@VofEscaflowne

Didn't you tweet that 50cc was really fast?

@Guillaume

Well it's mostly because some tracks have layouts that let you boost on pads a lot. It's generally slow of course But seeing as the NW community is set at 150cc, I was surprised to see how slow it was. I expected faster than that

Yay! Finally unlocked a kart that works perfectly with me!

Just to be safe: it's a Train Kart!

Trying to join the community. It's pretty silly... Just let me know when I can.

UNLESS I am waiting until your group of four races is up... Hmmmmm....

Or wait, is anyone in there? I can't tell!

As far as I can understand from my extensive 15 minutes of internet research, Communities work like this:

-Communities can be created by anyone, based on certain rule sets. They each get their own code. They can also be joined by anyone.

-Each Group has their own "Grand Prix" race of four courses (user-picked), complete with point-tallying akin to the main GP mode.

-Each Group begins when someone joins the Community and can't get into a current race. That person is then the host of the new Group, and can wait for more people to come in to race. Once enough have come in, he can hit OK to start the GP.

-Users are "locked" in a GP, with no one able to quit (except via drop-out) or join until the four races are over.

I really, really wish Nintendo didn't go with a GP system for Communities. It was okay in MKDS, but the "revolving door" system of MKW is much, much smoother for getting players together and racing. Jump in, drop out at your leisure.

With this system, say we have 3 NWers ready to race, and more who stumble upon the "NOW RACING!" thread and decide to jump in soon afterwards. The 3 NWers would likely start Group A and begin racing the GP. A couple others come in after that. Since Group A is in the middle of a race, the next guy assumes no one's there and starts Group B. Waiting a few minutes, someone shows up so they start the GP themselves. And let's say one of Group A drops out but decides to jump back in later--he'd have to start Group C!

It seems like it'll be complicated to arrange a solid 5-8 player match with this system, especially since you can't see who's online or racing or otherwise in the group. It'd be nice if Nintendo provided a 3DS update to tweak a lot of this.

EDIT: What happens if someone on your friend list is in a GP Community race and you try to join them?

@TriforceBun
Yeah, it seems for now I'll just rely on seeing people online and joining them in worldwide races. BOO.

Wow, this thread has already exploded with activity. Anyway, I got my copy today and spent a little bit of time with the first few cups. I'm super impressed. The game handles wonderfully, cars feel very different underwater, hang glider is fun, and the amazing 3D graphical detail is lovely!

Every track has so much variety and lots of fun different routes and shortcuts too. Can't wait to dive deeper into the game!

You know...it just dawned on me that the fake item block isn't a power up in this game.

I'm cool with that since I always hated getting the damn thing in 1st place and of course it doesn't stop red shells, but still it feels weird not having it in here, heh.

EDIT: Just unlocked Lakitu, and he's definitely replacing Koopa for me

EDIT2: Annnnnd all characters unlocked, and I even managed to get 2 or 3 stars on all of the 150cc cups, minus the damn Flower Cup where Toad sabotaged me at the end leaving me with only a 1 star finish.

God my hand's going to be killing me in the morning. Curse my Mario Kart addiction, lol

Sorry I couldnt stay on longer last night in the community races. It was getting late For me and I've an early start time at work.

I did the first Mushroom and Flower Cups and first Retro Cup last night on 50cc before going to bed (winning all three with three stars easily). The new tracks are fresh and have a lot of shortcuts, although they feel slow (from being on 50cc, I'm sure). I'm digging this so far!

Just called back EB and was able to speak to the manager. She immediately knew what I was talking about for that pin set so I will pick it up in a bit and post some pics!

@VofEscaflowne

Pin set? Was there a pre-order bonus?

I was looking at the back of the game case earlier and saw this:

"StreetPass - Swap Mii and pet info, 3D photos and items"
"SpotPass - Receive Mii and pet info, 3D photos and items"

That must be from the Nintendogs cover, but accidentally got added to the back of the Mario Kart cover!

@ludist210

Not quite a pre-order bonus. If you bought both Super Mario 3D Land and Mario Kart 7 from EB (Canada only I believe), you received a pin set as well with proof that you purchased both there.



Not bad I suppose

EDIT: Dammit, why does it rotate my image.

So I've given you all a good 24 hours with the game. What's the general consensus? I need to know if this game is a must-have for the system. I dont have a 3DS yet but this game will definitely persuade me.

@Abdooooo

If you love Mario Kart, I'd say it's a must have. If you're looking for a new experience, well you won't find one here. It's basically taking Mario Kart and having new tracks + customized karts. The new air glide/underwater parts are nice but don't add a ton to the series really. The addition of communities is good but unless the game allows for updates, then it's still not ideal.

Pretty good. It looks pretty impressive, clean, and fast. Music seems okay so far, like, nothing can be worse than MKWii.
Thinking of getting my own 3DS so I can play with NW and my brothers.

@VofEscaflowne

Gotcha. The one aspect that will ultimately sway me are the controls. How does it control? Like the MKDS/MKWii/MK64?? Please say MK64! Basically, the hopping and tight turning of MK64 is my favorite.

@Abdooooo

I think it's more like MKDS...? Been a while since I played that one and I never played MK64. So you hop and powerslide and get two different sparks depending on how long you hold it then release for a boost.

@VofEscaflowne

Hmm, I can live with MKDS controls. I'll pray that I get a 3DS for Christmas then! I really want to play in our new communities!