Mario, Luigi, Peach, Toad, Bowser and company will soon be putting on their cleated sneakers to hit the soccer field in Mario Strikers: Battle League. What to expect from this new – and highly anticipated – game? The Journal got a glimpse of it during a virtual meet and greet with the Nintendo team earlier this month.

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It's been 15 years (already!) since Mario and his gang have untied their legs on a soccer field. A surprisingly long time frame, considering the success achieved by the two previous chapters of the Mario Strikers saga, intended respectively for the GameCube and the Wii.

We must all the same admit that the friendly plumber and his gang have not been idle since, multiplying the adventures and the sporting contests; from golf to volleyball, tennis, dodgeball and, of course, car racing, our heroes have been kept busy.

So what's new under the sun with Mario Strikers: Battle League? Many things. Because God knows that the video game industry has evolved since the release of Mario Strikers Charged on the Wii in 2007. And that quickly becomes evident during a demonstration like the one Le Journal attended.

Dynamic

First, the visual rendering. If Mario Strikers Charged was polished and dynamic in 2007, this sequel is even more so. The bleachers, always populated by well-known characters, fit perfectly into the game, as do the particularly breathtaking cutscenes punctuating each match.

As for the Hyper Strikes (those powerful blows allowing players to score more points), they inject a lot of rhythm (and “oumph”) into the experience. The action here is sustained, frantic and chaotic, in the best of senses.

The concept remains the same. The friendly plumber and his gang compete in teams of five to play - locally or online - soccer matches, let's say, a little special. Because Mario Strikers flouts the rules of classic sport; all shots are thus allowed... and encouraged.

Not only can players unleash their aggression on the pitch, but the pitch is bounded by an electric fence that will give anyone who gets too close a hard time.

It is precisely this entirely playful and good-natured aspect that makes the charm of these games, in the same way as the various items that spice up the game. Like Mario Kart, banana peels, mushrooms, turtle shells, bombs, and stars can be thrown or consumed, making the experience unpredictable and, let's face it, more fun.

Solo or in a group

By the way, good news for lonely people. Mario Strikers: Battle League has thought of your pleasure with a single player mode with a different approach than in a group. Strategies will come more into play with the possibility of creating a tailor-made team and controlling each of the players. In short, no compromise to be expected for those who prefer to play alone.

It should also be noted that the ten characters available are fully customizable using equipment to adjust their strengths and weaknesses.

Will the stable of available characters be enhanced later through additional downloadable content? Nintendo remains vague and evasive on the issue. But knowing the Japanese entertainment giant, it would not be surprising to see new players take their place on the bench.

Mario Strikers: Battle League is not expected on our consoles until June 10th. But Nintendo Switch Online subscribers can already start the warm-up period thanks to the First Kick demo, available since yesterday.

Mario Strikers: Battle League will be available on Nintendo Switch starting June 10.