TGS: New Characters, Details for Mario Kart 7

Though most of the conference focused on new titles from Nintendo and third parties, a few new details were revealed about Mario Kart 7.

Two new racers are joining the Mario Kart family - Lakitu and Metal Mario. Lakitu will sport a kart fashioned after the cloud he's routinely seen using. Metal Mario will naturally use a shiny, silver kart.

Nintendo plans to add a couple new modes to MK7, including the ability to race in first-person using the gyroscope and a tricks system similar to Mario Kart Wii. A new power-up, the fire flower, will allow fire to be thrown to the front and rear of a kart. Hitting an opponent will cause them to spin.

Up to 8 players will be supported for online and local multiplayer matches. Online matches will also be supported. The title will also use StreetPass and SpotPass functionality. With SpotPass, players can acquire ghost data from others around the world, allowing them to compete against the best racers across the globe. Likewise StreetPass will be used to allow players to trade ghost data directly with each other. Nintendo also plans to allow players that interact passively via StreetPass to then register each other and be able play each other via the Internet.

Nintendo also reiterated that players would be able to customize their karts' frames, tires and gliders. Each option will have an impact on gameplay - heavy tires will allow for better off-road driving while lighter tires will allow for better acceleration when on roads.

Courses will also break from convention. Some, such as Wuhu Island, will no longer require three laps to complete. Wuhu is actually one very long course with various obstacles to navigate.

Stay tuned for more on Mario Kart 7 as its December 4 release date approaches.

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