Mario Strikers: Battle League Review

The Gear System & Hyper Strikes

Do you want a Bowser that's as fast as Waluigi? Do you want your Peach to play like Wario? That's what the gear allows you to do, basically swap stats from one build to another, and while that's fun at first, you always need to build a balanced team with a clear powerhouse shooter, rapid-moving defense, and a tank to mow through the opposing team. I tried hyper-focusing in one area and found myself either unable to score goals outside of hyper strikes or bouncing off players so unless some internal balancing remedies that I can't recommend anything other than a rounded out force.Nintendo

Speaking of hyper strikes, this new gameplay tweak allows players to unleash a hilariously over-the-top super strike that will not only give the keeper something to worry about but will also annihilate anyone unlucky enough to be caught in the blast zone. The strikes are incredibly well animated and in keeping with each character and don't overstay their welcome to the point where you'll be wishing for a skip button (as many find during protracted Mortal Kombat Fatalities).

Plus, best of all, they net you two goals, so expect these to be the backbone of some team's playstyle.

Unfortunately, there are some slight issues with this move that affects gameplay flow. For example, the Hyper Strike can only be triggered by collecting an orb that randomly appears during the match, which will immediately see a mad dash from every player towards it, ruining any plans in motion and becoming a "we can't let them get this" moment that puts the game on pause for a moment.

Which brings me onto...