Wi-Fi game play makes it very appealing

The reason we got this game was because it was multi player and we have enjoyed Wii sports games in the past. Really, the only reason we chose this game was because all the games we really wanted were already checked out.

This game is fun as a solo player, but it's more fun with someone else. The game can accommodate up to four people so long as they each have their own Wiimote and the Nunchuck.

Learning/Wiimote
The game is like a soccer game except the ball is metal and holds charged energy. My husband and I spent the entire first night using the tutorial. Only one person can use the tutorial at a time which may be why it took so long. It took some time to get use to the controls.

The Wiimote use is more complicated for me because it's operated more like a regular controller. The A button passes, B button shoots, button and control stick moves the direction, Z is added to the A or B button for lob passes or shots. C is used for multi items being used. Basically all moves are done with buttons, not movements of the Wiimote. After playing the tutorial for awhile the “aha” arrives and game play becomes as easy as it is with a traditional game controller.

Graphics/Audio
The graphics are average. It's no worse than any of the other Wii games, but not as crisp as other game systems. I like the stadiums, a change of scenery is cool. There are about 20 stadiums which have realistic looking floors like dirt or cement. Sometimes the game is played outside and it snows or rains throughout the whole game. There is a really wide view of the court. My eyes are sensitive to video games so I was pleased that there wasn't much panning.

Some of the stadiums are inside and the voices of the crowd seem to echo like it would in a stadium. There is some modern hard rock for background music using electric guitar that sounded good at first because it gets me charged up, but after some time becomes annoying. It's particularly annoying as a bystander having to hear it from another room. There's always a crowd at the games that usually can't be seen. You can really hear them though! Sometimes they start chanting which is neat and makes you feel like you're at the game. I think what the graphics lack is made up with audio. If feels like you're really at the game.

Game
There are 12 team captains to choose from: Mario, Peach, Donkey Kong, Waluigi, Luigi, Wario, Bowser, Yoshi, Daisy, Bowser Jr., Diddy Kong, & Petey Piranha. The sidekicks are: Koopa, Toad, Dry Bones, Boo, Birdo, Hammer Bro, Monty Mole, & Shy Guy which are chosen based on their skill levels. I didn't like the appearance of the characters because they were extremely small. Sometimes it is difficult to identify the sidekicks.

You can tell that the ball is charging because it changes colors with each pass. The ball is fully charged when it's white and has the greatest chance of it going into the goal. Sometimes a super ability can be used when shooting. Each captain has a different ability. In a megastrike, the captain can divide his ball into multiple balls when it's shot toward the goal. If the opponent launches a megastrike against you, the screen goes up into the air and a set of hands appear to block. I really don't like the megastrike because it is distracting from the game and takes too long to watch it play out. There are 9 power-up items, such as spiked shell, bombs, mushroom to raise speed, or star to make you invincible. The computer goalie is really good. Once the game is over the score board tells how many shots, goals, steals, etc. the player had.

Game Modes
There are many different modes like Wi-fi and Striker cup that will surely keep this game interesting for long run.

Wi-fi
A really awesome feature is that the game can be played with other players through Wi-fi for free which is an awesome feature if you're any good at the game. We really wanted to try this but we are still clearly in training. We wouldn't have a chance in a real tournament.

Playing multi-player at home with just anybody may not work out if the players are different skill levels. It takes some time to become skilled which makes the Wi-fi an excellent option. The neat thing is, your buddies don't have to be at your house to play with you. The instruction book can walk you though connecting for Wi-fi play. It is like joining a chat room. The personal Mii will represent you.

Road to the Striker Cup
Multiple players play together as a team to win a cup in order to progress to the next level.

Strikers Challenges
Each character takes on a challenge. Winning results in a Player Card.

Hall of Fame
There is a hall of fame to store your Player Cards and Striker Cups.

Our experience
The biggest problem that we have with the game is that it's too hard. Our teenage son who's a “gamer” refuses to play it because he's too proud to use the tutorial. He doesn't like sports either. My husband who is really good at games found it frustrating. I can play it, I just can't score. The goalie is one tough coolie. I can only play so long without scoring before I give up.

Overall
I'm not going to say this is a bad game, but it's not a good fit for our family. We really wanted to like it, but we all find the game frustrating and since we're not a soccer fan to begin with, we got bored with it quickly. The game has some addictive quality to it. Repeat play is required to gain skill so I think the game does have replay value.

We rented the game and one week isn't long enough to fully enjoy the game so it's definitely a purchase type of game. If you enjoy soccer and have the attention span to play the same game over and over, it would be a good purchase especially since it has Wi-fi game play.