Review: Mario Kart 7 (3DS)

Pot Noodles, clothes that haven't been washed in a week, stale bread and experimental facial hair - when I think of university these things generally spring to mind.

Even when I was sitting in a freezing room in a thick duffel coat eating mint sauce sandwiches watching Jerry Springer marathons I didn't realise how grim my university days were at times.

But amongst the endless poverty, horrific diet and cheap pints at the Student Union there were memories I treasure.

No, not the foxy little brunette from Dublin, nor leaving university with the degree I went there to achieve, no for me my university days will be remembered for Mario Kart on the Nintendo 64.

There was one chap at University who turned up with only two items, a wooden spoon and and N64.

He sprouted gibbering philosophy and my first impressions were that he was a complete numpty, however it took just a day or two of us housemates playing this fabled games console to know he was actually our saviour.

On those penniless nights as students of which there were plenty we spent many an hour feverishly playing International Superstar Soccer, Goldeneye and Mario Kart.

The competition was fierce, the level of gameplay was impressive and the laughs we had were second to none.

Mario Kart was always the pick of the crop with us tearing round the courses in 4 player mode trying desperately to out-race and out shoot each other.

The shortcuts were the key, if you nailed them and made little error elsewhere you were victorious.

Gaming has probably never reached those heights of enjoyment again for me, those were the glory days but it gives me a warm sense of nostalgia to see Mario Kart games still pushing the boundaries.

The latest version is Mario Kart 7 for the Nintendo 3DS and instantly it becomes clear just how steeped in the traditions of the game it still is.

The gaming mechanics remain near perfect and with the ability to tweak your cart to suit your racing style it adds a big edge to the action.

There are plenty of tracks and modes included in the package - I liked the inclusion of classic tracks aswell as the new ones.

The gameplay is very tight indeed and is backed by brilliant 3D graphics and excellent sound, there isn't a better handheld racer in my opinion.

My love affair with Mario Kart remains, it's great to see the kids playing it albeit in one player and the occasional game against gamers worldwide.

You can hook up to a friend's 3DS too which I can imagine will be a lot of fun.

Great to see the Mario Kart franchise doing so well, long may the madness continue.

Score 4/5