Smack talk while battling beside friends or take on the world from anywhere – Mario Kart 7 delivers flexible multiplayer. Online modes keep the competition going anywhere via communities, tournaments, and ranked and friendly matches. Split-screen races and battles are a blast, and the portability means playing with friends is easy. Local and online multiplayer are where Mario Kart 7 truly shines. Overall, Mario Kart 7 does not push the 3DS graphically, but the smooth framerate and gameplay are far more important. Iconic characters and locales pop with personality and references fans will appreciate. While the visuals appear slightly downgraded compared to the Wii and GameCube entries, the chunky, colorful art style remains appealing. The 3D effect adds depth without impacting gameplay. The controls are tight and intuitive, making driving, drifting, and item usage a breeze. Mario Kart 7 runs flawlessly at 60fps in both single and multiplayer, avoiding the slowdowns that can plague less optimized 3DS titles.
The polished gameplay and wealth of modes squeeze every ounce of entertainment from the 3DS hardware. Mario Kart 7 truly offers endless replayability, especially on the go. Online play expands the experience further with communities, ghost data sharing, and ranked and friendly matches. Grand Prix, Time Trials, and ferocious Balloon Battle and Coin Runner modes provide diverse single player and local multiplayer fun. The content offering impresses with 32 quality tracks, spanning new courses and retro classics. Hang gliding and underwater sections add fun new gameplay mechanics, while kart customization lets you tailor your ride. Powersliding around corners and perfectly timing boosts provides that signature Mario Kart thrill. Mario Kart 7 retains the series’ classic arcade racing action. This CIA download delivers the full Mario Kart package in flawless portable form. With its smooth performance, extensive content, and online multiplayer, Mario Kart 7 represents the pinnacle of kart racing on the Nintendo 3DS. Mario Kart 7: The Definitive 3DS Kart Racing Experience