When you make that corner kick, watch out...

Super Mario Strikers


Published by: Nintendo

Developed by: Next Level Games

Genre: Sports
Number of Players: 1-4
Release Date:
US: December 5, 2005
Japan: January 19, 2006

ESRB Content Descriptors: Mild Cartoon Violence

Features: 16:9 Support, 480p Support, Dolby Pro Logic II, Memory Card

Media Size: 1 GOD

Introduction
If you thought Mario was done with the sporting franchise, think again. Since the release of Super Mario Strikers, playing soccer has never been the same. Pair up a team captain with 4 other sidekicks and let the mayhem begin! Now, what would a sport be without the use of items? Nothing. Get ready to crush your opponents with an Ice cold blue shell or just send out the Chain Chomp. Have you ever had the football fever, and could never get rid of it? Its ok, because in Super Mario Strikers, Sacking your opponents is always an option. Are you willing to play soccer Mario-stlye? Then be prepared to feel the pain. If you thought soccer was a safe game, then you better just leave the playing field.

Controls
In Super Mario Strikers, there are tons of ways to shock your opponent.

A Button - Confirm the selection - Pass (when in possession) - Switch character
B Button - Cancel - Kick (when in possession) - Slide tackle - Clear
X Button - Use the Power-Up item
Y Button - Deke move (when in possession) - Big Hit
R Button - Turbo Run
L Button - Lob Pass (L + A) - Lob Kick (L + B)
Control Stick - Select - Move
D-Pad - Select
Z Button - Switch between Power-Up items
C Stick - Deke move - Super Strike throw-off

Gameplay
The gameplay is what makes Super Mario Strikers the most thrilling sports game ever. With the use of items, Super Strikes, and insane combo kicks, the pain never stops. During your soccer game, using certain evadng moves and scoring a bunch of goals helps you earn types of trophies - symbolizing your skill on the field. A Super Strike is a big way to impress your friends. By simply pressing the required commands, you are able to kick a massively powerful kick that even your friendly goalie cant block, earning you double the points. Think you are ready for a bigger fight? Many modes including 16-person tournaments and heated grudge matches are sure to keep your adrenaline going. When the Nintendo favorites go at it, the mayhem never ends. A crowd applauding 5/5

Sound
Alot of us-including me, enjoy listening to the crowd go wild after you score the winning game goal. Thats exactly what we offer here at the Mushroom Kingdom. In Super Mario Strikers, hearing every aspect of the game as you would on your very own playing field is available. Apon every kick, comes a crisp sounding catch from your reciever. Very little of us, enjoy hearing the pain that some of our sidekicks recieve when they smack against the electrified boundaries. But for those select few, that is available too. But what finds me disappointed about the sound feature of this game, is that there really is no music occuring during your match. I myself would like to hear rock and roll as I school my opponents. Overall, no music + great sound quality = 3/5

Picture
As you may have noticed, most of Mario's sports titles have boasted the same style of graphics. But thats ok. Most of it is still very detailed, and as alot of us feel - we want to play the sport right after we experience it through the game. What I found particularly different about the look of the characters was their outfits; a first in the Mario sporting era. Originally, when you kick a goal, you scuff dirt from the soccer field. I never thought that they would take that much detail and put it into the game. As goes with your sidekicks being burnt after a fire breathing Koopa King has scorched your players. Overall, same graphics, but alot of reality. A 4/5

An average, everyday game of soccer... Right?

Replay Value
The replay value is always a pretty high score when it comes to playing a Mario sports-themed game. In fact, Super Mario Strikers is probably the best result you are going to get. If you are able to gather up a couple of friends for a sleepover, I would definately recommend this game. with 4-player co-op, you can dodge sacks, perform amazing lob-passes, and kick the ball right into the goal. What more could you question about the replay value for this game? Its a game that can keep you hooked for hours, even though you may have conquered the tournaments. Sometimes it may get a little repetitive, but if you love soccer, this is the game for you, however much it is painful. Endless amounts of ways to score, and a Chain Chomp to wrangle your enemies, this game just keeps on going. A 4/5

For most of us who love Mario and co. This is a new experience of athletics for all of us. If you have never taken an interest in soccer, now is the time. Super Mario Strikers is a new feel for all of us, which makes Mario just as more popular. Mario Strikers: Charged is on its way for the Wii as well, and I cant wait to see how it turns out. Marking this game on your Christmas list is a must.

Thanks for viewing!

To see trailers for this game, Click here: Super Mario Strikers Trailers
Mario Strikers: Charged gameplay preview

Thanks to: Chris, Marche for approving this review