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{{Short description|2011 video game}} {{Short description|2011 video game}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=April 2016}} {{Use dmy dates|date=April 2016}}
{{use Oxford spelling|date=June 2023}}
{{Italic title}}
{{Infobox video game {{Infobox video game
| image = Mario Kart 7 box art.jpg | image = Mario Kart 7 box art.jpg
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| series = '']'' | series = '']''
| platforms = ] | platforms = ]
| released = {{Video game release|JP|1 December 2011|EU|2 December 2011|AUS|3 December 2011|NA|4 December 2011|HK|28 September 2012<ref name="Hong Kong" />}} | released = {{Video game release|JP|1 December 2011|EU|2 December 2011|AUS|3 December 2011|NA|4 December 2011}}
| genre = ] | genre = ]
| modes = ], ] | modes = ], ]
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}} }}


'''''Mario Kart 7'''''{{efn|{{nihongo|'''''Mario Kart 7'''''|マリオカート7|Mario Kāto Sebun||}}}} is a ] developed by ] in cooperation with ] and published by ] for the ] in 2011. '''''Mario Kart 7'''''{{efn|{{nihongo|'''''Mario Kart 7'''''|マリオカート7|Mario Kāto Sebun||}}}} is a 2011 ] developed by ] in cooperation with ] and published by ] for the ]. As with the previous games in the ], players participate in racing on various '']''-themed ], playing as one of seventeen different ]. While racing, the players make use of ] ] that either assist their character or hinder opposing characters. New additions to the game include ] attachments for karts, the ability to drive underwater, the ability to drive in first person, and the ability to fully customize the vehicles' builds. The game supports both local and ] ] for up to eight players. The game was a critical and commercial success, becoming the ] with over 18.98 million copies sold worldwide.

As with the previous games in the ], players participate in racing on various '']''-themed ], playing as one of seventeen different ]. While racing, the players make use of ] ] that either assist their character or hinder opposing characters. New additions to the game include ] attachments for karts, the ability to drive underwater, the ability to drive in first person, and the ability to fully customize the vehicles' builds.<ref name="AutoFK-6" />

The game supports both local and ] ] for up to eight players. It was released to positive reviews with praise for the new additions, tracks and gameplay although the limited single player modes (such as the removal of the customizable ''Versus mode''), item balancing and difficulty curve received criticism. ''Mario Kart 7'' was the second 3DS game to sell over five million units, following '']''.

The game was digitally released on the ] in 2012. ''Mario Kart 7'' is ], with 18.97 million copies sold worldwide {{as of|2022|03|31|lc=yes}}.


== Gameplay == == Gameplay ==
{{See also|Mario Kart#Gameplay|l1=Gameplay in the Mario Kart series}} {{See also|Mario Kart#Gameplay|l1=Gameplay in the Mario Kart series}}
] ]
''Mario Kart 7'' carries on traditional '']'' gameplay in which players race against each other in ]s across 32 courses (new and retro). Most are based on various locations in the ], but two new courses are set on ] location from the '']'' and '']'' games.<ref name="siliconera" /> In addition to traditional button controls, ''Mario Kart 7'' can be played using the Nintendo 3DS ], in which the action is viewed in ] and the player steers the kart simply by tilting the entire game system. While most gameplay occurs on the top screen of the 3DS hardware, the bottom screen shows an overhead map of the race course. While driving, the players may use ] items, obtained from running into item boxes located at specific points on the track, that are used to hinder the progression of opponents or to help the player in the race. Some of these power-ups include the series staple items ] Shells, ] Peels, and ]s. Three new items were added: ], which allows the player to shoot up to ten fireballs, the Super Leaf, which gives the player a tail that allows them to flip over nearby players, collect nearby Coins, and deflect items, and the Lucky Seven, which bestows seven items at once.<ref name="AutoFK-7" /> Coins are also scattered about the tracks; collecting them increases the kart's top speed. Up to ten coins can be collected in each race, but some will be lost if the player comes into contact with hazards or goes out of bounds. Jump actions let players obtain a brief burst of speed when hitting a button prior to driving off ramps, ] attachments sometimes allow for controllable gliding segments as well.<ref name="equals fun" /><ref name="AutoFK-8" /> In the previous installments, driving the kart into a body of water has been considered going out of bounds and would penalize the player by delaying them or being picked up by ]. In ''Mario Kart 7'', however, the karts are fully ], thus adding fully underwater track segments.
''Mario Kart 7'' carries on traditional ''Mario Kart'' gameplay in which players race against each other in ]s across a variety of themed ]. Most tracks are based on various locations in the ], but two tracks are set on Wuhu Island, which was featured in non-''Mario'' video games '']'', '']'', and '']''.<ref name="siliconera" />

=== Power-up items ===
While driving, the players may use ] items, obtained from running into item boxes located at specific points on the track, that are used to hinder the progression of opponents or to help the player in the race. Some of these power-ups include the series staple items ] Shells, ] Peels, and ]s. The POW Block, Mega Mushroom, and Thunder Cloud from ''Mario Kart Wii'' are absent from the game, as well as the Fake Item Box from previous installments.

''Mario Kart 7'' also features three items new to the ''Mario Kart'' series (the last two of which do not return in '']''). These items are the ], which allows the player to shoot up to ten fireballs, the Super Leaf, which gives the player a tail that allows them to flip over nearby players, collect nearby Coins, and deflect items, and the Lucky Seven, which bestows seven items at once.<ref name="AutoFK-7" />

Coins, originally introduced in '']'' (1992), are scattered about the tracks; collecting them increases the kart's top speed. Up to ten coins can be collected in each race, but some will be lost if the player comes into contact with hazards or goes out of bounds.

=== Physics ===
Jump actions, which were introduced in '']'' as tricks, lets players obtain a brief burst of speed when driving off ramps.<ref name="equals fun" /><ref name="AutoFK-8" />

In addition to traditional controls, ''Mario Kart 7'' can be played using the Nintendo 3DS ], in which the action is viewed in ] and the player steers the kart simply by tilting the entire game system.

=== Vehicles ===
''Mario Kart 7'' is particularly notable for sporting features unseen in previous installments.

Players are able to customize their vehicles, choosing from various ] which range in weight and engine power, a selection of ]s which affect a kart's handling on certain surfaces, and a choice of a new feature, retractable ]s, which allow players to glide through the air, replacing cannons from previous games.

Hang gliding may allow players to skip over parts of the track or locate new routes and shortcuts that are otherwise inaccessible.<ref name="equals fun" />

There are seventeen kart frames, ten wheels, and seven gliders, which makes a total of 1,190 possible kart combinations for the players to use during the game.

In the previous installments, driving the kart into a body of water has been considered going out of bounds and would penalize the player by delaying them or being picked up by ]. In ''Mario Kart 7'', however, the karts are fully ] thus adding fully under water track segments. While underwater, an unfolded ] motor appears out of the vehicle.

=== Bottom screen ===
A distinction from '']'', the preceding portable game in the series, is that the bottom (touch) screen no longer displays obstacles and moving items and objects other than players.

These include breakable boxes (both wooden and item boxes), bare items (bananas, ] Shells (including their color), bombs, boost mushrooms, invincibility stars), ] (as seen in the ''Airship Fortress'' stage and the item), ]s (as seen in the ''] Pass'' stage) and moving non-player vehicles and buses (as seen in ''Shroom Ridge'' and the ''] Mushroom Bridge'' retro stage).

''Mario Kart DS'' displayed these obstacles on the bottom screen when in the default map viewing mode that shows the area of the map surrounding the player and the vehicle's orientation, unlike in the alternative (full course map) view.

The course introduction, a panoramic view of the course displayed before each '']'' race, only occupies the top screen, while it occupied the bottom screen as well on ''Mario Kart DS'', where ''Mario Kart 7'' shows course details (name of track, selected cup and difficulty level (as indicated in ] ]s) above the surrounding map as viewed on starting position.

=== Characters ===
The game features sixteen playable ''Mario'' characters, including Wiggler, Honey Queen, ], and Metal Mario, who are new to the series, as well as ] characters saved in the Nintendo 3DS Mii Maker, bringing the total to seventeen.

Like in the previous installments, characters are divided into three different weight classes, which impact their driving styles.

=== Game modes ===
''Mario Kart 7'' features four ] ]: ], ], Balloon Battle, and Coin Runners. Some modes feature ] options.

==== Grand Prix ====
In Grand Prix, the player races against seven ] opponents in one of eight different cups, each featuring four tracks.

The player receives points based on their finishing position in each race ranging from one to ten. After all four races, there will be an ] and the player receives a trophy depending on the final standings; bronze for third place, silver for second place and gold for the winner.

Along with the trophy, players will also receive a star rank for their performance ranging from one to three stars.

A distinction from '']'' and '']'' is the removed race timer and the lap timer review in the results seen after finishing a race, as those are not fundamental like ranks to the ''Grand Prix'' game mode, in which the order of players reaching the goal matters.

==== Time Trial ====
In Time Trial, the player races alone to finish the course in the fastest time possible using a Triple Mushroom that can be used at any time during the run. The best time for each track is ] as a ], which the player can compete against in later trials.

If the player has ] enabled on their Nintendo 3DS, they will be able to download ghosts from other players and can race against up to seven other ghosts simultaneously.<ref name="siliconera" /><ref name="AutoFK-9" />

==== Battle modes ====
In the Balloon Battle and Coin Runners battle games, the players drive around one of six arenas (three for this game and three from the previous installments) to collect items and attack their opponents to score points within the time limit of two minutes.

==== Online Multiplayer ====
The player can play ] via ], participating in races or battles with up to seven other players. Game data can also be exchanged with other Nintendo 3DS consoles via StreetPass.

While playing through wireless communication and/or online communication, certain courses (i.e. Toad Circuit, DS Airship Fortress, etc.) are different{{how|date=October 2020}} from the single-player versions.

=== Tracks ===
''Mario Kart 7'' offers 32 different tracks, which consist of 16 new (Nitro) tracks and 16 "classic" (Retro) tracks, remakes of tracks featured in the previous six installments.<ref name="equals fun" />

The tracks are split into eight cups, with four tracks in each cup. The cups are the Mushroom, Flower, Star, Special, Shell, Banana, Leaf, and Lightning Cups. The Shell, Banana, Leaf, and Lightning Cups form the "Retro Grand Prix" and contain classic tracks, while the Mushroom, Flower, Star and Special Cups comprise the "Nitro Grand Prix", which contain the completely new courses.


The game features sixteen playable ''Mario'' characters, including Wiggler, Honey Queen, ], and Metal Mario, who are new to the series, as well as ] characters saved in the Nintendo 3DS Mii Maker, bringing the total to seventeen. Like in the previous installments, characters are divided into three different weight classes, which impact their driving styles. ''Mario Kart 7'' introduced the ability to customize vehicles prior to races. Vehicle bodies, tires, and hang gliders can be customized with differing control attributes. ''Mario Kart 7'' offers 32 different race tracks, which consist of 16 new tracks and 16 tracks from prior ''Mario Kart'' games.<ref name="equals fun" />
As usual in the ''Mario Kart'' series, tracks are based thematically on locations in the ''Mario'' universe, with the notable exception of the new courses Wuhu Loop (Wuhu Island Loop in PAL regions) and Maka Wuhu (Wuhu Mountain Loop in PAL regions), both based on '']''.


''Mario Kart 7'' features four ] ]: ], ], Balloon Battle, and Coin Runners. Some modes feature ] options. In Grand Prix, the player races against seven ] opponents in one of eight different cups, each featuring four tracks. The player receives points based on their finishing position in each race ranging from one to ten. After all four races, there will be an ] and the player receives a trophy if they place in the top three of the final standings. Players will also receive a star rank for their performance ranging from one to three stars. In Time Trial, the player races alone to finish the course in the fastest time possible using a Triple Mushroom that can be used at any time during the run. The best time for each track is ] and recorded as a ], which the player can compete against in later trials. If the player has ] enabled on their Nintendo 3DS, they will be able to download ghosts from other players and can race against up to seven other ghosts simultaneously.<ref name="siliconera" /><ref name="AutoFK-9" /> In the Balloon Battle and Coin Runners battle games, the players drive around one of six arenas (three for this game and three from the previous installments) to collect items and attack their opponents to score points within the time limit of two minutes. The player could play ] via ] until April 2024,<ref>{{Cite web |title=Discontinuation of Online Services for Nintendo 3DS and Wii U software |url=https://en-americas-support.nintendo.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/63227 |website=Nintendo Customer Support |access-date=9 October 2023 |archive-date=8 April 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240408013142/https://en-americas-support.nintendo.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/63227 |url-status=live }}</ref> participating in races or battles with up to seven other players.
In addition, there are six ] courses available for Battle mode, which includes three original courses and three retro courses. Each race consists of three laps around each track, with the exception of three tracks (Wuhu Loop, Maka Wuhu, and ]) which consist of only a single lap divided into three sections.{{citation needed|date=May 2016}}


== Development == == Development ==
] began development on ''Mario Kart 7'' in early 2010.<ref name="iwata asks 0.0" /> The idea to have ] and ] karts came during the development of the previous ''Mario Kart'' game, ''Mario Kart Wii'', and was one of the first gameplay mechanics implemented.<ref name="iwata asks 1.1" /> The ability to customize the player's kart was added in order to make gameplay more strategic and to boost the ] experience.<ref name=mandatory>{{cite web|url=http://au.ds.ign.com/articles/122/1220014p1.html|title=Why Blue Shells are Mandatory in ''Mario Kart 7''|website=IGN|first=Audrey|last=Drake|date=5 March 2012|access-date=5 March 2012|archive-date=3 January 2013|archive-url=https://archive.is/20130103052421/http://au.ds.ign.com/articles/122/1220014p1.html|url-status=live}}</ref> The game was first publicly announced at ] under the tentative title ''Mario Kart 3DS'' and then shown again at ], where it was announced for a late 2011 release. ] began development on ''Mario Kart 7'' in early 2010.<ref name="iwata asks 0.0" /> The idea to have ] and ] karts came during the development of the previous ''Mario Kart'' game, ''Mario Kart Wii'', and was one of the first gameplay mechanics implemented.<ref name="iwata asks 1.1" /> The ability to customize the player's kart was added in order to make gameplay more strategic and to boost the ] experience.<ref name=mandatory>{{cite web|url=http://au.ds.ign.com/articles/122/1220014p1.html|title=Why Blue Shells are Mandatory in ''Mario Kart 7''|website=IGN|first=Audrey|last=Drake|date=5 March 2012|access-date=5 March 2012|archive-date=3 January 2013|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130103052421/http://au.ds.ign.com/articles/122/1220014p1.html|url-status=live}}</ref> The game was first publicly announced at ] under the tentative title ''Mario Kart 3DS'' and then shown again at ], where it was announced for a late 2011 release.


Because '']'' was scheduled to be released first, ''Mario Kart 7'' was given lower priority and only eight staff members were assigned to begin work on it. When it was time to focus on the game, producer ] realized that there was not enough staff available due to many other titles being developed at the same time, including '']'' which had its production extended into 2011. In order to finish the game in time for the 2011 ],<ref name="equals fun" /> Nintendo consulted with ], which had just finished making '']'', to co-develop the game.<ref name="iwata asks 0.0" /> Retro started work on ''Mario Kart 7'' in December 2010. The team focused on producing the classic racing courses, remakes of courses from the earlier ''Mario Kart'' titles, in order to learn both "lessons about the development process " and "about what makes a good course from a ] perspective."<ref name="iwata asks 0.1" /> Because '']'' was scheduled to be released first, ''Mario Kart 7'' was given lower priority and only eight staff members were assigned to begin work on it. When it was time to focus on the game, producer ] realized that there was not enough staff available due to many other titles being developed at the same time, including '']'' which had its production extended into 2011. In order to finish the game in time for the 2011 ],<ref name="equals fun" /> Nintendo consulted with ], which had just finished making '']'', to co-develop the game.<ref name="iwata asks 0.0" /> Retro started work on ''Mario Kart 7'' in December 2010. The team focused on producing the classic racing courses, remakes of courses from the earlier ''Mario Kart'' titles, in order to learn both "lessons about the development process " and "about what makes a good course from a ] perspective."<ref name="iwata asks 0.1" />
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The game's ] was composed by both Kenta Nagata, who worked on the previous ''Mario Kart'' titles '']'' and '']'', and '']'' composer Satomi Terui. The game's ] was composed by both Kenta Nagata, who worked on the previous ''Mario Kart'' titles '']'' and '']'', and '']'' composer Satomi Terui.


Shortly after its release, it was discovered that three race tracks (Wuhu Island, Maka Wuhu and GBA Bowser Castle 1) had contained ]es that allowed players to skip over a significant portion of the track, often exploited as a ] during online play. An update to fix it in online play was released in May 2012.<ref name="glitch1" /><ref name="glitch2" />
=== Technical issues ===
Shortly after the release of ''Mario Kart 7'', it was discovered that three of its available race tracks (Wuhu Loop/Wuhu Island Loop, Maka Wuhu/Wuhu Mountain Loop, and GBA Bowser Castle 1) had contained ]es that allowed players to skip over a significant portion of the track, often exploited as a ] during online play. Although Nintendo initially reported in January 2012 that there were no plans to release a fix,<ref name="glitch1" /> a downloadable ] that removes the glitches during online play was released in the ] on 15 May. Players who do not download and install the patch will be unable to connect and play ''Mario Kart 7'' online.<ref name="glitch2" /> However, the patch does not affect single-player (Grand Prix, ], and StreetPass) and local wireless-multiplayer.<ref>Nintendo eShop</ref>

=== v1.2 update ===
On 14 December 2022, a new update was released for ''Mario Kart 7'', the v1.2 update. Players must update their game to the latest version to continue playing online. According to dataminers, this update was published in order to patch a security breach regarding online play. Hackers could be capable of remotely executing code to other people's consoles by just having an online game session with them. This security breach is still present on some outdated ] games, like '']'' and '']'' for the ].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Nintendo Support: How to Install the Mario Kart 7 Update |url=https://en-americas-support.nintendo.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/645/~/how-to-install-the-mario-kart-7-update#:~:text=On%20December%2013,%202022,%20a,is%20connected%20to%20the%20internet. |access-date=2023-01-17 |website=en-americas-support.nintendo.com}}</ref>




== Reception == == Reception ==
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}} }}


''Mario Kart 7'' has received generally favorable reviews. It holds an 85/100 rating on ] based on 60 critic reviews and an 85.17% rating on ] based on 45 reviews.<ref name="gametrailers" /><ref name="metacritic" /> ] scored it a 9/10, praising "a handful of incredible innovations" and the game's multiplayer, particularly community features and customizable racing rules, but criticizing the small roster of only 17 characters, compared to that of '']''{{'}}s 25 characters.<ref name="ign review" /> '']'' gave the game a 9.4/10<ref name="cvg" /> and ] gave it an 8/10.<ref name="eurogamer" /> Nintendo World Report gave the game an 8.5, stating that it is more of the same and the gliding mechanics feel underutilized.<ref name="nwr" /> ''Mario Kart 7'' has received generally favorable reviews. It holds an 85/100 rating on ] based on 60 critic reviews and an 85.17% rating on ] based on 45 reviews.<ref name="gametrailers" /><ref name="metacritic" /> '']'' scored it a 9/10, praising "a handful of incredible innovations" and the game's multiplayer, particularly community features and customizable racing rules, but criticizing the small roster of only 17 characters, compared to that of '']''{{'}}s 25 characters.<ref name="ign review" /> '']'' gave the game a 9.4/10<ref name="cvg" /> and '']'' gave it an 8/10.<ref name="eurogamer" /> ''Nintendo World Report'' gave the game an 8.5, stating that it is more of the same and the gliding mechanics feel underutilized.<ref name="nwr" />


On the more negative side, ] of ] gave the game a 5/10, stating that "sticking to tradition has not worked in Nintendo's favor" and saying the new glider and underwater sections "exist to provide the illusion of variety rather than actually altering the core experience".<ref name="destructoid" /> ] scored the game a 3/5, noting "your enjoyment of ''Mario Kart 7'' will likely hinge on your continued appreciation of <nowiki></nowiki> formula".<ref name="giant bomb" /> On the more negative side, ] of '']'' gave the game a 5/10, stating that "sticking to tradition has not worked in Nintendo's favor" and saying the new glider and underwater sections "exist to provide the illusion of variety rather than actually altering the core experience".<ref name="destructoid" /> '']'' scored the game a 3/5, noting "your enjoyment of ''Mario Kart 7'' will likely hinge on your continued appreciation of <nowiki></nowiki> formula".<ref name="giant bomb" />


===Accolades===
IGN awarded ''Mario Kart 7'' the IGN's Editors' Choice.<ref name="ign review" /> ''Mario Kart 7'' was nominated for "Best 3DS Game" and "Best Driving Game" at ]' 2011 Game of the Year Awards, but lost both respectively to '']'' and '']''.<ref name="gtbest3ds" /><ref name="AutoFK-10" /> Digital Spy awarded ''Mario Kart 7'' the "Best Game of 2011" for the Digital Spy readers' awards of 2011.<ref name="AutoFK-11" />
''IGN'' awarded ''Mario Kart 7'' the ''IGN''{{'}}s Editors' Choice.<ref name="ign review" /> ''Mario Kart 7'' was nominated for "Best 3DS Game" and "Best Driving Game" at '']''{{'}} 2011 Game of the Year Awards, but lost both respectively to '']'' and '']''.<ref name="gtbest3ds" /><ref name="AutoFK-10" /> Digital Spy awarded ''Mario Kart 7'' the "Best Game of 2011" for the Digital Spy readers' awards of 2011.<ref name="AutoFK-11" />
Edge awarded ''Mario Kart 7'' as the best portable game of 2011.<ref name="2011 portable game" />
''Edge'' awarded ''Mario Kart 7'' as the best portable game of 2011.<ref name="2011 portable game" /> During the ], the ] nominated ''Mario Kart 7'' for "]" and "]".<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.interactive.org/games/video_game_details.asp?idAward=2012&idGame=1209 |title=D.I.C.E. Awards By Video Game Details Mario Kart 7 |publisher=] |website=interactive.org |access-date=21 November 2023}}</ref>


===Sales===
] awarded ''Mario Kart 7'' as the best-selling racing game on a portable console in its Gamer's Edition in 2013.
''Mario Kart 7'' sold 3.48 million units in the U.S. as of August 2014.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/223539/Pokemon_beats_Mario_to_most_popular_3DS_game.php|title=Pokémon beats Mario to most popular 3DS game|last=Wawro|first=Alex|date=15 August 2014|work=]|publisher=]|access-date=16 August 2014|archive-date=19 August 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140819071655/http://gamasutra.com/view/news/223539/Pokemon_beats_Mario_to_most_popular_3DS_game.php|url-status=live}}</ref> In Japan, the game has sold over 1.5 million units as of January 25, 2012.<ref name="AutoFK-13" /> As of March 31, 2023, the game had sold 18.98 million units globally.<ref>{{cite web|title=Top Selling 3DS Titles as of March 31, 2020|url=https://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/en/finance/software/3ds.html|publisher=Nintendo|access-date=7 May 2020|date=31 March 2020|archive-date=1 November 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191101182238/https://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/en/finance/software/3ds.html|url-status=live}}</ref> The game has been nominated for "Favorite Video Game" twice in the ], but lost to '']'' in the 2012 edition and '']'' in the 2013 edition.

''Mario Kart 7'' sold 3.48 million units in the U.S. as of August 2014.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/223539/Pokemon_beats_Mario_to_most_popular_3DS_game.php|title=Pokémon beats Mario to most popular 3DS game|last=Wawro|first=Alex|date=15 August 2014|work=]|publisher=]|access-date=16 August 2014|archive-date=19 August 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140819071655/http://gamasutra.com/view/news/223539/Pokemon_beats_Mario_to_most_popular_3DS_game.php|url-status=live}}</ref> In Japan, the game has sold over 1.5 million units as of 25 January 2012.<ref name="AutoFK-13" /> As of 31 March 2022, the game has sold 18.97 million units globally.<ref>{{cite web|title=Top Selling 3DS Titles as of March 31, 2020|url=https://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/en/finance/software/3ds.html|publisher=Nintendo|access-date=7 May 2020|date=31 March 2020|archive-date=1 November 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191101182238/https://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/en/finance/software/3ds.html|url-status=live}}</ref> The game has been nominated for "Favorite Video Game" twice in the ], but lost to '']'' in the 2012 edition and '']'' in the 2013 edition.

CTGP-7 is a ] mod that can be used in a homebrew-enabled Nintendo 3DS. It allows players to play community-made custom tracks and custom characters, as well as game modes from previous installments of the ], such as Versus mode from '']'' or Mission mode from '']''. Furthermore, it enables online play so that users can play the community-made content together.<ref name="gbatemp ctgp7" />


== Notes == == Notes ==
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== References == == References ==
{{Reflist|refs= {{Reflist|refs=
<ref name="Hong Kong">{{Cite web|url=https://www.nintendo.com.hk/mk7/|title=''Mario Kart 7''|access-date=2020-12-30|website=nintendo.com.hk|language=zh-hk|archive-date=10 October 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221010211436/https://www.nintendo.com.hk/mk7/|url-status=live}}</ref>
<ref name="AutoFK-10">{{cite web |url=http://www.gametrailers.com/video/best-driving-game-of-the/725045 |title=Game of the Year Awards 2011 – Best Driving Game |access-date=27 February 2012 |date=20 December 2011 |archive-date=10 October 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221010211512/https://www.youtube.com/c/gametrailers |url-status=live }}</ref> <ref name="AutoFK-10">{{cite web |url=http://www.gametrailers.com/video/best-driving-game-of-the/725045 |title=Game of the Year Awards 2011 – Best Driving Game |access-date=27 February 2012 |date=20 December 2011 |archive-date=10 October 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221010211512/https://www.youtube.com/c/gametrailers |url-status=live }}</ref>


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<ref name="AutoFK-13">{{cite magazine |access-date=27 February 2012 |url=http://www.computerandvideogames.com/333417/japan-3ds-continues-to-dominate-sales/ |title=Japan: 3DS continues to dominate sales |magazine=Computer and Video Games |date=25 January 2012 |archive-date=12 March 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120312001640/http://www.computerandvideogames.com/333417/japan-3ds-continues-to-dominate-sales/ |url-status=live }}</ref> <ref name="AutoFK-13">{{cite magazine |access-date=27 February 2012 |url=http://www.computerandvideogames.com/333417/japan-3ds-continues-to-dominate-sales/ |title=Japan: 3DS continues to dominate sales |magazine=Computer and Video Games |date=25 January 2012 |archive-date=12 March 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120312001640/http://www.computerandvideogames.com/333417/japan-3ds-continues-to-dominate-sales/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

<ref name="AutoFK-6">{{cite web |url=https://www.nintendo.com/games/detail/59JiheYMlzjHqlmUHkP5ESn3QOUHqyOq |title=''Mario Kart 7'' at Nintendo :: Games |publisher=] |access-date=22 August 2011 |archive-date=5 April 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190405090620/https://www.nintendo.com/games/detail/59JiheYMlzjHqlmUHkP5ESn3QOUHqyOq |url-status=dead }}</ref>


<ref name="AutoFK-7">{{cite web |url=http://www.gametrailers.com/video/japanese-overview-mario-kart-7/724149 |title=''Mario Kart 7'' Video Game, Japanese Overview Trailer |publisher=GameTrailers.com |date=17 November 2011 |access-date=9 December 2011 |archive-date=7 December 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111207133540/http://www.gametrailers.com/video/japanese-overview-mario-kart-7/724149 |url-status=live }}</ref> <ref name="AutoFK-7">{{cite web |url=http://www.gametrailers.com/video/japanese-overview-mario-kart-7/724149 |title=''Mario Kart 7'' Video Game, Japanese Overview Trailer |publisher=GameTrailers.com |date=17 November 2011 |access-date=9 December 2011 |archive-date=7 December 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111207133540/http://www.gametrailers.com/video/japanese-overview-mario-kart-7/724149 |url-status=live }}</ref>
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<ref name="gametrailers">{{cite web |access-date=27 February 2012 |url=http://www.gamerankings.com/3ds/997822-mario-kart-7/index.html |title=''Mario Kart 7'' |publisher=GameRankings |archive-date=9 December 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191209012342/https://www.gamerankings.com/3ds/997822-mario-kart-7/index.html |url-status=live }}</ref> <ref name="gametrailers">{{cite web |access-date=27 February 2012 |url=http://www.gamerankings.com/3ds/997822-mario-kart-7/index.html |title=''Mario Kart 7'' |publisher=GameRankings |archive-date=9 December 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191209012342/https://www.gamerankings.com/3ds/997822-mario-kart-7/index.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

<ref name="gbatemp ctgp7">{{cite web |access-date=23 September 2022 |url=https://gbatemp.net/threads/mission-mode-gets-added-to-ctgp-7-on-mario-kart-7s-10th-anniversary.603849/ |title=Mission Mode gets added to CTGP-7 on ''Mario Kart 7''\'s 10th anniversary |publisher=GBAtemp |archive-date=23 September 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220923132947/https://gbatemp.net/threads/mission-mode-gets-added-to-ctgp-7-on-mario-kart-7s-10th-anniversary.603849/ |url-status=live }}</ref>


<ref name="giant bomb">{{cite web |url=http://www.giantbomb.com/mario-kart-7/61-31747/reviews/ |title=''Mario Kart 7'' Review |publisher=Giant Bomb |date=29 November 2011 |access-date=11 January 2012 |archive-date=8 December 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121208092135/http://www.giantbomb.com/mario-kart-7/61-31747/reviews/ |url-status=live }}</ref> <ref name="giant bomb">{{cite web |url=http://www.giantbomb.com/mario-kart-7/61-31747/reviews/ |title=''Mario Kart 7'' Review |publisher=Giant Bomb |date=29 November 2011 |access-date=11 January 2012 |archive-date=8 December 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121208092135/http://www.giantbomb.com/mario-kart-7/61-31747/reviews/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
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<ref name="iwata asks 1.1">{{cite web |url=http://iwataasks.nintendo.com/interviews/#/3ds/mario-kart-7/1/1 |title=Instantly Enjoyable, But Deep |work=Iwata Asks: Mario Kart 7 |access-date=2 January 2012 |publisher=] |archive-date=17 May 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190517024727/http://iwataasks.nintendo.com/interviews/#/3ds/mario-kart-7/1/1 |url-status=live }}</ref> <ref name="iwata asks 1.1">{{cite web |url=http://iwataasks.nintendo.com/interviews/#/3ds/mario-kart-7/1/1 |title=Instantly Enjoyable, But Deep |work=Iwata Asks: Mario Kart 7 |access-date=2 January 2012 |publisher=] |archive-date=17 May 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190517024727/http://iwataasks.nintendo.com/interviews/#/3ds/mario-kart-7/1/1 |url-status=live }}</ref>


<ref name="metacritic">{{cite web |url=http://www.metacritic.com/game/3ds/mario-kart-7 |title=''Mario Kart 7'' for 3DS Reviews, Ratings, Credits, and More at Metacritic |publisher=Metacritic.com |access-date=9 December 2011 |archive-date=8 March 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210308011345/http://www.metacritic.com/game/3ds/mario-kart-7 |url-status=live }}</ref> <ref name="metacritic">{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/mario-kart-7/critic-reviews/?platform=3ds |title=''Mario Kart 7'' for 3DS Reviews, Ratings, Credits, and More at Metacritic |publisher=Metacritic.com |access-date=9 December 2011 |archive-date=8 March 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210308011345/http://www.metacritic.com/game/3ds/mario-kart-7 |url-status=live }}</ref>


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== External links == == External links ==
*{{Official website|http://mariokart7.nintendo.com}} *{{Official website|https://www.nintendo.co.jp/3ds/amkj/}} {{in lang|ja}}


{{Mario racing games}} {{Mario racing games}}
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Latest revision as of 16:55, 27 December 2024

2011 video game

2011 video game
Mario Kart 7
North American packaging artwork
Developer(s)
Publisher(s)Nintendo
Director(s)Kosuke Yabuki
Producer(s)
Designer(s)
  • Yoshihisa Morimoto
  • Tom Ivey
Programmer(s)
  • Yusuke Shiraiwa
  • Tim Little
Artist(s)
  • Masaaki Ishikawa
  • Ryan Powell
Composer(s)
  • Kenta Nagata
  • Satomi Terui
SeriesMario Kart
Platform(s)Nintendo 3DS
Release
  • JP: 1 December 2011
  • EU: 2 December 2011
  • AU: 3 December 2011
  • NA: 4 December 2011
Genre(s)Kart racing
Mode(s)Single-player, multiplayer

Mario Kart 7 is a 2011 kart racing video game developed by Nintendo EAD in cooperation with Retro Studios and published by Nintendo for the Nintendo 3DS. As with the previous games in the Mario Kart series, players participate in racing on various Mario-themed tracks, playing as one of seventeen different Mario characters. While racing, the players make use of power-up items that either assist their character or hinder opposing characters. New additions to the game include hang-gliding attachments for karts, the ability to drive underwater, the ability to drive in first person, and the ability to fully customize the vehicles' builds. The game supports both local and online multiplayer for up to eight players. The game was a critical and commercial success, becoming the best-selling game on the Nintendo 3DS with over 18.98 million copies sold worldwide.

Gameplay

See also: Gameplay in the Mario Kart series
Racing in first-person is one of the new elements in this game along with hang gliding and driving underwater. The map seen in the background is Rock Rock Mountain, the fourth and last race of the Flower Cup.

Mario Kart 7 carries on traditional Mario Kart gameplay in which players race against each other in go-karts across 32 courses (new and retro). Most are based on various locations in the Mario series, but two new courses are set on Wuhu Island location from the Wii Fit and Wii Sports Resort games. In addition to traditional button controls, Mario Kart 7 can be played using the Nintendo 3DS gyroscope, in which the action is viewed in first person and the player steers the kart simply by tilting the entire game system. While most gameplay occurs on the top screen of the 3DS hardware, the bottom screen shows an overhead map of the race course. While driving, the players may use power-up items, obtained from running into item boxes located at specific points on the track, that are used to hinder the progression of opponents or to help the player in the race. Some of these power-ups include the series staple items Koopa Shells, Banana Peels, and Super Mushrooms. Three new items were added: Fire Flower, which allows the player to shoot up to ten fireballs, the Super Leaf, which gives the player a tail that allows them to flip over nearby players, collect nearby Coins, and deflect items, and the Lucky Seven, which bestows seven items at once. Coins are also scattered about the tracks; collecting them increases the kart's top speed. Up to ten coins can be collected in each race, but some will be lost if the player comes into contact with hazards or goes out of bounds. Jump actions let players obtain a brief burst of speed when hitting a button prior to driving off ramps, hang glider attachments sometimes allow for controllable gliding segments as well. In the previous installments, driving the kart into a body of water has been considered going out of bounds and would penalize the player by delaying them or being picked up by Lakitu. In Mario Kart 7, however, the karts are fully submersible, thus adding fully underwater track segments.

The game features sixteen playable Mario characters, including Wiggler, Honey Queen, Lakitu, and Metal Mario, who are new to the series, as well as Mii characters saved in the Nintendo 3DS Mii Maker, bringing the total to seventeen. Like in the previous installments, characters are divided into three different weight classes, which impact their driving styles. Mario Kart 7 introduced the ability to customize vehicles prior to races. Vehicle bodies, tires, and hang gliders can be customized with differing control attributes. Mario Kart 7 offers 32 different race tracks, which consist of 16 new tracks and 16 tracks from prior Mario Kart games.

Mario Kart 7 features four single-player game modes: Grand Prix, Time Trial, Balloon Battle, and Coin Runners. Some modes feature multiplayer options. In Grand Prix, the player races against seven computer-controlled opponents in one of eight different cups, each featuring four tracks. The player receives points based on their finishing position in each race ranging from one to ten. After all four races, there will be an award ceremony and the player receives a trophy if they place in the top three of the final standings. Players will also receive a star rank for their performance ranging from one to three stars. In Time Trial, the player races alone to finish the course in the fastest time possible using a Triple Mushroom that can be used at any time during the run. The best time for each track is saved and recorded as a ghost, which the player can compete against in later trials. If the player has SpotPass enabled on their Nintendo 3DS, they will be able to download ghosts from other players and can race against up to seven other ghosts simultaneously. In the Balloon Battle and Coin Runners battle games, the players drive around one of six arenas (three for this game and three from the previous installments) to collect items and attack their opponents to score points within the time limit of two minutes. The player could play online via Nintendo Network until April 2024, participating in races or battles with up to seven other players.

Development

Nintendo EAD began development on Mario Kart 7 in early 2010. The idea to have hang gliding and submersible karts came during the development of the previous Mario Kart game, Mario Kart Wii, and was one of the first gameplay mechanics implemented. The ability to customize the player's kart was added in order to make gameplay more strategic and to boost the multiplayer experience. The game was first publicly announced at E3 2010 under the tentative title Mario Kart 3DS and then shown again at E3 2011, where it was announced for a late 2011 release.

Because Nintendogs + Cats was scheduled to be released first, Mario Kart 7 was given lower priority and only eight staff members were assigned to begin work on it. When it was time to focus on the game, producer Hideki Konno realized that there was not enough staff available due to many other titles being developed at the same time, including The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword which had its production extended into 2011. In order to finish the game in time for the 2011 Christmas season, Nintendo consulted with Retro Studios, which had just finished making Donkey Kong Country Returns, to co-develop the game. Retro started work on Mario Kart 7 in December 2010. The team focused on producing the classic racing courses, remakes of courses from the earlier Mario Kart titles, in order to learn both "lessons about the development process " and "about what makes a good course from a design perspective."

The game's soundtrack was composed by both Kenta Nagata, who worked on the previous Mario Kart titles Mario Kart 64 and Mario Kart: Double Dash, and Star Fox 64 3D composer Satomi Terui.

Shortly after its release, it was discovered that three race tracks (Wuhu Island, Maka Wuhu and GBA Bowser Castle 1) had contained glitches that allowed players to skip over a significant portion of the track, often exploited as a cheat during online play. An update to fix it in online play was released in May 2012.

Reception

Reception
Aggregate scores
AggregatorScore
GameRankings85.17%
Metacritic85/100
Review scores
PublicationScore
Computer and Video Games9.4/10
Destructoid5/10
Edge9/10
Eurogamer8/10
Game Informer8.5/10
GameRevolutionA−
GameSpot8/10
GamesRadar+
GamesTM8/10
Giant Bomb
IGN9/10
Nintendo Life
Nintendo World Report8.5/10
Official Nintendo Magazine93%

Mario Kart 7 has received generally favorable reviews. It holds an 85/100 rating on Metacritic based on 60 critic reviews and an 85.17% rating on GameRankings based on 45 reviews. IGN scored it a 9/10, praising "a handful of incredible innovations" and the game's multiplayer, particularly community features and customizable racing rules, but criticizing the small roster of only 17 characters, compared to that of Mario Kart Wii's 25 characters. Computer and Video Games gave the game a 9.4/10 and Eurogamer gave it an 8/10. Nintendo World Report gave the game an 8.5, stating that it is more of the same and the gliding mechanics feel underutilized.

On the more negative side, Jim Sterling of Destructoid gave the game a 5/10, stating that "sticking to tradition has not worked in Nintendo's favor" and saying the new glider and underwater sections "exist to provide the illusion of variety rather than actually altering the core experience". Giant Bomb scored the game a 3/5, noting "your enjoyment of Mario Kart 7 will likely hinge on your continued appreciation of formula".

Accolades

IGN awarded Mario Kart 7 the IGN's Editors' Choice. Mario Kart 7 was nominated for "Best 3DS Game" and "Best Driving Game" at GameTrailers' 2011 Game of the Year Awards, but lost both respectively to Super Mario 3D Land and Forza Motorsport 4. Digital Spy awarded Mario Kart 7 the "Best Game of 2011" for the Digital Spy readers' awards of 2011. Edge awarded Mario Kart 7 as the best portable game of 2011. During the 15th Annual Interactive Achievement Awards, the Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences nominated Mario Kart 7 for "Racing Game of the Year" and "Handheld Game of the Year".

Sales

Mario Kart 7 sold 3.48 million units in the U.S. as of August 2014. In Japan, the game has sold over 1.5 million units as of January 25, 2012. As of March 31, 2023, the game had sold 18.98 million units globally. The game has been nominated for "Favorite Video Game" twice in the Kids Choice Awards, but lost to Just Dance 3 in the 2012 edition and Just Dance 4 in the 2013 edition.

Notes

  1. Mario Kart 7 (マリオカート7, Mario Kāto Sebun)

References

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External links

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