"Finally, a Mario sport game that isn't lame."
The selection menu could possibly be the worst part about this game, seeing as how the background music is dimmed and all you're left with are blocky shapes that are simply highlighted to represent selection. Another flaw I saw was that the characters you can choose from don't really differ all that much from one another. In fact, the arenas don't either. It's all the same old thing through and through.
However, when the game first began, I picked up the controls easily and I was thrown into the most hectic and down right enjoyable soccer game I've ever played. During the game, you can use classic Mario items such as shells, Bob-ombs, and even Chain Chomps to work your way up to the top.
If items don't tickle your fancy, the fact that no rules are applied to this game just might. You can slide and steal the ball from your opponent, but if that doesn't work, try body checking them into the surrounding electrical fence.
Another factor that's a nice twist is the occasional appearance of Bowser who, like in every Mario game to date, creates chaos during gameplay.
Each team captain also has the ability to attempt a Superstrike which, if successful, can earn your team 2 points. It can be overused though, which can grow annoying at times when versing with, at most, 3 other people.
It was after my first match I found myself saying, "Finally, a Mario sport game that isn't lame."
So, all in all, we can all rest assured to know this game has potential. It lacked a lot this go around, but unless you're someone whose uptight about how selection menus should look, I recommend you try this game. As for me, I'm hoping someday we can experience Mario Rugby, but this is close enough.