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Yeah, don't get wrong. They're picking some fun games to make online enabled. Strikers will have unlimited play value online.
With a permanent friend roster keeping track of everyone's online status and game progress; extensive leaderboard data; Rival play; individual Mii-specific Friend Codes so multiple players can record their football prowess; a simple instant notification system for match requests with another online player and the option for four-man matches, with two players per Wii, there really is much to be admired with Mario Strikers inaugural online advances. Sure, Xbox Live stalwarts might complain about lack of voice chat and a good few other things, but for a first console attempt on an entirely free service we're more than happy with the feature list and smooth play. Hopefully we'll see even more from Nintendo as its online service matures, but there's absolutely no denying the massive boost Charged's online option gives to the games longevity in both multiplayer and - more significantly - solo modes.
I am so picking this up!Ultimately then, Mario Strikers Charged is an evolution of the GameCube original with the game's scope somewhat limited by its very nature. In other words, don't be surprised if you grow weary of proceedings after extended play. However, by directly addressing all of the first game's shortcomings with gusto, Next Level has created a sequel which almost feels like a completely different beast. Minor tweaks and upgrades significantly bolster the game's breadth and depth, while managing to retain the original's deliriously raucous multiplayer game. With the addition of online play this time around too, Next Level has cannily overcome issues concerning the first title's single-player game. In short then, Mario Strikers Charged Football is a deeply satisfying, hugely entertaining title and highly recommended.
Strikers includes a total of 17 stadiums, of which nine are brand new; the originals have all seen significant enhancements in presentation and visuals. The new stadiums include the Sand Tomb, Thunder Island, the Vice, Lava Pit, Galactic Stadium, the Wastelands, Crystal Canyon, Storm Ship Stadium and the Dump. There's also a new Strikers 101 field. These stages are brought to life with effects that actually make the most of Wii, such as shimmering heat distortion, wind storms that may actually blow characters off the edge of the arenas and fantastic lightning bolt particles, to name a few. Not only are the environments themselves much more interactive and prettier than ever before thanks to crisper textures, lighting and particles, but character animation is fluid and the game's fluidity rarely dips below 60 frames per second. It also supports both 16:9 widescreen and progressive-scan display. We see so many ugly Wii games -- really, there's no other way to describe it. Strikers Charged is absolutely not one of them.
What is especially impressive about the online mode is that you can play two-on-two matches with a unique twist. If you've got a friend over your house, the two of you can cooperatively jump online from a single Wii and battle against two more people who are sitting together in another living room across the country.