06-24-2007, 02:22 PM
Title:Mario Strikers Charged
Platform:Wii
Number Of Players:4
Genre:Sports
Release Date:May,25,2007
Controls
Attacking
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Movement, dribbling: Control Stick
Pass: A button
Lob pass: A button + Z button
Shoot: B button
Chipshot: Z button + B button
First time shot: B button before receiving the ball
Skillshots (Sidekicks only): Hold down B button
Megastrike (Captain only): hold down B button
Defending
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Switch player: A button
Slide tackle: Control pad
Barge: Shake the Wii remote
Clear: B button, when your in your half
Goalkeeping
Pass: A button
Clear: B button
Mega saves: Point at the incoming balls and press A button
- The keeper normally moves automatically
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I think after a 5-10 minute learning curve, the controls work exceptionally, yet the controls are very simple and beginners will have no problem picking this up. Once you have mastered the controls you will be scoring goal after goal with ease.
8.5
Graphics
The graphics have improved significantly from the original gamecube game and the crowd are no longer pieces of cardboard which looks allot nicer to look at. The characters look more alive and have more animations this time around and everything looks sharp and runs smoother which is a splendid treat. Its good to see Next Level Games have polished the graphics and the overall look the of the game.
8.7
Gameplay
Mario Strikers does everything right in this respect, improving on the original formula which this game is fast, frantic, furious and most importantly fun.
There is a bigger library of captains and sidekicks to choose from, each have there own advantages and abilities, so you’re guaranteed to meet your match.
Captains:
-Mario -Luigi -Waluigi - Jr Bowser
-Peach -Daisy -Wario - Diddy Kong
-Yoshi -Donkey Kong -Bowser - Petey Pirhanna
Sidekicks:
-Toad -Monty Mole -Hammerbros
-Boo -Koopa -Shyguy
-Drybones -Birdo
There is 10 brand new stages to choose from, along side the 7 original stages from the game cube right from the word go. These new stages help vary things up a little, but some are just annoying.
The game play just feels really good, especially nailing people into the electric fences with your head!
Ino you will all be familiar will the usual Mario style items flying left, right and centre. But what I really like is the Mega strike, This is a move performed by your captain only. I won't go in to detail about this because I wouldn't want to spoil it.
9.0
Sound
The sound for this game for really good, Nintendo aren't exactly the biggest fans of voice acting, but in this game you do get quite a bit, which helps give the game and the characters more personality. The effects are all good and there is a nice variety of different tunes to go with it.
8.5
Lasting Appeal
This game has a lot of depth and has everything you want from a sequel to a great game!
Domination mode:
In this mode the rules and conditions are all your choice, making it perfect for versus are cooperative play. This mode is great if you just want to turn on your Wii and have a couple of matches with your friends without going online or entering a cup.
Online:
Mario Strikers is the first online Wii game to hit Europe and its an exceptionally good effort, this makes it possible to play against your friends, or anyone else using Wi-Fi.
Firstly you must connect, which takes a few moments, once connected you can choose from any of your Miis and use one as your representative.
There are two different playing modes when you’re connected, ranked matches and friendly matches. Ranked matches allows you to connect to another random user in your region and fight it out for precious points and attempt to climb the leader board, If your looking to play your friend online then im sorry to tell you that your going to have to get their friend code. But don't let that put you off, in friendly matches you can play anyone around the world and pick your and rules your stadium you want to use.
Worrying about lag? No problem, there is a connection quality system which informs you how good the connection is, 1 star meaning very bad and unplayable and 4 star means perfect!
The online service that is offered is very good considering its the first online Wii game, there’s leader boards, friendlys and ranked matches. Im just so overwhelmed about how great this mode is.
Road to the striker Cup:
Choose your team and jump right in! This mode is probably considered the main slice of the game, You fight it out and earn points and gradually climb the leader board and the cup. Win each cup and progress to the next. Your aim is to win the Strikers cup. Did I mention you can do this all in cooperatively with a friend? Because you might need them. The difficulty soon climbs and the very clever A.I will get quite tricky to beat. But you should complete this mode quite quickly depending on your ability and the characters youv'e chose.
Strikers ABC:
This mode basically shows you the ropes on how to play.
Striker Challenges:
This mode allows you to take on a series of different challenges for each individual character. Each challenge you complete you receive a player card. To be honest I didn't spend a massive amount of time on this mode. Its something you go on when you’re fed up of everything else and you have no friends to play against.
There’s alot of different things in this game to keep you busy.
9.5
Negatives
No one likes negatives, so you will be happy to hear there isn't many to see around hear. The only one I should bring up is that its region locked unless you have the other persons friend code, I am not a massive fan of friend codes but its not a massive gripe.
Overall:
I have to say this is a game you MUST have in your libary of games. With amazing fast paced action and online functions you can't go wrong with this Mario sporting spin off!
8.9
A must have for any Wii owner!
and ino its not going to be my last.
