Charged is a great first online attempt for Wii. (This review aimed for people who played/owned the original Stri
Sound: The music is a better effort than in Strikers, but some of the sound effects and vocals are still itching on the brain of annoyance. You just want to backhand Peach whenever she does her god-awful laugh, and don't get me started on the Daisy or the sidekicks. However, some of the sound effects are quite convincing, and some of the vocals are downright hilarious (we're talking Rayman Rabbids hilarious).
Gameplay: Strikers fans beware - this game feels slower than in the original. If you're one to get away with the ball as quick as possible, void that plan. There's no run button. It's been replaced by a 'chip' shot with the Z button that makes you slightly dash, but nothing worth it. There are a few characters that use the d-pad who dodge by dashing, but that's it. However, you realise after a while that it makes sense due to balancing, character's stats and abilities, and you do eventually enjoy the pace of the game. Also, the wii controls allow to make it much easier to do fake shots, charged shots, maneouvers (when you have the ball), and the controls feel nice when you have to block off shots. Online is a blast. A true blast. Gaining the most amount of goals, and gaining ranking points is hugely addictive if you're into that sort of thing, and online is truly rewarding when you defeat an experienced opponent. It's what you're oging to spend most of your time on. It's a great first effort from Nintendo.
Although the single player options are pretty much the same as the original, there's a couple fo SP letdowns. There's practically no reward value in defeating bots after playing online, and the main 'road to the striker's cup' mode is horribly limited in replay value and is tedious altogether. If you're hanging out for the overall package, Strikers will absolutely deliver on some fronts, and underwhelm in others. But the positives definitely overweigh the negatives. If you're looking for a solid title on Wii, or enjoyed the first Strikers, spend no hesitation getting this title. As for the rest of you, rent first. + Same addictive, over-the-top gameplay
+ It's online! + Wii controls work suprsingly as good, if not better, than GC controls
+ It's polished!
- Longer learning curve for you and your mates
- Single player underwhelming and lacks some quality substance
- Score board gets in the way of watching replays