Mario Strikers will soon be released for the Nintendo Switch. Now a demo is available. This coming weekend, the online mode can also be played for a short time.
On 10 June, Mario Strikers: Battle League Football will be released exclusively for the Nintendo Switch. With this, the cult series gets its first new spin-off in 15 years. How has the combination of Mario and football developed?
Those who want to try it out for themselves before potentially buying can do so now. Nintendo has released a time-limited demo with the “First Kick”. This is available in the Nintendo eShop until Sunday, 5 June.
What’s in the Mario Strikers Demo?
After downloading, players can immediately jump into the training mode and learn the basics of the title. The game’s online mode will then also be available next weekend. However, this requires the paid “Nintendo Switch Online” membership.
In the mode, 2-gg-2 games can be played, either with friends or randomly selected competitors and opponents from the internet. There are ten different characters to choose from.
The online area is only accessible for one hour during six different time slots. You can play at the weekend during the times listed.
Surprising complexity in the gameplay
If you want to try out online against other players, you should definitely take a look at the training mode. This can also be used outside the specified time periods. The first play-through quickly reveals a certain complexity in the gameplay.
Mario Strikers is not a football simulation like FIFA and is obviously designed for intuitive fun. However, there is more behind the beginner-friendly presentation and the arcade-like gameplay.
Between perfect passes and tackles, super shots, different types of dribblings, items and much more, a complex system of possibilities quickly unfolds. This immediately whets the appetite for more, but also requires practice.
How the gameplay feels in duels against other players will be revealed next weekend. The first glimpse of the training mode awakens old memories and at the same time brings a breath of fresh air to the football fields of Nintendo.
