Super Mario Strikers

"Soccer games taken up to a new level"

Let me start this out; SMS is enjoyable in Solo, but the real fun lies in multi-player; Compare it to SSBM

Graphics 10
The graphics were sharp and colorful. The whole Mario gang was back to basics; funky clothing and colorful expressions. The close-ups, highlights and slow motions are very crisp, and the field action has good camera angles to really catch the action. I give graphics a 10.

Gameplay 9
First of all, the gameplay gets a 6 overall, since it becomes boring with time, but multi-player boosts it to a 9. The action is nonstop, very quick, and very intense. You have limited time to get the ball off, whether a pass or shot, or you'll be met with DK's fist up in your face. You need to take down other players going with the ball, or you'll be staring down the receiving end of a shut-out. And, who can forget passing the ball 20 times, back and forth, between 2 players, then finally tapping the ball to a hidden third character, and going slo-mo with that awesome back-flip aerial one-timer to score. The Cups are challenging, to an extent, and bowser pops in from time to time to have fun with your pitiful sidekicks. Gameplay gets a 9.

Controls 10
Well, it has Mario, so the controls must be good. Passing is easy, shooting is easy, tackling and dealing a big hit is easy (at least in video game world :P). The only place where this stumbles a little bit is the infamous "Captain Super Strikes", where you need to hit the marker inbetween 2 green spaces, which are small, and the marker is going unusually fast. Well, with practice, it becomes easy. 10.

Sound 7
The sound isn't totally great, but while you are sucked into the world of soccer ball kicking, giant shell throwing, aerial one-time kicking dinosaurs, italians, and princesses.

Final Word:

SMS is a great experience, whether it be by your lonesome, or with 3 of your friends. The unlock-ables will keep you playing, the action packed gameplay will keep you interested, and the awesome show-off's of the characters are always good to shove in your friends faces when you score.

Final Score: 10/10

Reviewer's Score: 10/10, Originally Posted: 01/16/06