The fact that the Wii has been getting so many ports has been a sore spot for many Wii owners, even though games like Metroid Prime 3: Corruption, Battalion Wars 2, Super Mario Galaxy and Super Smash Bros. Brawl are set to come out in the next few months.
However, not every port is cause for concern. EA’s The Godfather: Blackhand Edition and Capcom’s Resident Evil 4: Wii Edition stand out as not only some of the best Wii games available, but perhaps even as improvements over their predecessors. Nintendo can finally add their name to the list with the Wii update of the Gamecube’s Super Mario Strikers, Mario Strikers Charged.
In the interests of fairness, I should perhaps state that I am indeed a fan of soccer and that I played the sport most of my youth. Still, even non-hardcore fans of the sport should have some fun with this updated Mario sports title.
Strikers Charged is as much a fast-paced, chaotic game of soccer as its predecessor was. This time around, though, the game is much more like indoor soccer in that the fields are small and contained, with a focus on offensive firepower. Power-ups like mushrooms, Koopa shells and banana peels add even more unpredictability and strategy to the title, and each captain has their own specific power-up that opens space for them to set-up a brand new feature, the Megastrike.
The Megastrike is an improvement over the Superstrike from Super Mario Strikers, in both its ease to use and goal-scoring potential. This time around, the ball will split into multiple shots when hit, with the number of shots and their power determined by a meter you control after you charge your shot. These can prove invaluable when you’re behind by multiple goals, often allowing you to catch up or take the lead. Your teammates also get their own special shots, called skillshots, which are automatically activated by charging up a shot to maximum power. You’ll be using both frequently if you want to win, especially on harder difficulties.
For the first time, the game also brings the opportunity to select your teammates, each which has their own advantages and disadvantages. Some are offensive juggernauts, while others are great defensive additions.
Strikers Charged doesn’t have a whole lot for single-players, though. There is the standard exhibition mode, as well as a set of challenges that range from easy as cake to near impossible to beat. On top of that is Road to the Strikers’ Cup mode, comprised of three tournaments in which players can take home trophies and cups, as well as unlock more characters and venues.
The game benefits slightly from the Wii remote, adding in a few new features. Key among those is the fact that when you defend against a Megastrike, you’ll take over from Kritter’s point of view. Using the Wii remote, you’ll have to stop the incoming shots in time by placing the icon over the balls and hitting the B button quickly. Also of note is the inclusion of big hits, which can be laid on opponents by shaking the Wii remote when you are near them. This is a nice alternative to slide tackling, and if done near the walls, can cause opponents to become neutralized for a few seconds, giving you an advantage.
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