Well this is really interesting for Mario Kart 7. In new screenshots, Tanooki will be a power-up, and Shy Guy will be playable.
Regarding Shy Guy: I like this, in part because it gives us a new character to mess around with. Lakitu would have been good enough as the only new character, but this takes things to another level, especially if its personal stats make it worth playing either as a high-tier or low-tier character.
Regarding the Tanooki power-up: I love it. The game was getting too Americanized in that players would bump their way to wins. After watching a lot of videos, I feared everyone picking Bowser and just bumping their way through everyone that was nearby (those videos showed low-tier characters getting rocked really bad). The Tanooki will keep them honest in that opponents will have a counter to those that like to bump. Lightweight characters will probably benefit the most.
Info via GamesRadar
