Mode 7
From Mario Fan Games Galaxy Wiki
Mode 7 enables gamemakers to add a 3D effect onto their games. A texture map is put on some sort of flat surface that can be rotated, zoomed in and out of, etc. It's main use is for effect, although it can be used for other purposes. There is yet to be a game that uses it to it's fullest extent.
Super Mario Kart is a good example of how Mode 7 games look like.
