Mario Kart 7
SCORE: 93
There are some franchises that I love to play over and over again. The Bible Game, Animal Crossing, Walls of Jericho, and Sonic the Hedgehog are some examples. Mario Kart is another one of those franchises. Mario Kart 7 is a faithful sequel to the franchise. Nintendo added the 3D effects gliding, and driving under water. There is also a real emphasis in Mario Kart 7 on customization of your kart. There are more than enough attributes to make Mario Kart 7 strategic for the hard core gamers.
The 50cc, 100cc, and 150cc race circuits means Mario Kart 7 is approachable by all skill sets. In fact I like to warm up on the 50cc, then start to challenge myself on the 100cc, and finally work for it on the 150cc. Each of those also increases the speed. Coins are littered throughout the levels in Mario Kart 7. It is important to collect them. Why? Because the coins in Mario Kart 7 will unlock better equipment for your karts. The faster your vehicle goes and better chance you have of winning a race.
The complete customization in Mario Kart 7 is for Speed, Acceleration, Weight, Handling, and Off Road. These are determined by the chassis, tires, and glider of the vehicle. The race tracks will challenge players since it is not all on pavement. Some of the levels involve gliding, and/or going under water. Mario Kart 7 includes sixteen new tracks, and six older tracks. Seeing the older tracks in full and complete 3D is a real treat.
Yes the 3D in Mario Kart 7 looks marvelous. I am astounded at how well this game looks. I spent my own money on this Nintendo 3DS title, and feel my money was well spent based on the graphics alone. I had to make sure to keep the screen lined up with my eyes or it does not look right. This is related to how the Nintendo 3DS displays the images. There is some mild violence in Mario Kart 7. Players pick up weapons from the question mark blocks. These can be used offensively generally. There are some that can be used defensively. Things like banana peels will make your opponents spin out. Turtle shells can be shot in front of you or behind you. The ‘7’ power up is my favorite since it contains all of the power ups that can be used one at a time. Mushrooms give the player a short burst of speed.
The music and special effect sounds in Mario Kart 7 are exceptional. Nintendo has honed this franchise down to a science. I love listening to the music, and the celebrations of victory. Getting hit with a bomb is not as pleasant. Expect things to get completely crazy in the 150cc. Your character will also celebrate when you hit an opponent with a weapon. One of the coolest aspects of Mario Kart 7 is choosing your favorite character and racing with them. Some people like Mario, others Luigi, and others like Bowser or Donkey Kong. You decide who you race with.
The replay value to Mario Kart 7 is flawless. I have had to re-charge my 3DS multiple times while playing Mario Kart 7. I have also played while charging. The thirty-races in three circuits take time to complete. Then there is a coin battle, and a balloon battle. But the real selling point for Mario Kart 7 is the multiplayer modes. There is local play for up to eight players. There is download play for eight players. Internet play is also for eight players. Streetpass and Spotpass are also included.
The game play in Mario Kart 7 is very good. The first two speed circuits focus on racing cleanly to win. The final one is all about using the weapons, shortcuts, and knowing what is going on around you. With that said there are other modes in Mario Kart 7 that will encourage families to spend time together.
It was a real
joy and a pleasure for me to play and review Mario Kart 7. I am thankful
that I had the money to purchase this title. I wonder what Nintendo will
come up with in the next Mario Kart game. I learned to pay attention to
my surroundings in Mario Kart 7. Like watching the bottom screen to see
when someone behind me launched a weapon at me. The king of kart racing
is back, and he has claimed his crown again.
-
Paul
Graphics: 90%
Sound: 92%
Replay/Extras: 100%
Gameplay: 95%
Family Friendly Factor: 90%
System: Nintendo 3DS
Publisher: Nintendo
Rating: ‘E’ for Everyone
{Comic Mischief}
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