I believe he's right, though - I've heard that Mode 7, and specifically the fact that it could simulate a 3D perspective with that effect, was a selling point of the SNES over the Genesis/Megadrive to developers (that, and its higher number of colors). I admittedly haven't played around with Mode 7 much myself.

Apparently Wikipedia has a nice article on it - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mode_7

Oh, I meant I found it amusing that something as obscure as Mode 7 could be referred to "colloquially." I'm in no position to hold an opinion on the intricacies of SNES graphics modes.

It was mentioned on every SNES review back in the day, so at the time it was common knowledge among gamers and enthusiasts.

+1, "Kicking it into mode 7" was one hell of way to spend a Saturday night.

There's no youth like nerd youth.