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Mario Kart 7 (JP) (also called MK7, MK3DS, or Mario Kart 3DS) is a racing game developed by Nintendo EAD and Retro Studios for the Nintendo 3DS. It is the eleventh installment of the Mario Kart series overall, the seventh in the main series (hence the game's title), and the third on a handheld console. This is the second (the first was Super Mario 3D Land, which was released a month before this game) installment in the Mario series overall (excluding crossover installments) to be localized to Dutch, Portuguese, and Russian. Additionally, it is the first Mario Kart game to be developed by more than one video game developer, namely Nintendo EAD and Retro Studios, and the second Mario Kart to have a different video game developer (not including the Mario Kart Arcade GP series), the first being Mario Kart: Super Circuit.
The main new feature of this installment is the hang gliding and underwater driving, which allows racers to glide through the air and race in underwater sections of the new and old tracks. Kart customization is also introduced instead of racing in pre-made karts like previous titles. In the game, players are able to exchange Ghost data and play online in multiplayer mode. Players can also receive Ghost data via SpotPass and race against other player's Ghosts from around the world. Nintendo stated that the game brings "a bunch of new elements" to the Mario Kart series.
Mario Kart 7 is the first Mario game to use the Nintendo Network service as it offers the ability to create custom communities, which would then become one of the features of the service. Once Nintendo introduced retail games that could be downloaded via the Nintendo eShop, Mario Kart 7 was released in 2012 for the eShop, where it requires 635.38 MB (5,083 blocks) to download.
Gameplay
Mario Kart 7 features the standard gameplay present in the preceding games in the series, with the gameplay style being very close to that of Mario Kart Wii. Players compete for gold trophies in the eight Grand Prix cups, consisting of four Nitro Cups and four Retro Cups, a returning feature from Mario Kart DS and Mario Kart Wii. Along with Grand Prix, Time Trials and Battle Modes also return. Time Trials have players race on tracks to set records, as well as race against their own or other racers' ghosts. Battle Mode features two different modes; Balloon Battle and Coin Runners, the latter returning from Mario Kart Wii. Players can set their own rules for Battle Mode, choosing CPU difficulty, which items will appear or team games. Online races and battles return, allowing up to 8 players to race or battle using the Nintendo Network online service. Players can also create custom communities, which can be accessed by other players via codes.
Mario Kart 7 also has some new features. Players can now use hang-gliders to navigate through the air and propellers to drive underwater. In addition, players now assemble their own karts, rather than select preset karts as in previous games. It is possible to select the kart's body, wheels, and glider, although some parts need to be unlocked before they can be used, mainly through collecting coins during races. Mario Kart 7 returns to the traditional eight-driver race like in previous installments, instead of the total of twelve as seen in Mario Kart Wii. It is also compatible with both SpotPass and StreetPass.
In this new installment of the Mario Kart series, Coins make a prominent return. Coins have not been featured in this way in the recent Mario Kart games since Mario Kart: Super Circuit. Coins are to be found along a race track, and can be underwater, on the road, or in the air. Collecting coins up to a maximum of ten slightly increases the player's top speed and, if enough are collected, will allow the player to unlock vehicle parts used for customization. The option to select classic Mario Kart tracks is also available again in this game.
Similar to preceding games, an overall "game ranking" of ★, ★★, or ★★★ is shown next to the player's nationality flag if the player has earned the designated ratings in all cups and in all classes. The overall ranking can also be seen while participating at a Grand Prix. The game shows the overall ranking at the results of the last course before the overall results of the last cup being shown.
Among other gameplay mechanics is the vehicle's behavior in the courses. Each element to assemble the vehicle has a function that grants an advantage on certain courses. In other words, speed and handling alter if the player is driving through land, underwater, or in the air. Gliders also provide speed and duration for the vehicle when airborne and can be controlled using the Stick. Players can tilt the Stick either up or down to fall quickly or gently, respectively. Additionally, when driving underwater, the kart's handling, speed, and drifting can considerably change compared to when driving on land.
This Mario Kart installment also introduces the option to race and battle in a first-person view. This function allows the player to watch the race and battle from the character's perspective and can race by tilt the system. In first-person view, the player can also see the vehicle's steering wheel in front of the character with an emblem on it. The gyroscope, which gives the player the ability to steer the kart in first-person mode by tilting the Stick, can be enabled or disabled by going to the Mario Kart Channel, going to the player's Mii icon on the bottom right, going to "Settings", and lastly selecting "Use" or "Don't Use" when going to "Gyro Sensor".
In a minor note, an extra track with beats is added to the course's music if the player gets ahead in first place at top speed (frontrunning). This track fades when the player slows down via braking, going off-road, or getting hit by an item. This happens only in 100cc, 150cc, and Mirror class.
Motorbikes, which made their first appearance in Mario Kart Wii, do not return in the game. On the other hand, tricks return, known as jump actions, and are now the sole way of obtaining a boost, known as Jump Boost, when the kart jumps because of a ramp or an element of the course. The jump action can also be performed on glider ramps to receive a speed boost when gliding starts. The map is viewed in the bottom screen, but unlike in Mario Kart DS, the map doesn't display course hazards and obstacles. The Single Player version of VS. Mode from the other Mario Kart games and the mission mode from Mario Kart DS are also removed.
Elements
Starting Drivers
Unlockable Drivers
Items
There are a multitude of different items listed below which can be obtained from item boxes scattered around the track, which randomly generate items to the drivers according to their position in the race. They can be used to help the drivers, or disrupt their opposition with varying effects. The Fake Item Box from the previous installments is absent, as well as the POW Block, Mega Mushroom, and Thundercloud from Mario Kart Wii.
Name | Image | Ability |
---|---|---|
Banana Peel | This can be placed on the road and cause drivers to slip around upon contact. | |
Triple Banana Peels | Ditto - the bananas can be dropped one at a time, or all at once. | |
Green Shell | This shell speeds forwards on the ground at a straight line, but can also deflect off walls. Drivers that collide with the shell will tumble over. | |
Triple Green Shells | Ditto - however, initially they will rotate around the driver, acting as a shield from most attacks. | |
Red Shell | This shell locks onto the next opponent ahead of the driver, and chases them to knock them over. | |
Triple Red Shell | Ditto - like the triple green shells, they will initially rotate around the driver as a protection. | |
Mushroom |
Gives a speed boost. | |
Triple Mushrooms | Ditto | |
Super Leaf | When activated, a leaf tail will spout behind the driver's kart and can be twisted around multiple times by repeatedly pressing the L button. Other drivers and obstacles can get knocked away when the driver swipes the tail at them. | |
Fire Flower | With this item, the driver is granted fire powers and can throw multiple fireballs one-by-one at other drivers, which will spin them out upon contact. | |
Bob-omb | This can be thrown ahead (or be dropped just behind). The bomb will stay on the track for a few seconds, then explode - anyone caught in the blast radius gets thrown over. | |
Blooper | This pesky creature squirts black ink over all the opponents ahead, obstructing their view. | |
Spiny Shell |
This infamous shell will launch away and slide on the track, to chase the unfortunate driver in first place and explode onto them. As it slides along the ground, other drivers that get in its way can also get knocked over. | |
Star | Makes the driver flash in rainbow and gives them invincible powers - any opponent that collides onto the driver will get knocked over. | |
Lucky Seven |
The most special but rarest item available, this magic item grants the driver seven different items that will rotate around the driver to pick and choose from, one-by-one. They include a banana, one green and red shell each, mushroom, bomb, Blooper and a star. | |
Lightning | Shrinks all the drivers ahead. The drivers return to their normal size at a rate corresponding with their position i.e. the driver at first place will take the longest to return back to normal. | |
Golden Mushroom | Serves as an upgraded form of a mushroom, which can be used to provide multiple boosts over and over again for a period of time. | |
Bullet Bill* |
Arguably the most powerful item in Mario Kart, this is given to drivers floundering in the worst positions. When activated the driver is turned into an auto-pilot bullet rocket that boosts across the track at high speed, and will knock away any opponents upon contact. |
The items written in bold are newly introduced in this game.
Courses
Because there are 16 characters and 32 courses in the game, each character is the staff ghost of two courses each:
Default Characters | |
---|---|
Character | Courses |
Mario | Mario Circuit |
SNES Mario Circuit 2 | |
Luigi | N64 Luigi Raceway |
DS Luigi's Mansion | |
Peach | Cheep Cheep Lagoon |
Wuhu Loop | |
Yoshi | Maka Wuhu |
GCN Dino Dino Jungle | |
Bowser | Bowser's Castle |
GBA Bowser Castle 1 | |
Donkey Kong | DK Jungle |
DS DK Pass | |
Toad | Toad Circuit |
Wii Mushroom Gorge | |
Koopa Troopa | N64 Koopa Beach |
Wii Koopa Cape | |
Unlockable Characters | |
Character | Courses |
Daisy | Daisy Hills |
GCN Daisy Cruiser | |
Wario | Wario Shipyard |
DS Waluigi Pinball | |
Rosalina | Music Park |
Rosalina's Ice World | |
Metal Mario | Neo Bowser City |
DS Airship Fortress | |
Shy Guy | Shy Guy Bazaar |
N64 Kalimari Desert | |
Honey Queen | Rainbow Road |
Wii Coconut Mall | |
Wiggler | Rock Rock Mountain |
Wii Maple Treeway | |
Lakit | Piranha Plant Slide |
SNES Rainbow Road |
Controls
- Accelerate: Hold the A/Y Button.
- Rocket Start: Hold the A/Y Button when Lakitu's traffic light flashes in the middle, or when you see number 2.
- Brake/Reverse: Hold the B Button.
- Drift: When you find a curve, use R button to turn sharply without speed loss.
- Mini-turbo: When you curve, grey wisps can be seen coming out of your wheels. Move to make blue wisps. When you move longer, you can see red wisps. Releasing the button makes this action increase speed.
- Move: Use the Circle Pad and hold it to move. If it goes left, your vehicle will turn left and vice versa.
- Use Item: If you touch the an Item Box and you want to use the item, click the L/X button and something will happen.
- Stop Item Roulette: If you get an item and you want to stop the roulette, just click the L/X button immediately.
- Pause: If you want to stop playing the race and want to do something else, or when something happens around you, click Start Button. Then a list of choices will appear. Click the option you want.
- Gyro sensor (first-person view): Press up on the D-Pad.
Kart customization
Unlike all previous Mario Kart games, players can make their own karts. Seven are available from the start (hence the name of the game), but twenty four are unlockable. There are thirty one kart parts in the game. You need three parts to race: 1x kart, 1x set of wheels and 1x glider.
Karts
- Standard
- Bolt Buggy
- Birthday Girl
- B Dasher
- Barrel Train
- Egg 1
- Blue Seven
- Bumble V
- Cact X
- Cloud 9
- Zucchini
- Gold Standard
- Bruiser
- Koopa Clown
- Pipe Frame
- Soda Jet
- Tiny Tug
Wheels
Gliders
- Super Glider
- Peach Parasol
- Gold Glider
- Beast Glider
- Flower Glider
- Paraglider
- Swooper
Unlocking Criteria:
All parts require the same amount of Coins. If the player gets enough Coins, they will get a random part. Gold parts require special tasks. The only non-gold part that requires a special task is the Beast Glider.
- Beast Glider: 5,000 Coins. But when using StreetPass, the price reduces.
- Gold Glider: 10,000 Coins, or using one hundred StreetPass connections.
- Gold Wheels: 15,000 Coins, Or getting Star Rank on all engine classes-no matter if single/double or triple Star Rank.
- Gold Kart: 20,000 coins, or getting 10,000 versus points.
Game modes
Grand Prix
As usual in the Mario Kart series, Mario Kart 7 has the Grand Prix, where a single player has to compete against computer-controlled opponents in order to obtain the trophies of the eight cups in the game. The Grand Prix has three engine classes: 50cc, 100cc, and 150cc. The higher the engine class, the harder the races will be against the opponents. In this mode, by beating the first cups available, the user unlocks the other cups as well as new elements such as the kart's parts (by collecting coins in each race) or a new playable character. By completing all the engine classes available at the start, the player unlocks the Mirror class.
A notable change featured in the game is the point system given to the racers after a race in Grand Prix mode. It is similar to Mario Kart: Double Dash!! and Mario Kart DS, but racers who place below third get an extra point. Also, 4th place is not a losing place, similar to Super Mario Kart, Mario Kart 64, Mario Kart: Super Circuit, and Mario Kart Wii (which has 12 racers). Below is a chart of the point spread comparison between these seven games:
Point Spread Comparisons (GP) | ||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1st | 2nd | 3rd | 4th | 5th | 6th | 7th | 8th | 9th | 10th | 11th | 12th | |
Super Mario Kart Mario Kart 64 Mario Kart: Super Circuit |
9 | 6 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — | — | — | — |
Mario Kart: Double Dash!! Mario Kart DS |
10 | 8 | 6 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 0 | — | — | — | — |
Mario Kart Wii | 15 | 12 | 10 | 8 | 7 | 6 | 5 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 0 |
Mario Kart 7 | 10 | 8 | 6 | 5 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 1 | — | — | — | — |
Grove-green bg signifies victory results (great clapping, character(s) cheering), best after-race music Yellow-limegreen bg signifies moderate results (mild clapping, moderate character reaction), same music in Wi-Fi as winner (different in MKDS GP) Normal bg signifies losing results, losing music; - means not available In Super Mario Kart, and Mario Kart Super Circuit, 5th or worse forces the player to retry the race. If the racer fares this badly four times, the Grand Prix must be started over. In Mario Kart 64, 5th or worse forces the player to retry the race, but without the restrictions on how many times the player can retry a race. Starting with Mario Kart: Double Dash to recent installments including this one, the Grand Prix normally goes forth. |
Time Trials
Time Trials allows the player to complete all the laps of a race course in the fastest time possible. Mario Kart 7 saves the player's records, and a Ghost for the combo that he or she used. Through Nintendo Network connection, the player can exchange his or her Ghosts to other players, compare their records, and even compete with their Ghosts. Up to seven Ghosts can be raced against at the same time, making it an 8-player race.
VS. Mode
In Versus Mode, players can customize the races selecting personally the order of the racecourses and change other settings, such as setting the computer difficulty, the requirements to win the races, and the engine class of the player's and computer players' karts. Unlike in Mario Kart DS and Mario Kart Wii, this mode is no longer available in Single Player mode. In Download Play, the players that do not have the Mario Kart 7 game card in their handhelds play as Shy Guy, like in Mario Kart DS, and are unable to customize their kart.
Point Spread | ||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Number of Players | 1st | 2nd | 3rd | 4th | 5th | 6th | 7th | 8th |
2 players | 3 | 1 | - | - | - | - | - | - |
3 players | 4 | 2 | 1 | - | - | - | - | - |
4 players | 5 | 3 | 2 | 1 | - | - | - | - |
5 players | 6 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 1 | - | - | - |
6 players | 7 | 5 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 1 | - | - |
7 players | 9 | 7 | 5 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 1 | - |
8 players | 10 | 8 | 6 | 5 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 1 |
Battle
In Battle Mode, the player can select one of the two types of battles available in Mario Kart 7 and one of the six battle courses that appear in this mode. There are three new courses, and the remaining three are from previous installments in the series.
Balloon Battle
Racers compete by popping their opponents' balloons to gain points in a time limit of two minutes. All racers start with three balloons and must use the items from the Item Boxes to take away a balloon from their opponents. Hitting a rival is worth a point. Players who lose all of their balloons will have half of their points deducted. Up to three points can be taken away, and the player re-spawns with three balloons.
Coin Runners
In Coin Runners (Coin Battle in the British English version), racers collect the Coins scattered in the battle course within the time limit of two minutes. The racer that has the most Coins at the end wins. Racers can use the items to hit their opponents and make them drop a maximum of three coins that they have collected. Unlike in Mario Kart Wii, only up to ten coins can be held at once. Coins collected in this mode do not count toward the coin total to unlock kart parts.
Online multiplayer
With the Nintendo 3DS's online capabilities, players can look for other users for online play, local or global range. Players can choose a worldwide competition to race against other users that are connected, race with friends that were met via StreetPass, or play in communities formed by users with customized rules for the races. Just like in Mario Kart Wii, Mario Kart 7 has the Mario Kart Channel that shows updates of online activity automatically through the SpotPass and StreetPass modes. With StreetPass, the users can exchange their Miis, Ghost Data from Time Trials, players' names, and information of communities, while the user will only receive Ghost Data from other users and community recommendations via SpotPass.
VR
When players take part in online races or battles, points are added to or removed from their VR (short for VS Rating) based on their finishing position. The main purpose of VR is determining the skill of players, to match them with players of a similar skill level. Players start with 1000 VR (rather than 5000 VR, as in Mario Kart Wii). Online play in Communities does not use the VR system. Also, a player's VR counts for both races and battles, as opposed to Mario Kart Wii with races affecting VR, and battles affecting BR (Battle Rating).
Normal ones:
Course | Staffs | Time | Selected Character | Kart bodies | Wheels | Gliders |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Toad Circuit | Katie | 1.35.135 | Toad | Standard | Normal | Super Glider |
Daisy Hills | Terui | 2.06.351 | Daisy | Royal Ribbon | Roller | Peach Parasol |
Cheep Cheep Lagoon | Gonta | 1.53.758 | Peach | Royal Ribbon | Roller | Peach Parasol |
Shy Guy Bazaar | Teague | 2.31.167 | Shy Guy | Standard | Roller | Super Glider |
Wuhu Loop | Bryan | 1.44.287 | Peach | Standard | Sponge | Peach Parasol |
Mario Circuit | Miki | 2.25.001 | Mario | Standard | Normal | Super Glider |
Music Park | Wtnbt | 2.19.336 | Rosalina | Royal Ribbon | Roller | Super Glider |
Rock Rock Mountain | Morimo | 2.35.105 | Wiggler | Standard | Red Monster | Super Glider |
Piranha Plant Slide | Tbando | 2.20.186 | Lakitu | Standard | Monster | Super Glider |
Wario's Shipyard | Miyamo | 2.26.268 | Wario | Bolt Buggy | Monster | Super Glider |
Neo Bowser City | Chuck | 2.11.032 | Metal Mario | Standard | Normal | Super Glider |
Maka Wuhu | Reed | 1.50.607 | Yoshi | Bumble V | Sponge | Paraglider |
DK Jungle | Derek | 2.24.040 | DK | Bolt Buggy | Red Monster | Super Glider |
Rosalina's Ice World | Rlingo | 2.25.784 | Rosalina | Standard | Sponge | Super Glider |
Bowser's Castle | Matt | 2.34.815 | Bowser | Standard | Monster | Super Glider |
Rainbow Road | Takamu | 2.10.090 | Honey Queen | Royal Ribbon | Slim | Peach Parasol |
N64 Luigi Raceway | McCoy | 2.04.317 | Luigi | Standard | Slick | Super Glider |
GBA Bowser Castle 1 | Hayata | 1.31.030 | Bowser | Pipe Frame | Standard | Ghastly Glider |
Wii Mushroom Gorge |
Kataok | 2.02.292 | Toad | Cloud 9 | Mushroom | Paraglider |
DS Luigi's Mansion | Konno | 2.09.982 | Luigi | Gherkin | Slim | Super Glider |
N64 Koopa Troopa Beach | Amanda | 1.54.274 | Koopa Troopa | Pipe Frame | Normal | Super Glider |
SNES Mario Circuit 2 | Itros | 1.28.106 | Mario | Pipe Frame | Normal | Super Glider |
Wii Coconut Mall | Thomas | 2.30.117 | Honey Queen | Standard | Slim | Super Glider |
DS Waluigi Pinball | Bill | 2.44.372 | Wario | Standard | Slick | Swoop |
N64 Kalimari Desert | Nishim | 2.01.932 | Shy Guy | Cact-X | Wooden | Swoop |
DS DK Pass | Sean | 2.35.045 | DK | Barrel Train | Wooden | Super Glider |
GCN Daisy Cruiser | Dai8 | 1.49.564 | Daisy | Pipe Frame | Sponge | Peach Parasol |
Wii Maple Treeway | Asakaw | 2.53.560 | Wiggler | Standard | Wooden | Super Glider |
Wii Koopa Cape | Quinn | 2.49.046 | Koopa Troopa | Standard | Monster | Super Glider |
GCN Dino Dino Jungle | Iwaco | 2.29.837 | Yoshi | Egg 1 | Roller | Paraglider |
SNES Rainbow Road | Yabuki | 1.34.459 | Lakitu | Pipe Frame | Slim |
Super Glider |
Expert ones:
Course | Staffs | Time |
Selected Character |
Kart Bodies | Wheels | Gliders |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Toad Circuit | Ishi | 1.26.632 | Toad | Standard | Monster | Super Glider |
Daisy Hills | Sasaki | 1.51.111 | Daisy | Royal Ribbon | Sponge | Super Glider |
Cheep Cheep Lagoon | Tkdr | 1.42.011 | Peach | Tiny Tug | Roller | Peach Parasol |
Shy Guy Bazaar | Rwo | 2.14.714 | Shy Guy | Pipe Frame | Monster | Paraglider |
Wuhu Loop | Nkm | 1.32.854 | Peach | Pipe Frame | Slick | Peach Parasol |
Mario Circuit | Raba | 2.10.018 | Mario | B Dasher | Slick | Super Glider |
Music Park | Masa | 2.07.551 | Rosalina | Soda Jet | Slim | Paraglider |
Rock Rock Mountain | Hiroma | 2.19.149 | Wiggler | Standard | Mushroom | Flower Glider |
Piranha Plant Slide | Jiku | 2.06.540 | Lakitu | Cloud 9 | Sponge | Paraglider |
Wario's Shipyard | Syun1 | 2.12.313 | Wario | Bruiser | Slim | Ghastly Glider |
Neo Bowser City | Matt | 1.58.996 | Metal Mario | Blue Seven | Monster | Paraglider |
Maka Wuhu | Chucky | 1.39.361 | Yoshi | Standard | Monster | Super Glider |
DK Jungle | Dupree | 2.10.777 | DK | Standard | Wooden | Swoop |
Rosalina's Ice World | Dax | 2.13.091 | Rosalina | Gherkin | Red Monster | Super Glider |
Bowser's Castle | Tom | 2.15.244 | Bowser | Bruiser | Red Monster | Ghastly Glider |
Rainbow Road | Asakur | 1.52.077 | Honey Queen | Bumble V | Normal | Flower Glider |
N64 Luigi Raceway | Miyakw | 1.52.206 | Luigi | Pipe Frame | Slick | Paraglider |
GBA Bowser Castle 1 | Hokwai | 1.22.221 | Bowser | Koopa Clown | Roller | Super Glider |
Wii Mushroom Gorge | Jay | 1.50.526 | Toad | Pipe Frame | Monster | Super Glider |
DS Luigi Mansion | Vince | 1.58.539 | Luigi | Egg 1 | Monster | Paraglider |
N64 Koopa Troopa Beach | Ueda | 1.42.909 | Koopa Troopa | Soda Jet | Sponge | Paraglider |
SNES Mario Circuit 2 | Kony | 1.17.777 | Mario | B Dasher | Slick | Super Glider |
Wii Coconut Mall | Ryan | 2.14.167 | Honey Queen | Koopa Clown | Sponge | Paraglider |
DS Waluigi Pinball | Nshhr | 2.27.574 | Wario | Bruiser | Slim | Ghastly Glider |
N64 Kalimari Desert | Koz | 1.48.707 | Shy Guy | Bolt Buggy | Red Monster | Ghastly Glider |
DS DK Pass | Matu | 2.16.534 | DK | Bolt Buggy | Red Monster | Paraglider |
GCN Daisy Cruiser | Carlos | 1.43.341 | Daisy | Tiny Tug | Sponge | Peach Parasol |
Wii Maple Treeway | Bill | 2.34.877 | Wiggler | Egg 1 | Sponge | Flower Glider |
Wii Koopa Cape | Shane | 2.28.585 | Koopa Troopa | Cact-X | Normal | Flower Glider |
GCN Dino Dino Jungle | Will | 2.14.430 | Yoshi | Egg 1 | Monster | Swoop |
SNES Rainbow Road | Sriwtm | 1.21.994 | Lakitu | Cloud 9 | Roller | Paraglider |
World Records
Just like Mario Kart Wii, players have made world records for Mario Kart 7. Below is a table (as of June 2, 2015):
Course | Time | Player | Nation | Date |
---|---|---|---|---|
Toad Circuit] | 1:19.270 | Mr.L | Japan | May 24, 2014 |
Daisy Hills | 1:38.328 | ジャスミン | Japan | January 26, 2014 |
Cheep Cheep Lagoon | 1:33.142 | ZCrone | United Kingdom | June 19, 2014 |
Shy Guy Bazaar | 2:02.855 | ZCrone | United Kingdom | May 19, 2014 |
Wuhu Loop | 1:23.166 | Jacob | United States | May 18, 2014 |
Wuhu Loop (Glitch) | 1:18.217 | Alexony | Spain | August 28, 2013 |
Mario Circuit | 1:58.647 | Jacob | United States | November 7, 2013 |
Music Park | 1:47.570 | Demon | France | June 5, 2014 |
Rock Rock Mountain | 1:58.986 | ZCrone | United Kingdom | November 16, 2014 |
Piranha Plant Slide | 1:48.476 | Eric | United States | May 27, 2015 |
Wario Shipyard | 1:53.965 | Aiguille | France | December 27, 2013 |
Neo Bowser City | 1:43.467 | かミノせん | Japan | April 10, 2015 |
Neo Bowser City (Glitch) | 1:21.970 | Ray | Canada | May 2, 2014 |
Maka Wuhu | 1:26.324 | AdroMaster | Spain | November 24, 2013 |
Maka Wuhu (Glitch) | 1:04.394 | AdroMaster | Spain | December 13, 2013 |
DK Jungle | 1:55.402 | Ray | Canada | May 29, 2014 |
DK Jungle (Glitch) | 1:52.923 | Toad | Japan | September 26, 2014 |
Rosalina's Ice World | 1:52.974 | Toad | Japan | August 31, 2014 |
Bowser's Castle | 1:58.150 | Jacob | United States | December 18, 2013 |
Rainbow Road | 1:36.261 | Gogoku7 | Netherlands | June 23, 2014 |
N64 Luigi Raceway | 1:42.965 | Demon | France | March 2, 2014 |
GBA Bowser Castle 1 | 1:11.736 | Miracle | Japan | February 7, 2015 |
GBA Bowser Castle 1 (Glitch) | 1:10.896 | TvK | Belgium | January 23, 2015 |
Wii Mushroom Gorge | 1:33.705 | Weisse | Japan | June 16, 2014 |
DS Luigi's Mansion | 1:43.482 | Lee | United Kingdom | April 21, 2014 |
DS Luigi's Mansion (Glitch) | 1:41.589 | Marv | Germany | March 28, 2014 |
N64 Koopa Troopa Beach | 1:30.498 | Ray | Canada | March 27, 2014 |
SNES Mario Circuit 2 | 1:08.967 | レンジでチン | Japan | March 20, 2015 |
Wii Coconut Mall | 1:56.453 | Diogo | France | February 8, 2014 |
DS Waluigi Pinball | 2:11.258 | mume | Japan | July 31, 2014 |
N64 Kalimari Desert | 1:34.221 | きゃわ | Japan | April 5, 2015 |
DS DK Pass | 1:57.207 | Diogo | France | February 20, 2014 |
GCN Daisy Cruiser | 1:26.611 | Nicola | Italy | April 24, 2014 |
GCN Daisy Cruiser (Glitch) | 1:11.138 | Diogo | France | March 5, 2014 |
Wii Maple Treeway | 2:17.105 | よっしー | Japan | December 11, 2013 |
Wii Maple Treeway (Glitch) | 1:49.044 | Samuel | United States | May 25, 2015 |
Wii Koopa Cape | 2:06.816 | Coco | France | May 28, 2014 |
Wii Koopa Cape (Glitch) | 2:06.617 | Coco | France | October 9, 2013 |
GCN Dino Dino Jungle | 1:50.123 | Okami | United Kingdom | May 30, 2015 |
DS Airship Fortress | 1:54.233 | AdroMaster | Spain | June 6, 2014 |
SNES Rainbow Road | 1:12.949 | Mr.L | Japan | May 21, 2014 |
Nintendo eShop description
- NA Version
A New Dimension of Kart Racing! The newest installment of the fan-favorite Mario Kart™ franchise brings Mushroom Kingdom racing fun into glorious 3D. For the first time, drivers explore new competitive kart possibilities, such as soaring through the skies or plunging into the depths of the sea. New courses, strategic new abilities and customizable karts bring the racing excitement to new heights.
- EU Version
Mario Kart 7 brings Mushroom Kingdom racing fun into glorious 3D - and that's just the beginning, as new courses, strategic new abilities and cutomisable karts bring the racing excitement to new heights. Up to 8 players can enjoy local wireless races or race together online.
Reception
Critical reception
The game has received generally positive reviews. As of December 12, 2013, Metacritic has an average score of 85, including 64 positive reviews, and 9 mixed.[1] GameRankings has an average score of 85.17% based on 50 reviews.[2] Critics generally praise the new glider and underwater mechanic that the game adds, but often cite how similarly it feels to past entries of the Mario Kart series.
GameXplain has given the game's Multiplayer 4.5 stars out of 5, and Single-Player a 3.5 out of 5.[3] Audrey Drake of IGN gave the game a 9.0/10. She criticized the character roster for being small and the potential of the Spiny Shell "screwing up" the race, but she praised the innovation and the polish the game provides.[4][5] Griffin McElroy of Joystiq gave it 4.5 stars out of 5. He praised the game for being well-polished with only a few flaws, noting the Spiny Shell as "unavoidable race-ruining bullshit".[6] Adam Biessener of Gameinformer gave it an 8.5/10. He praised the first person view, the new tracks, and the new glider and underwater features while criticizing the Battle Mode, and online modes "being a distraction rather than a destination".[7] 1up gave it a B- grade. Tom McShea of Gamespot gave it a 8/10. He remarked that the game has "been the same as previous entries of the series, but the innovations have kept it fresh", while criticizing the online structure and lack of mission mode.[8] Justin Towell on Gamesradar gave it a perfect 10/10. He praised the fanservice and how "anyone can pick up and enjoy" the game.[9] However, Jim Sterling of Destructoid rated the game a 5.0/10, criticizing how this game is "practically the same as any other game in the Mario Kart series". He ended it with, "Mario Kart is in need of a severe shake up. This stagnant, crawling, and indolent effort is not it".[10]
Sales
The game sold over 420,000 units in its first 4 days in Japan.[11] As of March 31, 2014, Mario Kart 7 is the 2nd best selling game for the Nintendo 3DS, having sold about 9.62 million copies worldwide, and also the best selling Mario game on the 3DS.
Pre-release and unused content
The 7 in the original logo featured a different design than the final logo. Original demos featured many elements from Mario Kart Wii, such as menu music, Dash Panel textures and a winged Spiny Shell. Several tracks shown in early trailers lacked details shown in the final version, such as the lack Wigglers in Wii Maple Treeway and the lack of ramps in Wuhu Loop, Mario Circuit, and Rock Rock Mountain.
Glitches
Some of the most well known glitches are found in Wuhu Loop, Maka Wuhu, and GBA Bowser Castle 1. If executed correctly, they will allow the driver to skip sections of the track. On May 15, 2012, an update was released that made these glitches unusable in online multiplayer.
Differences in multiplayer modes
When playing in multiplayer mode, both locally and online, there are several changes made to the tracks, most likely to retain a stable connection.
- One of the two Mountain Goats was removed from Daisy Hills.
- There is only one Sidestepper in Cheep Cheep Lagoon, as opposed to two.
- In the bazaar section of Shy Guy Bazaar, one jar was removed. Also in the gliding section, there are fewer Shy Guys on flying carpets.
- In Wuhu Loop, the first group of cars consists of only two cars instead of three. The last group of cars near the finish line were removed entirely. Also, the wind turbines near the lighthouse have no rotor blades.
- In Mario Circuit, the coin placement in the castle area was changed. Also, one of the two Giant Goombas is absent.
- In Music Park, the second of three Bouncing Notes was removed.
- Piranha Plant Slide has no Item Boxes flowing with the water. Also in the section before the finish line, the Giant Goomba and the boards resembling it were removed.
- The Fish Bones in the tunnel in Wario Shipyard are absent as well as the Sidesteppers before the gliding section.
- One Tiki Goon and one Frogoon were taken out of DK Jungle, reducing their number to two and one respectively.
- There are no penguins in the underwater section of Rosalina's Ice World.
- One of the two Thwomps in Bowser's Castle is absent.
- The two ceiling lights in the second room of Luigi's Mansion were removed.
- In N64 Koopa Beach, three of the six Sidesteppers are absent: Two underwater and one before the finish line.
- In DS Waluigi Pinball, there is only one Pinball rolling around in the open area before the finish line.
- N64 Kalimari Desert has only one train on its rails as opposed to two.
- DS DK Pass does not have any snowballs in the part that goes uphill. Also most of the snowmen are absent.
- There are no Cheep Cheeps in the underwater section of GCN Daisy Cruiser.
- One of the two Wiggler]]s in Wii Maple Treeway was removed.
- Wii Koopa Cape has no moving Item Boxes in the area where the water flows with the track. Also, there are no Cheep Cheeps in the underwater area.
- There are fewer Rocky Wrenches in DS Airship Fortress.
References to other games
- Super Mario Bros. - The Fire Flower appears for the first time as a usable item that throws fireballs. The layout of the course Piranha Plant Slide greatly resembles the tile sprites from this game.
- Super Mario Bros. 2 - The Shy Guy Bazaar course makes references to the elements from this game such as the addition of magic carpets (being ridden by Shy Guys) and jars in their original colors.
- Super Mario Bros. 3 - The Super Leaf appears as an item, and the Angry Sun appears on a blanket in Shy Guy Bazaar.
- Super Mario Kart - The Pipe Frame returns from this game, however it uses the dual exhaust design from Mario Kart 64 instead of the single exhaust from Super Mario Kart. Mario Circuit 2 and Rainbow Road return as retro courses. Collecting coins also returns from this game.
- Wario Land: Super Mario Land 3- A small portion of Wario Shipyard's music is a remix of this game's main theme.
- Donkey Kong Country - DK Jungle's music is a remix of the Jungle Hijinxs theme from this game.
- Mario Kart 64 - Some musical pieces are remixes from this game such as the main title screen, the results screen and Rainbow Road. A segment of the theme for the course Toad's Turnpike can be heard in the newer course, Neo Bowser City. Chomps appear in Rainbow Road similar to how they appear in Rainbow Road from that game. Luigi Raceway, Koopa Troopa Beach, and Kalimari Desert return as retro courses, plus Big Donut returns as a playable battle course.
- Mario Kart: Super Circuit - Bowser Castle 1 returns as a retro course, plus Battle Course 1 returns as a playable battle arena.
- Super Mario Sunshine - The possible Toad artwork can be seen on Toad Circuit on the Mario Kart banner near the starting line.
- Mario Kart: Double Dash!! - Part of the Bowser's Castle and Rainbow Road themes are based on their respective themes originating from this game. Some voice clips are reused. Also, the Barrel Train returns from this game. Daisy Cruiser and Dino Dino Jungle return as retro courses, and finally, the 3-2-1 starting countdown returns with a new design.
- Mario Kart Arcade GP - The way that Coins give the kart a small boost upon being collected originated from this game.
- Mario Kart DS - The Egg 1 and B Dasher return from this game as kart parts. Luigi's Mansion, Waluigi Pinball, DK Pass, and Airship Fortress return as retro courses, plus Palm Shore returns as a playable battle arena. During multiplayer with someone who doesn't have the game, Shy Guy becomes their automatic character like in this game.
- New Super Mario Bros. - The playable Lakitu's artwork in Mario Kart 7 is a color swapped version of Lakitu's artwork from this game. Koopa Troopa's artwork is also reused from the game.
- Super Mario Galaxy - The Comet Observatory and the starting planet of Gateway Galaxy appear in the background in the course Rosalina's Ice World. A part of Space Junk Galaxy's music is also remixed in the course. Rosalina and Honey Queen both originate from this game.
- Mario Kart Wii - Most of the gameplay in Mario Kart 7 is based off of this game. The first part of the Award Ceremony music is from the said installment as well. Minecarts from Wario's Gold Mine can be seen on Wario Shipyard. Tricks return from this game. The menu selection music is based on said music from this game. The roster and map sprites also return from this game. Some voice clips are reused. Mushroom Gorge, Coconut Mall, Maple Treeway, and Koopa Cape return as retro courses.
- Mario Super Sluggers - Some of Wiggler's voice clips are taken from this game.
- Donkey Kong Country Returns - DK Jungle is based on and includes elements from this game.
- Super Mario 3D Land - The new look for the Super Leaf introduced in this game is shown as one of the newest items for the Mario Kart series and used as the logo for the Leaf Cup. Also, the bush and Goomba Boards reappear in Piranha Plant Slide.
References in later games
- Mario Kart Arcade GP DX - Gameplay elements such as the glider and underwater racing return in this game.
- Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze - Donkey Kong plays this game during his idle animation. Also, he is confirmed as playing as himself.
- Mario Golf: World Tour - The countdown timer and the signal light returns in Speed Golf to signal the start of the first hole. Various voice clips of Rosalina are recycled.
- Mario Kart 8 - The Wii U follow-up includes various elements from this game. Music Park, Piranha Plant Slide]], and DK Jungle return as this game's retro tracks. The glider and underwater racing mechanics return. Customization returns as well. Some vehicle bodies, tires, and gliders from Mario Kart 7 return also. Neo Bowser City returns as a downloadable retro course.
- Mario Kart 8 Deluxe - The Koopa Clown kart body returns. Wuhu Town returns as a retro battle course. Lunar Colony has a moon section with low gravity just like Rainbow Road.
- Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS/Wii U - Various voice clips of Rosalina are recycled in these games.
- Nintendo 3DS version - Rainbow Road appears as a stage in this game. The Rainbow Road theme music can play on the aforementioned stage, along with a remix of Rainbow Road themes from handheld Mario Kart games. In addition, various trophies reference content from this game.
- Wii U version - The Rainbow Road theme, a remix of Rainbow Road themes from handheld Mario Kart games, and a remix of this game's Circuit theme appear as music tracks for the Mario Circuit stage. Various trophies reference content from this game.
Names in Other Languages
Languages/Regions: | Name: | Meaning: |
---|---|---|
Traditional Chinese | 瑪利歐賽車7
(Mǎlìōu Sàichē 7) |
Mario Racing 7 |
Simplified Chinese | 马力欧卡丁车7
(Mǎlìōu Kǎdīngchē 7) |
Mario Karting Car 7 |
Trivia
- This is the only Mario Kart game where Wario is an unlockable character.
- This is also the only post-Mario Kart: Double Dash!! game where Waluigi is not a playable character (though he was supposed to appear in the game as a playable character, but was scrapped, due to time constraints). However, his course, Waluigi Pinball appears as one of the retro tracks.
- This marks the only time where Princess Daisy appears in a modern game without Waluigi.
- When the player has a strong lead in the race, a backbeat will kick into the music.
- The Nitro Courses use the current Mario Kart logo on their starting banners, while Retro Courses still use the classic logo.
- When unlocking a new kart part, if the player goes to the Mario Kart Channel to change parts, no jingle sound will play and the gift icon will not be there. However, it will still appear when going into the Grand Prix or Time Trials.
- This is the only Mario Kart game that doesn't have its corresponding year of release on the title screen.
- This Mario Kart game has the most track name differences in the American English and British English versions with a total of eight racetracks and one battle course.
- This is the first Mario Kart game since Mario Kart: Double Dash!! to not feature single player VS. Mode.
References
- ↑ Metacritic score of Mario Kart 7 Metacritic. Retrieved December 12, 2013.
- ↑ GameRankings score of Mario Kart 7 GameRankings. Retrieved December 12, 2013.
- ↑ http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DWuxbTmdVQA
- ↑ Drake, Audrey (Nov 29, 2011) Mario Kart 7 Review IGN. Retrieved December 11, 2013.
- ↑ http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=16D9OXFzRJc&feature=channel_video_title
- ↑ McElroy, Griffin (November 29th 2011) Mario Kart 7 review: An exercise in fun/frustration Joystiq. Retrieved December 11, 2013.
- ↑ Biessener, Adam (November 29, 2011) Solid Tweaks, Cool Tracks, Same Design GameInformer. Retrieved December 11, 2013.
- ↑ Mario Kart 7 review Gamespot. (broken link)
- ↑ Towelle, Justin (July 2, 2012) Mario Kart 7 review GamesRadar. Retrieved December 11, 2013.
- ↑ Sterling, Jim (November 29, 2011) Review: Mario Kart 7 Destructoid. Retrieved December 11, 2013.
- ↑ http://www.vgchartz.com/game/45691/mario-kart-7/Japan/
External links
- Launch Trailer
- Official Japanese Website
- Official European Website
- Official Oceanian Website
- Official American Website
- Official Korean Website
- Official Chinese (Hong Kong) Website
- Official Chinese (Taiwan) Website
- Official Chinese (China) Website
Mario Kart games | |
---|---|
Consoles games | Super Mario Kart • Mario Kart 64 • Double Dash!! • Mario Kart Wii • Mario Kart 8 (Deluxe (Booster Course Pass)) • Live: Home Circuit |
Handheld games | Mario Kart: Super Circuit • Mario Kart DS • Mario Kart 7 • Mario Kart Tour |
Arcade games | Mario Kart Arcade GP • Arcade GP 2 • Arcade GP DX • Arcade GP VR |
Related | FGP: F-1 Race • FGP II: 3D Hot Rally • F-ZERO |