Looks rough around the edges these days and the DS shoulder buttons were uncomfortable but it was amazing at the time. Playing Mario Kart online on genuine McDonalds WiFi with Chicken McNuggets.
This was waaaaay better than it needed to be. Decent on-rails shooter sections and wonderful grounded exploratory combat with satisfying dodges and a difficulty slider that boosts the intensity and loot. An incredible amount of irreverent chatter too, well delivered.
Mario Kart 8 iterates on 7's ideas to the point where it makes it a little redundant but that doesn't stop it being an excellent game in its own right and I do miss its Wuhu Island courses.
Adored this back in the day but found the early stages a bit of a slog. Really picks up as it goes though, and the bosses are very inventive, even by modern standards (they were INCREDIBLE back then).
It looks absolutely wonderful and it's a delight to play through but I had expected more interactive environments beyond some tuggable sheets and shuddering shelves and it's very short, even to 100%.