Metareview: Mario Strikers Charged
by David Hinkle 
{ Aug 1st 2007 at 10:30AM }
- GamePro (100/100) compares Mario Strikers Charged to the multiplayer Holy Grail, Goldeneye: "A phenomenal addition to the Wii's library and will rival GoldenEye 64 in terms of the exhilarating multiplayer experiences that it offers up. Don't turn your nose up at it just because you don't like soccer or you'll be missing out on one of the best gaming experiences around. Now, bring on Super Smash Bros. Brawl!"
- IGN (83/100) finds the game has received a couple of upgrades, changing the experience for the better: "If you thought the original Strikers was good, you haven't seen anything yet. And if you've never played these soccer games before, now is the time to start."
- GameDaily (80/100) says: "Mario Strikers Charged features enough modes to keep players entertained, as well as a top-notch presentation that really shows off what the Wii can do."
- GameSpot (75/100) thinks the flavor is in the multiplayer: "Mario's soccer sequel is a markedly more enjoyable game than its predecessor, especially for those who prefer the multiplayer arena."
- Pro-G (70/100) warns us not to get into the game, expecting something else: "If you approach the game with the mentality that Charged Football is going to be football in the Mario universe you'll find a game that is hard to get on with. If you accept that the emphasis is on flashy moves and fun over skill and precision, you'll find a game that has a place in your collection, even if it's only brought out every now and again."
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Tim @ Aug 1st 2007 11:40AM
Out of the 25 or so Wii games I have, Strikers has by far been the most played among my friends since we got it almost 2 months ago with no signs of slowing down. That last review is retarded.
Anton @ Aug 2nd 2007 2:28AM
Of the wii games I have, strikers is by far the least played by me and my friends, despite our efforts to put time into it and really wanting to like it. That first review is retarded.
Mike @ Aug 1st 2007 12:02PM
I love this game. If you combine the original Stikers with Smash Bros, you can come to understand just how awesome this game is.
jman @ Aug 1st 2007 12:34PM
I agree with Tim that last review sucks....i mean there dissapointed its not more like soccer?? i mean come on...havent they played the 1st one??
but w.e i love the game one of my favorites in a while
Sonic_13 @ Aug 1st 2007 1:17PM
Isn't that last review contradicting itself?
MisterL @ Aug 1st 2007 1:33PM
That last review is indeed contradicting itself, gave the game a low rating for being 'fun' lol.
Mike @ Aug 1st 2007 2:46PM
Let me be the next to chime in about that last review. They seem really overly concerned about the authenticity of the game as a sports title when clearly the players are dressed as turtles and plumbers.
Aaron @ Aug 1st 2007 4:10PM
I think the last review was European. They tend to be a bit more picky with their soccer games, it being a way of life in many areas of Europe. I think some of them are offended by what they view as such a mockery of "the beautiful game."
Anyway, I bought it. Also owned the original on GameCube. I'm very happy with the changes that have been made in Charged. The online is a far cry from anything on Xbox Live in terms of community, but this game is so much fun that it trumps 95% of Xbox360's offerings in terms of sheer gameplay and good times.
Mr Khan @ Aug 1st 2007 4:04PM
I greatly enjoy it, although i was frustrated initially at the distinct differences between Charged and its predecessor
There is far more emphasis on passing being the key to victory (charging from purple to white) which i find irritating, but the Mega Strikes and Sidekick specials more than make up for it
Being able to see most of the field at once is also a plus, but i haven't tested Online yet
Also, we once again see reviews across the board, but at least they aren't about the controls, those seem to be tight.
accidental @ Aug 1st 2007 8:06PM
Strikers is one of those games that takes a few weeks of solid play to see and understand all the subtle mechanics involved. The fact that last review said "the emphasis is on flashy moves and fun over skill and precision" shows they have no bloody idea what they're talking about and probably only played it for a few days. Even IGN's review had errors in it that if you've played the game enough you'd realise. I've had it since it launched in PAL format a few months ago and I'm still finding new stuff out.
boradley @ Aug 1st 2007 8:54PM
i only spent a night with it a month ago (PAL territory..) but i was not very impressed, i thought the game design rather bland, and was irritated by how the super moves interrupt the flow of play.. those cut scenes get really repetitive after a while.
i enjoyed being able to play co-op, something i wish we'd see more of, but it wasn't enough to convince me that it's a must buy- regardless of online multiplayer.
honestly i think i enjoyed sega soccer slam on the 'cube more
Mr Khan @ Aug 1st 2007 9:18PM
One thing that's been bugging me is a basic move that appears to be unlisted in the manual, where (for example), Birdo seems to spin in place, defending herself while she does so, and Bowser Jr does a sort of ground pound. Its a stationary defense mechanism that charges the ball, but i can't figure out how to do it
Zelos @ Aug 2nd 2007 8:19AM
The EDGE review of Mario Strikers was similarly poor. What's the point of a game review where the reviewer hasn't played enough of the game to understand it?
@Mr Khan
The defense moves are performed with the d-pad: if you don't have the ball it does a tackle, with the ball it does the spin/flip/pound defense move.