I've been playing Mario Kart from the very beginning. Every console or handheld game, starting with Super Mario Kart in 1992, has seen an obscene amount of playtime in my house and the homes of friends nearby. When talking to my brother about it, we figured that Mario Kart 64 might have seen an equal amount of time devoted to it as GoldenEye. As the Mario Kart series approaches its 20th anniversary, Nintendo has made very little in the way of changes in two decades. Mario Kart 7, released this month for the Nintendo 3DS, plays just like every other game in the series with a few minor tweaks.

Anyone who's played Mario Kart in the past is aware of the game modes available. The standard Grand Prix mode is where you'll spend most of your time. It includes eight cups of four races each on three different difficulty levels (50cc, 100cc, and 150cc) with the unlockable mirror mode adding an additional eight cups. There are a total of 32 tracks in the game, split evenly between new and classic maps. In terms of characters, you'll play with a total of 17 once they are all unlocked (see cheats / guides here). However, the exclusion of previous racers like Waluigi, Bowser Jr., and the baby characters is a little disappointing. You'll also be able to take part in Time Trials, Balloon Battle Mode, and Coin Runners, which challenges you to pick up the most coins in a given period of time.

As mentioned above, very little has been changed on the gameplay front. The addition of gliders in Mario Kart 7 for flight and propellers for underwater racing are well done, adding a little flexibility to the way you play. Many courses will provide you with different options on how to get to the finish line, and it's up to you to determine if it's better to go in the air, stay on the ground, or go underwater. Three items have been added to the list of weapons to hurl at your opponents. The Tanooki Tail attaches to the back of your cart and lets you hit other players, items, or obstacles on the course, although you do have to be pretty close to your target. The Fire Flower allows you to throw multiple fireballs for a short burst, and the Lucky 7 power-up gives you seven items to use at your discretion.

Mario Kart 7 handles great, with tight controls that you've come to expect from Nintendo. For the first time in franchise history, you can customize your kart to suit your play style. You select the frame, wheels, and glider, all of which add subtle changes to your ride. Finding which combinations work for you and the courses you're on adds some depth to the experience. You can also use the gyroscope controls (in cockpit view mode), which adds another gameplay dimension. From my limited time using this feature, it works well, although it may not be the way you prefer to play.

The track list is perhaps the best in Mario Kart history. Among the new courses, there are very few that underwhelm and several that stand out as some of the best in the series. Music Park, DK Jungle, and Piranha Plant Slide in particular are creative and fun. The best part of the track selection is the additions made to the classic courses. Nintendo has added flying and underwater sections to the entire game, including the older tracks. While some may scoff at this, it really adds a fresh coat of paint to those maps. 

The presentation of Mario Kart 7 is as good as it's ever been. Character models look great, and the audio is typical Nintendo. Nothing stands out here, but it's one of the best looking and sounding games on the system. The 3D effect is more noticeable on some tracks than others, but most importantly, it doesn't get in the way. Some games on the 3DS tend to make you want to turn off the 3D effect, but there's no concern of that here, unless you're using gyro controls.

The most shocking part about Mario Kart 7 is Nintendo's commitment to online play. Ghost data is automatically downloaded via StreetPass when you come across other Mario Kart users, but that's just the beginning. You can play with up to seven other racers via wireless connection, and the setup is as easy as it gets. You'll be assigned a skill level to match you up with similar users, and you'll be able to jump in and out as you please. They've also added community play, allowing you to set up special groups with other users and customize the races as you see fit. It's a giant leap forward for a company that's been hesitant to dip their toe in the online pool.

Mario Kart 7 is the latest example of Nintendo's commitment to the 3DS. They may have been a rough launch for the handheld, but there's no better time to pick one up. Mario Kart 7 is the latest in a line of great games released for the 3DS, and it's perhaps the best game in the history of the franchise. Do not miss this one!

GameDynamo Mario Kart Community Channels:

We would love to share our Mario Kart 7 online experience with all of you, so what do you say? Go online and join our Community Channels, and play with us when we or other GameDynamites are online!

• GameDynamo CR.B. (Coin Runners Battle) - 40-6776-3545-2571
• GameDynamo B.B. (Balloon Battle) - 59-0386-2064-2863
• GameDynamo 150cc (150cc Race) - 14-7746-8769-0167

GameDynamo's Score for Mario Kart 7 (3DS)

	Score	Description
Graphics	88	Some of the best models in franchise history, with well executed 3D effects.
Sound	86	Typical bouncy Nintendo tracks are littered throughout menus and courses.
Gameplay	95	Tight controls and added kart types add life and variety to an already great formula.
Play Value	95	Solid amount of gameplay options and a shocking commitment to online play means you’ll be racing for a long time.
Final Score	91	Perhaps the best in franchise history, and that's saying something.

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