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So yeah, it's been a bit since I've posted anything game related and I'm in a blogging kinda mood today. I know...I should be working, but damnit I need a break!


Since the Wii launch the only game I've played and enjoyed has been Wii Sports. 6 months later, I'm finally getting bored with that title. So, I picked up Mario Strikers: Charged last night on my way home last night. The first 2.5 hours of game play I spent doing the initial training, some scrimmage matches, and the first "cup" tournament.

Overview:
  Basically, this is arcade soccer with a hint of hockey roughness. Everyone has a host of special moves along with special power-ups. This is *not* a soccer sim and if you think otherwise you're going to be upset. I didn't try the online play but I'm hoping that the random matchup system will prove to be well balanced.


The good:

• Fast paced action
• Great characters
  
• Awesome camera angles make for great instant replays.
• Simple controls
• A touch of "soccer" with a heavy helping of arcade madness.

The bad:

• In some levels it's very difficult to distinguish your teammates from opponents and the ball can get 'lost' because of the color scheme.
  
• I only played the 'easy' AI so I can't tell you if the game is hard or not (I whooped on the CPU in easy mode)
• Nothing too "great" about the controller scheme using the wiimote. The only two "unique" uses are to stop the opponents super-shots (aim at the screen with the wiimote) and to do a sliding tackle you just shake your wiimote.

Conclusion:
If you're still playing WiiSports on your Wii and looking for a title to change your daily "Fitness Challenge" routine: check out Mario Strikers Charged.