Speed. Nimble moves. Sharp reflexes. The timely use of a turtle shell.
Yes, the glory that is "Mario Kart" is back, this time on the 3DS. The majesty of the racing franchise has entertained gamers for more than a decade. Featuring more than 30 tracks (new and returning favorites), "Mario Kart 7" is a game all 3DS owners need to own.
It takes time to unlock all 17 playable characters. You also can make slight tweaks to your kart, from the type of wheels to the kind of glider you wish to use.
This is mere setup, however, for the true fun of zooming around the wacky tracks at breakneck speed to nab the checkered flag.
Although the first two levels of racing (50cc and 100cc) are fairly easy to tame, the best action is to be found on the 150cc level. There, the opposing racers are going for broke, hurling turtle shells, banana peels and anything else they can grab to disrupt your progress.
Adventurous players should take their skills online and face human competition, which is the best way to experience the game. (Crushing the hopes and dreams of my younger sister in this game never gets dull.)
The visuals are fantastic and fit the 3DS perfectly, whether you are gliding above the competition or avoiding it during new underwater sequences. "Mario Kart 7" always brims with frantic racing excitement.
