Mario Strikers Charged


 * For Other Uses See Mario Strikers.

Mario Strikers Charged (Mario Strikers Charged Football in Europe) for Nintendo Wii is the second game in the Mario Strikers franchise, preceded by the Nintendo GameCube title Super Mario Strikers. Charged is to football (soccer in the United States) as Mario Kart is to racing: while the basic rules are intact, many additions and modifications to them are in place. The result is a new sport, Strikers, the Mushroom Kingdom version of soccer. While a remake of the original in many regards, the main draws of the game are its increased strategy and online regional multiplayer, which will utilize Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection.

Rules of Strikers and Game Play
As mentioned above, Strikers is based off of football. However, the sport played is much more physical. Two teams of five face off against each other to kick the ball into the goal. Overall, the game has become much harsher as time has passed. Because of this, players now wear protective gear. Players may utilize various strategies, such as items or special powers, to get ahead. For information regarding the use of items and special aspects of stadiums, please view their respective sections.

Teams and Player Roles
Each team is headed by a captain, supported by three offensive/defensive sidekicks and one goalie. Two teams face each other with the aim to score the most points. Points are scored by shooting the ball past the goalie and into the goal. The captain is the leading member of any team and possesses both a Super Ability and a Mega Strike. While often an afterthought, sidekicks are crucial to the game. Knowing which position a sidekick is best at (such as defense or offense) can make or break a game. Goalies, or keepers as they are known in the European version, are the final line of defense. They are permitted to use their hands to block goals, but often are forced to use their bodies to do so.

Shots and Skills
Each type of player has different types of skills available to them. Captains and sidekicks share many of the same abilities, but goalies use a completely different move set. Players use the standard Wii Remote and Nunchuk Attachment set-up to play the game.

Basic Captain and Sidekick Skills
Movement/Dribbling: When the Control Stick on the Nunchuk Attachment is pressed, while the captain is not in possession of the ball, the player will move in the corresponding direction. If the captain is in possession of the ball, he or she will dribble instead. Advanced players can use the C and Z Buttons to pull off fancy maneuvers. It is unconfirmed if dashing is one of these. In Super Mario Strikers, this allowed for extreme speed, but gave players less control over the ball.

Faking: An advanced skill for the player with the ball, pressing the Control Pad allows captains to fake in that direction, dodging opponents moving in for the tackle or steal.

Pass:  The basic offensive skill, passing the ball from one player to another is critical in avoiding opponents. Also, passing the ball charges it up, meaning that it is easier to score goals once the ball has traded members of the same team. The A Button is used for this shot. While not confirmed, it is presumed that the pass can be altered to match a player’s style. Such alterations include the lob shot and the stylized midair skills performed by the receiver.

Shoot: A more powerful version of the pass, shooting is for scoring goals. The game automatically targets the goal from the player’s current position when the B Button is pressed. Shots can be charged by holding the B Button to increase their chances of success. If the advanced version of the move made the cut from the previous game, players will be able to pull off fancy flip shots as they receive passes.

Clear: When a player has the ball on his or her side of the field, pressing the B Button allows him or her to kick the ball to the other side of the field. This technique is effective in situations where the player is crowded by opponents.

Switch Players: If a character on one’s team has the ball, the player automatically takes control over him or her, and can change characters by passing. However, when one’s team does not have possession of the ball, players may switch characters at will with a press of the A Button. This move also works when two players control the same team and their team is in possession of the ball. The player without the ball may swap characters as he or she pleases.

Slide Tackle: Performed in the same way faking is performed, this move allows players without the ball to steal the ball. Less powerful than the Body Check, it is still a worthy move as players are given immediate possession of the ball afterwards.

Big Hit: By shaking the Wii Remote, a player can pull of the most devastating tackle in the game. However, this move does not give the user immediate control over the ball.

Mega Shakedown: When a captain begins a Mega Strike (see below), the opposing player can move the meter by shaking the Nunchuck. This makes lining up the meter especially difficult, and may improve a player's chance of deflecting the Mega Strike. Directly attacking the captain is more useful, but the option is not always available.

Use Items: By pressing the C Button, any player may use an item in the team's inventory. Items that activate a captain's Super Ability (see below) can only be used by the captain. Details about the items available are provided in the Items section of this article.

Special Captain Skills
Mega Strike: More powerful and epic than the standard shot, a Mega Strike is performed when a captain fully charges his or her shot. To perform this move, players hold the B Button to charge until a meter appears. Through proper timing, a player determines the number of balls as the meter swings right. When the meter moves back towards the left, proper timing determines ball speed. For example, lining up speed directly on the orange marker allows for the fastest available shot. After the shot specifics have been determined, the captain launches into the air, powers up further and then slams the ball towards the goalie, who then attempts the Mega Strike Block.

Super Ability: Each captain may obtain a character-specific item during the course of a game. When in control of the captain, pressing the C Button activates the item. Super Abilities are the most devastating when used to free up a captain for the Mega Strike.

Special Sidekick Skills
Skillshot: Much like a Mega Strike, the SkillShot is performed by holding down the B Button until charging is complete. The resultant shot is coupled with an attack on the goalie. Depending on the sidekick, the shot will be different.

Goalie/Keeper
Pass: The basic move of the goalie when in possession of the ball, a pass does nothing more than put the ball back into play.

Punt: The goalie’s version of the clear, it allows him to move the ball far away from the goal. This move is effective if the opposing team is surrounding the goal.

Body Check: Goalies are automatically brutal. If opponents remain in the goalie box to long or make contact with the goalie while he holds the ball, he will attack.

Mega Strike Block: When a Mega Strike is performed by the captain of the opposing team, it is up to the goalie to block as many balls as possible. The player assumes a first-person view from the goalie’s eyes and moves the Wii Remote to move the hands of the goalie, represented by two hand icons. When a ball approaches, pressing the A Button will deflect and destroy it.

Metallic Ball
In previous Strikers tournaments, a ball resembling the Real World football in appearance and physics was used. However, for this Strikers tourney, a new, metallic ball will be used.

The ball tracks how many times it has been passed between members of the same team. Its color changes from purple to red, orange, yellow and finally white. The ball is the most powerful when it is white and least powerful when it is purple. In other words, passing the ball between teammates makes it easier to score a goal. If the ball is intercepted by another team or the sequence of passes broken, the ball will power back down.

When a Mega Strike is performed, multiple balls fly towards the goalie. It is unconfirmed if the ball splits into multiply balls or more balls appear.

Modes of Play
Mario Strikers Charged places a great emphasis on the multiplayer aspect of the game. However, there are also single-player modes present in the package.

Road to the Strikers Cup
Designed only for single-player mode, Road to the Strikers Cup is the standard tournament mode seen in all of the Mario sports games. Players are challenged by various teams across at least three cups. As the mode progresses, its difficulty increases. Whether the mode uses a tourament ladder or the table system seen in Super Mario Strikers is unconfirmed. Additionally, Nintendo has not revealed information about a possible secret cup.

Domination Mode
Taking the place of Super Mario Strikers’ exhibition mode, domination mode can be played by up to four players. Two teams are created, and players can choose which team they wish to play on. So far, 1 vs. 1, 2 vs. 2 and 1 vs. 3 matches have been confirmed, but whether all four players can cooperate is unknown.

Strikers Challenges
Only the name of this mode has been revealed. The most logical conclusion is that it may be similar to Mario Kart DS's Mission Mode.

Nintendo WFC Mode
Perhaps the most anticipated mode, players with access to the Internet will be able to play with anyone in their region though Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection (WFC). For example, a player in Europe can play with anyone in that continent, but cannot play with a friend in America. Nintendo excluded worldwide play to avoid lag. Matches are available for any combination of four players on two teams as long as at least one player controls each team.

Matchmaking based on skill level is available for players who choose to play ranked matches. However, it is also possible to play with friends by registering their Wii System Codes beforehand. The downside of this is that points will not be recorded in online ranking.

Each player is identified by the Mii of his or her choosing. Using this system, a “Striker of the Day” is crowned based on the player who earned the most points day-by-day in a three month time period. Points earned in unranked matches are not counted. These points are scored by winning matches and scoring goals. Conversely, a player will lose points if he or she disconnects.

Characters
Each character has his or her individual advantages and disadvantages. However, strategic team creation can serve to offset the disadvantages and play to each individual's advantages.

Captains
The captain is the backbone of the team and the only character that can perform the critical Mega Strike.

Mario

 * Character Type: Balanced
 * Mega Strike: Mario turns into a fiery Metal Mario before mashing the ball.
 * Super Ability: “Super Mario!” Mario grows in size and becomes nearly invincible for a limited time, as if he had eaten a Mega Mushroom
 * Uniform: Mario wears red armor with blue and white accents.
 * Team Emblem: Signature “M” emblem with flames surrounding it.
 * Team Number: 1
 * Ground Entrance: Mario runs up to the opposing sidekicks and tips his hat combatively.
 * Air Entrance: Mario falls from the sky, arms outstretched, making a perfect landing when he reaches the field.
 * Theme: Electric guitar solo

Luigi

 * Character Type: Balanced
 * Mega Strike: Unconfirmed
 * Super Ability: “Super Luigi!” Luigi grows in size and becomes nearly invincible for a limited time, as if he had eaten a Mega Mushroom.
 * Uniform: Luigi wears green armor with blue and white accents.
 * Team Emblem: Signature “L” emblem with electricity surrounding it.
 * Team Number: 2
 * Ground Entrance: Unconfirmed
 * Air Entrance: Unconfirmed
 * Theme: Unconfirmed

Peach

 * Character Type: Playmaker
 * Mega Strike: Peach jumps up as she sprouts wings and a halo then she curls up in a protective position before driving the ball towards the goal.
 * Super Ability: “Freeze Frame!” Using a special camera, Peach can freeze all players around her in place temporarily in a photograph.
 * Uniform: Peach wears pink gear with light yellow and blue accents.
 * Team Emblem: “P” emblem with signature crown above it.
 * Team Number: 10
 * Ground Entrance: Peach gets up from crouching position and struts forward the field in a suggestive manner.
 * Air Entrance: Unconfirmed
 * Theme: A techno tune

Daisy

 * Character Type: Defensive
 * Mega Strike: Unconfirmed.
 * Super Ability: “Crystal Smash!” As of yet unrevealed, Nintendo’s UK site states that the move, “can shield her efforts and devastate opponents.”
 * Uniform: Daisy wears teal gear with orange, white, and yellow accents.
 * Second Uniform: Daisy wears orange gear with teal, white, and yellow accents.
 * Team Emblem: Signature teal and yellow daisy emblem.
 * Team Number: 9
 * Ground Entrance: Unconfirmed
 * Air Entrance: Unconfirmed
 * Theme: Unconfirmed

Yoshi

 * Character Type: Balanced
 * Mega Strike: Flutter jumping to reach the ball, Yoshi sprouts wings as if he had eaten a Blue Shell before swallowing and spitting out the ball towards the goalie.
 * Super Ability: “Egg Roll!” While the exact attack is unknown, this move helps Yoshi score Mega Strikes.
 * Uniform: Yoshi wears green gear with white and blue accents.
 * Second Uniform: Yoshi wears orange gear with blue/dark-purple accents.
 * Team Emblem: Yoshi egg.
 * Team Number: 8
 * Ground Entrance: Unconfirmed
 * Air Entrance: Unconfirmed
 * Theme: Unconfirmed

Waluigi

 * Character Type: Defensive
 * Mega Strike: Waluigi leaps high into the air and forms a deep red vortex behind him before whipping the ball with what appears to be a whip made of lightning.
 * Super Ability: “Wall-Luigi!” Waluigi creates walls around him, allowing him to block opponents while he initiates his Mega Strike.
 * Uniform: Waluigi wears purple armor with black accents.
 * Team Emblem: "Γ" logo.
 * Team Number: 0
 * Ground Entrance:Unconfirmed
 * Air Entrance:Unconfirmed
 * Theme: Unconfirmed

Wario

 * Character Type: Offensive
 * Mega Strike: Wario jumps into the air. Sucking in large amounts of air that almost seem to form a small tornado, he swells up to balloon size and gets a pink face. After rearing back slightly, he unleashes all the air full force into the ball, resulting in a fiery explosion.
 * Super Ability: "Gas Mask!" Wario releases nauseous gas, which confuses/stuns all surrounding players.
 * Uniform: Wario wears yellow armor with purple accents.
 * Team Emblem: Pitchfork “W” emblem.
 * Team Number: 00
 * Ground Entrance: Unconfirmed
 * Air Entrance: Unconfirmed
 * Theme: Unconfirmed

Donkey Kong

 * Character Type: Power
 * Mega Strike: Once in the air, he gathers electricity in his arms and claps the ball, hurling towards the goalie.
 * Super Ability: “Thunder Wham!” By pounding the ground, DK sends shockwaves
 * Uniform: DK wears golden armor with green and red accents.
 * Team Emblem: “DK” emblem.
 * Team Number: 55
 * Ground Entrance: Unconfirmed
 * Air Entrance: Falling from the sky, DK shakes the field upon impact and stares down his opponent.
 * Theme: A jungle drum solo

Bowser

 * Character Type: Unconfirmed
 * Mega Strike: Unconfirmed
 * Super Ability: Unconfirmed
 * Uniform: Orange armor with green accents.
 * Team Emblem: Flames errupting from a spiked shell.
 * Team Number: Unconfirmed
 * Ground Entrance: Unconfirmed
 * Air Entrance: Unconfirmed
 * Theme: Unconfirmed

Diddy Kong

 * Character Type: Unconfirmed
 * Mega Strike: Unconfirmed
 * Super Ability: Unconfirmed
 * Uniform: Unconfirmed
 * Team Emblem: Unconfirmed
 * Team Number: Unconfirmed
 * Ground Entrance: Unconfirmed
 * Air Entrance: Unconfirmed
 * Theme: Unconfirmed

Bowser Jr.

 * Character Type: Unconfirmed
 * Mega Strike: Unconfirmed
 * Super Ability: Unconfirmed
 * Uniform: Unconfirmed
 * Team Emblem: Unconfirmed
 * Team Number: Unconfirmed
 * Ground Entrance: Unconfirmed
 * Air Entrance: Unconfirmed
 * Theme: Unconfirmed

Petey Piranha

 * Character Type: Unconfirmed
 * Mega Strike: Petey rides a beanstalk into the air before performing his shot.
 * Super Ability: Unconfirmed
 * Uniform: Unconfirmed
 * Team Emblem: Unconfirmed
 * Team Number: Unconfirmed
 * Ground Entrance: Unconfirmed
 * Air Entrance: Unconfirmed
 * Theme: Unconfirmed

Sidekicks
While captains usually get all the attention, sidekicks are an important aspect of any team. Unlike Super Mario Strikers, Mario Strikers Charged'' allows for different types of sidekicks to be chosen instead of one type per team. This makes careful knowledge of them more important than ever.

Hammer Bros.
A powerhouse since their first appearance in Super Mario Bros, the Hammer Bros. continue this tradition in their second foray onto the soccer pitch. Hammer Bro. truly shines when passing and shooting, although he is not good at defense. One of the slower characters, he cannot run or attack very well.


 * Character Type: Offensive
 * Skillshot: “Hammer Throw” Aiding his ability to shoot, this move forces goalies to dive out of the way.

Toad
Energetic to the extremes, Toads effectively utilize their energy when playing strikers, especially when passing or running. However, their shots are lacking in strength. Players would be wise to only have Toads make shots only when close to the net. Also, his hits and steals are lacking.


 * Character Type: Playmaker
 * Skillshot: “Fire Meteor” When Toad shoots the ball, it becomes incased in a gigantic fireball that leaves a trail as it careens towards the goal.

Koopa
While they are long time players in the Strikers games, Koopas have only average skills, but they do so consistently. They adapt well to any situation, but the more advanced player may prefer to choose a more specialized sidekick.


 * Character Type: Balanced
 * Skillshot: “Shell Smash” Koopa Troopa sends an attack at the goalie to daze him.

Birdo
Despite an effeminate appearance, Birdos hit the hardest of any of the sidekicks. On top of this, they are famous for their shooting, especially when a shot is turned into a Skillshot.
 * Character Type: Power
 * Skillshot: “Extreme Egg” Encasing a ball in a giant egg, Birdo sends an unblockable shot screaming towards the keeper.

Boo

 * Character Type: Playmaker
 * Skillshot: Boo appears to have the ability to trap the ball within himself. It is logical to assume that this protects him from steals, although it has yet to be confirmed.

Dry Bones

 * Character Type: Defensive
 * Skillshot: While its name is unconfirmed, Dry Bone's Skillshot encases the ball in an electric orb that flies towards the goal.

Monty Mole

 * Character Type: Unconfirmed
 * Skillshot: Unconfirmed

Shy Guy

 * Character Type: Unconfirmed
 * Skillshot: Unconfirmed

Goalies
With the increased control over team formation, it is possible that players may choose their goalies. However, this is highly unlikely as only Kritter has been shown to the public during both demos and screenshots. With the European version coming out within a month, it is unlikely that there is more major information to be revealed.

Stadiums/Fields
Unlike Super Mario Strikers, the new fields in Charged are not clones of one another. Each has its own dangers and gimmicks to keep players on their toes. So far, five of the ten have been seen in demos and in screenshots. Alone with the new fields, the seven classic stadiums from the previous game will also be playable.

The Arenas
The ten new courses are referred to as, “The Arenas” in-game. These courses are dynamic, featuring new dangers and events.

The Vice
Resembling the grass stadiums in the previous game, The Vice features the famous electric fence that protects the audience from flying balls, items, rubble, and even players. Based off of this stadium, the sport appears to have grown in popularity, as there are countless hundreds of players cramming themselves in and craning their necks to see the game. The seating areas are metal themed, with structures resembling giant Warp Pipes. It should be noted that aside from the electric fence, no other special elements have been announced.


 * Rating: Secure
 * Capacity: Unconfirmed
 * Course Element: “Electric Fence” If an attack pushes a player out of bounds, he or she will be caught in this invisible wall and electrocuted. After falling back to the ground, characters twitch a while before returning to play.

Thunder Island
A dark, ominous course, Thunder Island is also one of the most dangerous. Located on the top of an island amid foggy waters, players who move or are pushed out of bounds are not stopped by an electric fence. Instead, they tumble down the cliff and appear on the center of the field shortly after. Matches are played during thunder storms, increasing the danger. Audience members sit safely in seats attached to the cliff of a nearby island.


 * Rating: Lethal
 * Capacity: Unconfirmed
 * Course Element: “Thunder Storm” The storm brings with it two challenges: lighting and wind. Bursts of electricity frequently strike and may be attracted to the ball.  It is not uncommon for Cheep-Cheeps, cows, and trucks to fly across the field.  The wind may also push players.

The Sand Tomb
Set in the middle a desert and built around ancient ruins. Giant stone Thwomps guard the middle horizontal section of the field. While players may use the sides to avoid danger, the sand on the sides prevents the fast pace typical to other fields. This course does not feature seating for fans due to the surrounding pillars and the structure that resembles a Mayan temple.


 * Rating: Unconfirmed
 * Capacity: Unconfirmed
 * Course Element: “Thwomp” While his exact attack pattern is unknown, Thwomp crushes unfortunate players beneath him.

Mud Field (conjectural name)
A field made of dirt, this course becomes a muddy mess during rain storms. While the rain may be a course element, no information regarding the course suggests that the rain ever stops during a game. The mud may also make players move more slowly.


 * Rating: Unconfirmed
 * Capacity: Unconfirmed
 * Course Element: Unconfirmed

Lava Field (conjectural name)


This field is made of dark rock. Lava glows through holes in the field to act as boundary markings and field lines. Surrounded by a pool of lava, this course does not appear to have a stadium or electric fence. What looks like mechanical or castle pillars surround it.


 * Rating: Unconfirmed
 * Capacity: Unconfirmed
 * Course Element: Unconfirmed

Western Field (conjectural name)
Seen only in a single screenshot in the Nintendo World Book, very little is known about this stage. Wario and Waluigi have been seen playing next to large rocks.


 * Rating: Unconfirmed
 * Capacity: Unconfirmed
 * Course Element: Unconfirmed

The Classics
All of the original seven courses from Super Mario Strikers are playable. Known as “The Classics,” they have had no new additions. Each course retains its famous electric fence, but since Bowser is included as a playable character, Bowser attacks are unlikely to have crossed-over.

The Palace
Located in the Mushroom Kingdom, this grass field was home to the first tournament’s Mushroom Cup. While it is currently a soccer pitch, it was the residence of a royal family at one point. Visiting the course is a must for hardcore fans of the sport.


 * Rating: Unconfirmed
 * Capacity: 15,000
 * Course Element: “Electric Fence” If an attack pushes a player out of bounds, he or she will be caught in this invisible wall and electrocuted. After falling back to the ground, characters twitch a while before returning to play.

Pipeline Central
Created in honor of Mario and Luigi, Pipeline Central is on top of a skyscraper a futuristic city of the Mushroom Kingdom. In the first tourney, it was home to the Flower Cup.


 * Rating: Unconfirmed
 * Capacity: 15,000
 * Course Element: “Electric Fence” If an attack pushes a player out of bounds, he or she will be caught in this invisible wall and electrocuted. After falling back to the ground, characters twitch a while before returning to play.

The Underground
Wario and Waluigi supplied the funding for The Underground, the subterranean course which served as the Star Cup’s home in the previous title. It features unique seating, with stylized W’s separating the sections.


 * Rating: Unconfirmed
 * Capacity: 35,000
 * Course Element: “Electric Fence” If an attack pushes a player out of bounds, he or she will be caught in this invisible wall and electrocuted. After falling back to the ground, characters twitch a while before returning to play.

Crater Field
Surrounded by large boulders on Yoshi’s Island, Crater Field has an unorthodox design. While its grass field is traditional, spectators are kept many different pods surrounded by large, arching sheets tinted glass. It played host to the Super Flower Cup in "Super Mario Strikers."


 * Rating: Unconfirmed
 * Capacity: 42,000
 * Course Element: “Electric Fence” If an attack pushes a player out of bounds, he or she will be caught in this invisible wall and electrocuted. After falling back to the ground, characters twitch a while before returning to play.

Konga Coliseum
Donkey Kong Island’s stadium, Konga Coliseum is famous for its destructible wooden floor. Small ponds of water add to the jungle atmosphere of the stadium. It once housed the Super Flower Cup in the events of "Super Mario Strikers."


 * Rating: Unconfirmed
 * Capacity: 31,000
 * Course Element: “Electric Fence” If an attack pushes a player out of bounds, he or she will be caught in this invisible wall and electrocuted. After falling back to the ground, characters twitch a while before returning to play.

The Battle Dome
Situated in Bowser's Castle, The Battle Dome is largely filled by Bowser’s minions. Featuring a metal field and a large glass dome, the ominous stadium served as the home of the Super Star Cup in "Super Mario Strikers."


 * Rating: Unconfirmed
 * Capacity: 68,000
 * Course Element: “Electric Fence” If an attack pushes a player out of bounds, he or she will be caught in this invisible wall and electrocuted. After falling back to the ground, characters twitch a while before returning to play.

Bowser Stadium
A characterization of the extreme nature of the Strikers sport, Bowser Stadium is located in Deep Space and served as the symbol of the Bowser and Super Bowser Cups. It’s field is a blue rubber compound. Some of the structures of this stadium resemble Eggman, the robot in the next level games logo.


 * Rating: Unconfirmed
 * Capacity: 50,000
 * Course Element: “Electric Fence” If an attack pushes a player out of bounds, he or she will be caught in this invisible wall and electrocuted. After falling back to the ground, characters twitch a while before returning to play.

Items
One of the most critical elements of a team’s strategy is its use of items. Regardless of which player earned an item, any member of that player’s team may use it. However, this may not be true of the special items that activate a captain’s Super Ability.

Offensive Items
In keeping with the combative nature of the Strikers sport, the many offensive items at the disposal of players are cinematic and devastating. These items are the most useful in blocking Mega Strikes, clearing the field for a Mega Strike, or to simply gain possession of the ball.

Bananas
A staple of the Mario sports series, Bananas again play the role of a landmine. Players who touch a Banana peel fall to the ground and loose the ball if in possession. Bananas come in sets of three normal sized items. Whether a giant version is in the game, such as the Giant Banana from Mario Kart: Double Dash!!.

Green Shells
Green Shells are the basic projectile item. They do not home in on players, but because they come in sets of three, they are very effective at close range. If they make contact with a wall, they ricochet off. However, they are destroyed upon contact with a player. The player will react as if

Giant Green Shells
Unlike its miniature counterpart, the Giant Green Shell is a devastating item. While it’s movement pattern is the same, it does not disintegrate upon its first impact with an item or player. Only one can be fired at a time.

Red Shells
A more advanced projectile weapon than the Green Shell, the Red Shell homes down the nearest opposing player. They come in sets of three, making them useful both for clearing the field for a Mega Strike or taking possession of the ball. However, not all three usually reach targets. Often, they break into pieces by hitting a wall.

Giant Red Shells
The Giant Red Shell is more robust than the normal Red Shell. It will bounce off of walls for a number of times before crumbling. As soon as it bowls over one player, its homing abilities are nullified and it acts as a Giant Green Shell. Only one can be fired at a time.

Blue Shells
The Blue Shell utilizes a similar movement pattern to the Green Shell and also comes in packs of three which are deployed at the same time. However, Blue Shells bounce off walls until they come in contact with a player. The character is then encased in ice, effectively stunning him or her for a few seconds.

Giant Blue Shells
Larger than the basic blue shell, the Giant Blue Shell follows the same movement pattern and also freezes characters. They can only be released one at a time.

Spiny Shells
While they have the same effects on players as the Green Shells, Spiny Shells are much more durable and will bounce off walls twice before falling apart. During this period, they can run over players an infinite number of times.

Giant Spiny Shells
The difference between Giant Spiny Shells and Spiny Shells is comparable to the differences between Giant Blue Shells and Blue Shells. The movement patterns of both versions are the same. The difference between the types of Spiny Shells is their size. Also, only one can be fired at a time.

Bob-Ombs
Some of the most devastating items in the game, Bob-ombs come in sets of three, deployed in front of the player. They cause tremendous explosions that literally ram players into the field. Unlike in other games, the player who deploys the Bob-ombs cannot be injured by them as they explode on contact with the ground, although their teammates can.

Giant Bob-ombs
The largest item-based explosive in the game, the Giant Bob-omb can only be fired one at a time. However, the size of the explosion is much greater than that of an individual Bob-omb. The blast radius is much larger, although the attack is not as wide as that of three normal sized Bob-ombs.

Chain Chomps
While the Mario Kart games had the Lightning item, Strikers tournaments use the Chain Chomp. Systematically attacking every single player on the opposing team by ramming them into the ground, the Chain Chomp is can easily turn the tide of the game. If the user’s team is not in possession of the ball, the Chain Chomp will fall onto the pitch right on top of the player in possession. The item is very rare.

Defensive Items
With the exception of the Super Ability items, there are only two defensive items in the game. Defensive items beef up the user and are particularly useful for scoring goals without the use of Mega Strikes.

Mushrooms
Unlike Super Mushrooms, the Mushroom only makes characters faster. This item is especially effective when surrounded by the opposing team. Running can further increase its usefulness.

Stars
The defensive equivalent of the Chain Chomp, Stars make players invincible for a short period of time. This item is useful for turning the tide of the game and for scoring any time of goal.

Super Ability Items
Captains have special abilities called Super Abilities. These skills are some of the most effective methods of changing the tide of the game. The following list is incomplete but will be expanded as more items are revealed. It is predicted that players will only be able to use them while controlling a captain.

Mario’s Head
This item turns Mario into Super Mario, as if he had eaten a Mega Mushroom. While in this form, he can mow down other players and is invulnerable to attack.
 * Captain: Mario
 * Super Ability: “Super Mario!”

Luigi’s Head

 * Captain: Luigi
 * Super Ability: “Super Luigi!”

This item turns Luigi into Super Luigi, as if he had eaten a Mega Mushroom. While in this form, he can mow down other players and is invulnerable to attack.

Camera

 * Captain: Peach
 * Super Ability: “Freeze Frame!”

With a click of the camera, players can lock the characters around Peach in a photograph. This is particularly useful to use before performing a Mega Strike.

DK’s Head

 * Captain: Donkey Kong
 * Super Ability: “Thunder Wham!”

When Donkey Kong uses this item, he is able to pound the ground with electric shockwaves. This forces surrounding players to the ground, but DK must stop to use it.

Flame

 * Captain: Unconfirmed
 * Super Ability: Unconfirmed

Only seen in Bowser’s inventory, the Flame is most likely his Super Ability item. Bowser has also been seen using his famous fire breath. With this data, it is almost certain that the Flame item allows him to perform it.