Mario Strikers Charged

SCORE: 82

Mario Strikers Charged on the Nintendo Wii is a worthy successor to Gamecube version of 2005. Back are many of the friendly (and not so friendly) faces from the Mushroom Kingdom. This is soccer action, but nowhere near realistic. Mega strikes, and mega blocks are now included. These mega kicks will split the ball into multiple balls allowing a player to score multiple points in one shot. The downside is it takes a few seconds to charge these scoring attempts. Scores at the end of a game can easily look more like a football game (American) than a soccer game.

The artistic direction Nintendo took with Mario Strikers Charged is an interesting one indeed. The different characters look like they are dressed for a motor cross event. It adds an edgier look and feel to this Nintendo Wii game. There are various attacks that can be used, and characters will display Looney Tunes style violence when hit with them. The real action in this game is trying to get the soccer ball in the opponents goal, so while cartoon violence is present and available it really is a waste of the players time to do it.

The rockish sounds of Mario Strikers Charged reminds me of the 80s - which is a good thing. I enjoyed that era of time in history, so it brings back fond memories. There are some things that different characters say that warrant the E10+ rating from the ESRB. It is not all the characters, so once you find the ones that bother you; try and avoid them.

The inclusion of WiFi adds a ton of replay to Mario Strikers Charged. There already is a lot with the ability to have four players in the same room, but WiFi allows us to play people from all over the world. Nintendo included plenty of unlockable content to keep families busy for a nice length of time.

The Wii Remote along with the Nunchuk control amazingly well. My personal favorite is blocking the Mega Strikes. Nintendo proves with Mario Strikers Charged that controls can be very inclusive while being kept simple for all members of the family. This game is fun to play with others, and play against the computer. A lot of people are practicing against the computer before they go and play others online.

The Mario sports franchise has been steadily improving with each and every release. Mario Strikers Charged is no exception to that truth. I love reviewing games that can bring families to together and this game does just that.
- Paul

Graphics: 75%
Sound: 79%
Replay/Extras: 89%
Gameplay: 87%
Family Friendly Factor: 80%
System: Wii
Publisher: Nintendo
Rating: 'E10+' for Everyone 10+
{Mild Cartoon Violence, Crude Humor}

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