Mario Kart 7 for Nintendo 3DS

My kids are very into video games. Recently I heard my daughter ask my son if he wanted to spend his Valentine's Day money on half-price candy. (Obviously some of my lessons on thriftiness are beginning to take root!) "No," he said, "I'm saving mine to purchase a video game." My daughter was amazed he would choose gaming over candy. The seven year old loves his 3DS he received for Christmas. He's constantly asking for new games he has discovered that "look like they'd be fun." He couldn't wait to get his hot little hands on Mario Kart 7.

The newest installment of the fan-favorite 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.

In the newest edition of Mario Kart, there's 32 tracks to explore. Half of the tracks are courses from previous games so if you loved those games, you'll be able to play all the tracks again. The tracks are divided between a mixture of land, air, and sea. For air races the new addition of a glider is essential. Underwater steering uses a propeller. I'm not personally a fan of underwater races because it's harder to drive the kart.

The difference is the introduction of new characters and the addition of 3D. The graphics are amazing from the perspective of the seven year old. I have to admit the constant 3D motion makes me slightly whoozy. The game begins by allowing the players to customize their karts. Chassis, tires, and gliders can be added to change the style before each race. I had to giggle at some of the designs he created. He wasn't remotely impressed with the ability to make a car Princess Peach would like.

Because the game allows players to compete against each other, the kids were able to pit their skills against one another. I "helpfully" suggested characters for them. With sixteen to choose from, my favorites are still the classics-Bowser and Donkey Kong. This was the perfect Valentine's present for the kids who are fans of Mario games.


Please see my disclosure notice here.