Mario Kart 7

During his press conference, Nintendo announced Mario Kart 7 as one of the most interesting line-up of winter 3DS. The franchise has become synonymous with fun in the years either alone or in company, and this new episode for the console with a 3D screen, at least at first glance does not seem to disappoint the expectations. The event in Los Angeles we had the opportunity to try a demo consists of three tracks, which allowed us to assess the main changes introduced in this new member of the series.

One of the new features in Mario Kart 7 there is revealed during the press conference. After all these years in the ground miles and miles of asphalt, Mario & Company have decided that for their intense competition it is time to take flight. The vehicles are equipped with a hang glider in fact, in case of jumping from diving boards at breakneck speed, allow you to glide through the air with its own mini-kart. The control system in this case is very simple, with the ability to glide toward the ground faster, thus acquiring a higher speed, or maintain a sustained speed of course not, so you can stay in the air for as long as possible and gain ground by cutting the corners. The sections in flight tested in the demo we have positively affected especially in these times. The stereoscopic 3D allows you to enjoy an unparalleled depth of field, an experience that our eyes have been very evident Pilot wings Resort.

But the flight is not the only new "variant" present in the Mario Kart Grand Prix 3DS, falling into the water we advance along the seabed of the circuit, thanks to a propeller at the back of our karts. Actually, the sessions of "swimming", compared to those of flight, there have appeared so different from the normal progression of the asphalt, but it's still an element that can be exploited to increase the variety of circuits in the game. Already in the demo, in fact, we competed in a track set in the jungles of Donkey Kong. Here the in-flight sessions, asphalt and water, have been integrated seamlessly, giving the player the ability to move by choosing from several alternative routes.

Back on track to collect the coins, there has been explained clearly what role it will play in this title, but given the presence of an editor for the karts. It is likely you will need to spend them to unlock new parts for our mini-racing cars. Why another innovation introduced by Mario Kart 7 is precisely the ability to modify parts of the kart selection menu it allows us to choose the type of wheels and hang gliding to be used during the competition. The choice of small wheels will make us faster and more agile on the track, but much less reactive in the off-road. If you do not want to lose ground in the backcountry, the choice will fall on the monster truck-style wheels, which offer optimum vehicle control in every situation, at the expense of speed. The demo did not offer many components that you can equip, but if the final product will contain a wide range of options, the player will be able to use different approaches and strategies to win races.

The evidence presented so far paint a true Mario Kart series, as always, standards, and test the hand we feel that the new features are not significant as to distinguish this title from other chapters. The ability to glide in the air or to drive the kart under water only seem minor ingredients of a recipe that has remained unchanged in all too many years. Removed because these two variants, the one we tested is a classic of Mario Kart: the dynamics of the game have remained almost identical and the fact that the demo does not include any new power-ups or new item on the track. We're hesitating on the variety actual experience of play, but when we do not have a comprehensive framework to express an opinion. To make a difference will be the overall quality of the tracks, the balance of gameplay, and additional features offered by Nintendo - multiplayer online first and foremost.