Mario Kart 7 is basically a prettier version of Mario Kart DS with a less interesting course and character selection (Where’s Boo? Where’s Dry Bones?) and no annoying snaking. It isn’t a bad game, I wouldn’t say no to it if it fell in my lap. It’s just a very, very familiar one, something I seem to say that a lot these days. It’s disheartening Nintendo couldn’t out-do themselves this time, especially since we’re on the cusp of 2012 and the formula has barely changed since 1992.

Games of Summer is a recurring seasonal retrospective highlighting those magical titles that evoke wondrous thoughts of warm weather, carefree days, and discovery. Over the course of the next few weeks, we’ll reflect on said titles and analyze why they meant so much to us then – – and just as much now.

The really real world meets video games courtesy of forward thinking and a 25 year old racer.

Fractiv’s racer sees you bobbing and weaving between incoming traffic–and it’s quite addictive.

Nexon’s popular kart racer zooms onto iOS–for free.

Techland’s ATV/motocross racer defies physics and embraces fun.

Hope that turkey is well-digested.

Retro fans will love SEGA’s old school-flavored fall lineup.

Note: Portions of this review is snatched from our initial hands-on with Sonic & SEGA All-Stars Racing. When it comes to racing games, I like mine of the arcade variety. I don’t want to tinker with gears, I don’t want to worry about acquiring licenses; I simply want roaring engines, insane jumps, crazy power slides, [...]

When it comes to racing games, I like mine of the arcade variety. I don’t want to tinker with gears, I don’t want to worry about acquiring licenses;  I simply want roaring engines, insane jumps, crazy power slides, wacky characters, and, if possible, inane weapons that you can use to take out cocky foes that [...]