusion: The graphics look sharp, the animations are great, the new items make sense and last but not least the courses are beautiful and great to play on. Hell yeah, even the hated "Rainbow Boulevard" isn't such a dissapointing route like it was on Mario Kart Wii. This game is the best Mario Kart u can get for money and the online mode is working very well too. To be honest i can't even think about a single bad thing in this game.

    Thanks Ninetndo, you brought the game back to a guy who thought the series died after Mario Kart 64.
    Expand
  17. Mar 7, 2012
    10
    Mario Kart 7 is a complete overhaul of the franchise, while still being the familiar Mario Kart we know and love. The graphics are astounding, featuring full 60 fps, and neatly polished look, add new characters, items, and improved online and you have one hell of a Mario Kart
  18. Jan 25, 2013
    10
    Take the amazing online introduced in Mario Kart Wii, add some nice new stages, make it portable, and your ready to roll with this 3DS must purchase. Although the character roster seemed so lacking it was hardly enough to put me off from the rest of the game. It's what you expect from Mario Kart and a little more.
  19. May 5, 2012
    10
    A fantastic game, like all Mario Kart games! But there is a lack of content, no Waluigi, and the computer f--king cheats like there's no tomorrow. On the plus side there is a really fun on-line mode, cart customization, and mind-blowing graphics and 3D effect.
  20. NSM
    Jul 2, 2012
    10
    This game is amazing! Everything about it is perfect! If you liked past mario karts, you will love this one! The new tracks and old tracks are great. The character roster isn't the best, but characters like Toad, Shy Guy, and Wiggler are cool. New Items like the Tanooki Leaf and the Lucky 7 make the game even more fun! You can now customize your car and can make it to fit your needs.This game is amazing! Everything about it is perfect! If you liked past mario karts, you will love this one! The new tracks and old tracks are great. The character roster isn't the best, but characters like Toad, Shy Guy, and Wiggler are cool. New Items like the Tanooki Leaf and the Lucky 7 make the game even more fun! You can now customize your car and can make it to fit your needs. Multiplayer is the best, so I'd recommend playing with people locally or online. Expand
  21. Nov 17, 2012
    10
    No more to be said ! Like always Mario Kart is always enjoyable and fun to play ! Since the SNES version to the 3DS and hopefully soon in HD on the Wii U !!
  22. Nov 25, 2012
    10
    This game is like a advanced version of Mario Kart since it had to do with Streetpass, Spotpass, online 8 players, underwater race, air race, and more! There are so many new features in this game. This game may get boring, but it's one fun game to play. Players who played the older Mario Kart game might enjoy this game and also who is new to Mario Kart. Instead of choosing a selected car,This game is like a advanced version of Mario Kart since it had to do with Streetpass, Spotpass, online 8 players, underwater race, air race, and more! There are so many new features in this game. This game may get boring, but it's one fun game to play. Players who played the older Mario Kart game might enjoy this game and also who is new to Mario Kart. Instead of choosing a selected car, you can customize your own car in 3 different parts. These 3 parts are: Body(This is where you sit), and Wheels(This is needed for driving), and Wings(You don't want to fall 100 feet!). This game is worth it and if you're tired of hold the game card of Mario Kart 7, you can always download it for 40 dollars. Expand
  23. Dec 7, 2012
    10
    This game is excellent, the gameplay is phenomenal, there is nearly nothing wrong with this title. These three things would be 1-lack of characters, 2-hackers/cheaters online, and 3-10 000 VR for something.[spoiler free review] Overall 9.7/10, a vast improvement over Mario Kart wii
  24. Dec 30, 2012
    10
    Possibly the best Mario kart (there are several levels from the past incarnations) with the 3d and beautiful graphics this game is a must own for 3ds. It's pretty alright but also mk7 has a few little additions like underwater racing and a glider attachment such make this addicting racer a blast for all ages!
  25. Mar 28, 2013
    10
    Wow. Just wow. Between this and all the other Mario Kart games, this franchise is, hands down, my favorite VG franchise ever. Firstly, the courses. The courses have a great deal of diversity to them. From the simplicity of Toad Circuit and Luigi Raceway to the epicness of Rainbow Road, all of the courses were very fun to play. Second, the karts. Where do I begin? Really,Wow. Just wow. Between this and all the other Mario Kart games, this franchise is, hands down, my favorite VG franchise ever. Firstly, the courses. The courses have a great deal of diversity to them. From the simplicity of Toad Circuit and Luigi Raceway to the epicness of Rainbow Road, all of the courses were very fun to play. Second, the karts. Where do I begin? Really, everywhere! The kart customization, never before seen in a Mario game, shines. My personal favorite is the Soda Jet with mushroom wheels and the paraglider. I'm telling you, the possibilities are endless. Finally, the online play. Let me just say this: About 90% of my time playing this game is for the online. The new addition of communities is nice. It's also very challenging in some of them to get to the top of the leaderboard. You start with 1000 VR, or BR if you like battles instead of racing. From my knowledge, the limit is 99,999 VR(BR). My goal is to get to 10,000 sometime. About 5,800 to go! Overall, this game is quite possibly the best Mario Kart game yet, and I look for more in the future! Expand
  26. Apr 30, 2013
    10
    There are really cool characters to unlock. When you unlock Wiggler and you get hit by a green or red shell (or anything) he goes red and gets really angry and goes faster than usual. You can go faster in water in some of the races, wind-gliding is lots of fun and drifting is really fun especially in Luigi's mansion. I find that collecting coins can take a lot of time as you can onlyThere are really cool characters to unlock. When you unlock Wiggler and you get hit by a green or red shell (or anything) he goes red and gets really angry and goes faster than usual. You can go faster in water in some of the races, wind-gliding is lots of fun and drifting is really fun especially in Luigi's mansion. I find that collecting coins can take a lot of time as you can only collect 10 per race and you need 20,000 coins to complete the set. Expand
  27. Jul 10, 2013
    10
    this game is incredible it has good gameplay good graphics excellent online mode good tracks this game has a lot to do and a lot of items the best mario kart to date.
  28. Sep 13, 2013
    10
    THIS GAME IS AWESOME! Best racing game I've ever played! I love the battle mode too! The new items are,well,pretty much useful. But I think the best part is the Internet Multiplayer. 10/10.
  29. Sep 4, 2013
    10
    Um dos melhores "Mario Kart" que já joguei, gráficos incríveis para um portátil, jogabilidade bem feita, cenário bem trabalhados, diversão solo ou multi jogadores, seja multijogador local ou online, ressaltando que o modo online muito bom, um grande jogo, com cenários dos antigos jogos para os saudosistas, jogo incrível.
  30. Dec 28, 2013
    10
    This game is the best mario kart game ever, the tracks are really fun and there are many new and great characters. The only defect is that we can not play quick matches (vs.)
Metascore
85

Generally favorable reviews - based on 73 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 64 out of 73
  2. Negative: 0 out of 73
  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  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]