The newest instalment of the fan-favourite 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 to the depths of the sea. New courses, strategic new abilities and customizable karts bring the racing excitement to new heights.

Nintendo's influential kart racing series hits new highs and lows in its stereoscopic debut on 3DS. Players steer their favorite Mushroom Kingdom residents - or their own Mii characters - through more than 30 new and classic courses, making use of hang-gliding high-jumps and submarine shortcuts. Extended kart customization options allow players to choose the best tires and special accessories for their next race. In the spirit of the series, a variety of multiplayer options are available, for as many as eight, along with single-player racing.

Tilt-to-steer controls and a first-person perspective mode are options. As in the Wii edition of Mario Kart, 3DS players can collect coins for added defense, and earn an extra boost by performing in-air tricks. Inspired by the classic Super Mario Bros. platform games, Mario Kart 7's new power-ups include the Super Leaf, which adds an swiping Tanooki tail to the vehicle, and the Fire Flower, which allows karts to shoot fireballs at opponents. Turtle shells, ink blots, banana peels, and other familiar Mario Kart items also add to the chaotic racecourse competition.

The game's graphics are designed to make use of the three-dimensional display, making it easier to judge the relative distances of objects than in the past parallax and polygonal Mario Kart games. The characters themselves are lively and reactive, shooting glances at their opponents as they pass and making other facial expressions when they feel singled-out. Players can race against one another, online or over a local wireless connection. Racing records and ghost-run data can be traded through the game's StreetPass and SpotPass features.

Platform:

Nintendo 3DS

Genre:

Driving/Racing

The Mario Kart franchise continues to evolve. New kart abilities add to the wild fun that the games are known for. On big jumps, a kart deploys a wing to let it glide over a track shortcut. When under water, a propeller pops out to help the kart cruise across the sea floor

Players can show their own style by customizing their vehicles with accessories that give them a competitive advantage. For instance, giant tires help a kart drive off-road, while smaller tires work best on city courses

People can choose to race as one of their favourite Mushroom Kingdom characters or even as their Mii character

New courses take players on wild rides over a mountain road, on city streets and through a dusty desert. Nintendo fans will recognize new courses on Wuhu Island and in the jungles from Donkey Kong Country™ Returns

The game supports both SpotPass and StreetPass features

Players can compete in local wireless matches or online over a broadband Internet connection

Nintendo's influential kart racing series hits new highs and lows in its stereoscopic debut on 3DS.