We've seen multiple Mario franchises, with Mario starring in every sport imaginable, and now we see Mario and friends starring in a soccer title. Super Mario Strikers (SMS) is a fast paced soccer hit that offers hours of entertainment and easy but fun "pick up and play" style gameplay.

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It's not brain surgery, just soccer

You don't have to know anything about soccer to enjoy SMS. Players first pick a mode of play, either a grudge match (single or multiplayer) or battling the computer in cup battles. Once a mode of play is chosen, players pick a well-known character from the Mario universe to be team captain., with a group of Toads, Birdos, Hammer Bros., or Koopa-Troopas filling out the rest of the team.

Once the game starts, it's complete mayhem. Games can last anywhere from three to ten minutes. The controls are basic, only combining a few key buttons. On offense, the control stick is used to dribble the ball on the field, while players pass with A and shoot with B. By using the L button, players can add strategy by lobbing a pass in mid air or making a lob shot. On defense however the A button is used to cycle through your team and B is used to attack. Attacking is where the mayhem truly happens, as one second you might have the ball and the next you're knocked down and dazed. My favorite is the Y button, which can be used to cause a massive hit to your opponents. Careful though, because unlike normal attacks, massive hits made to opposite team members not dribbling a ball will yield your enemies a power up.

Once the basic controls are mastered, players can add cool moves such as the Captains-only Super Strike. Instead of merely shooting with B, hold B to charge. A meter will appear giving you the opportunity to make a Super Strike. The meter, a half circle, displays a moving needle. If you tap A when the needle hits the correct spot, you'll make a monster shot into the goal and trigger a wicked animation, as well as score an extra point.

Electric fences are your friends
Aside from the crazy, fast-paced soccer, SMS is chock full of items that can make or break a victory. If you've ever laid your hand on a Mario Kart title, you will already be familiar with the items available in SMS. There is an assortment of shells (red, green, blue, and spiny, with both giant and multi-shell versions), as well as bananas, Bob-ombs, mushrooms, and the ever feared Chain Chomp. Items are given to you when you make a goal for your team or attempt a perfect pass or perfect shot. However, if you attack a player that doesn't have the ball, your opponents earn an item.

One of the coolest items in the game is the actual fence surrounding the playing field. The electric fence can be used to your advantage, by knocking players into it and stealing the ball as they cry in agony, or even be your worst nightmare, as one of your team members is rendered helpless in the blue sparks.

"Strikers" delivers a win
Button mashers will not make it far in a head to head competition. The tight controls allow you to pull out some of the most ruthless and violent moves ever seen in a Mario title. The games go ridiculously quickly, but the AI of your team is responsive and alert at all times. Unlike many sports games, gameplay does not suffer when you are on defense. Sometimes defense is more fun, if only for the chance to smack down your opponents. Multiplayer takes the great gameplay aspects and adds the joys of trash-talking.

Graphically, SMS is gorgeous. The game offers bright colors and beautiful character designs. Even with the fast-paced movement, the ball never leaves your sight. The game also comes complete with glorious particle effects that shoot out in bright light when you set up for a Super Strike, or knock an opponent into the electric fence. The only down side of the graphics is that a few of the textures look fuzzy. All in all, this little detail makes only a very small hit to the overall look of the game.

The sound is nothing but fantastic. The fast-paced arena style music makes you feel as though you are in the stands watching. Watching soccer on TV and playing SMS sound identical. Character voices are superb, as players wail in pain when electrocuted or knocked over by each other. The sounds fit the game perfectly and could not be improved in any way.

Overall, SMS is the first game I have come across in a long time that is both well done AND addictive. SMS is great whether you only have a few minutes to play or if you want to spend hours screaming at your friends. The gameplay is solid, and the graphics and sound back it up. Even those that don't enjoy Mario sports titles are guaranteed to find some fun in Super Mario Strikers.

-Flying Maiden