August 23, 2006 - August 23: At the "Wii Prove Our Promise" keynote, Nintendo revealed a new title for Wii. Mario Strikers Charged is, in spirit, a sequel to the smash hit Super Mario Strikers for GameCube, developed by Next Level Games. In the demo shown on stage, players selected one of four captains for the game, choosing from Mario, Bowser, Peach, and Donkey Kong. The gameplay was very similar to the Cube version, with motion sensing for goalie moves and precision shots.
In addition, players can expect the same over-the-top super attacks as Super Mario Strikers. As a quick demo, players were shown using Mario to do a gigantic fireball attack, reminiscent of the previous version of the game. This could lend to the idea of more GameCube games getting Wii updates, and when it comes to innovative gameplay, we'll take what we can get.
In a fact sheet supplied by Nintendo of Europe, the company states that Strikers Charged will feature a plethora of new gameplay elements as well, including the ability to select one of 12 different team captains, and plug in popular characters into the other slots. Each team can also use three of a total eight "sidekicks" that are less skilled, but still more powerful than the basic teammates from the GameCube version.
The amount of powerful offense has also been increased, as players can now pull off a "Mega Strike", splitting the ball into up to five balls, each seeking the opposing goal. On defense, players will have to then target the balls with the Wiimote, blasting away potential tide-turners before they cascade into the net. For an even more devastating edge, the ball can be charged, adding a homing ability to the projectile (much like soccer's own version of a heat-seeking missile).
As yet another added bonus, Mario Strikers Charged can be played both locally and on the Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection, allowing players to compete in matches or even set up tournaments with other Strikers players across the globe. Strikers offers anywhere from one to four players.
We'll have more on Mario Strikers Charged as news breaks, as well as continued coverage of GC 2006. Nintendo has announced that Strikers will be playable on the floor tomorrow, so we'll have a hands-on play through on the way. In the meantime, we'll have the trailer up shortly so stay tuned.
