Fans of the Mario Strikers franchise have had to wait 15 years for a new installment, but their prayers have finally been answered, as Mario Strikers: Battle League was released on June 10 for the Nintendo Switch. The gameplay is full of the fast-paced chaotic fun that made the earlier GameCube and Wii games so popular. Of course, several new additions have also been added to help modernize the franchise.
The complexity of the gameplay is the most noticeable difference, as skills such as timed shots, through balls, charged tackles and team tackles all advance the basics of the previous entries. As a result, mastering everything the game has to offer can be a challenge for both new and old players. Whether working through the game's six Cup Battles or joining an online squad, here are five tips and tricks to become the ultimate Battle League player.
Placing Characters into Positions Will Maximize Their Effectiveness
Before players can even think about kicking (or in some cases, punching or belly slamming) a ball, they must first choose a squad of four Nintendo mascots. Each character has their own unique stats, which dictate their effectiveness in different areas of the game. For example, Bowser has a high strength stat, making him ideal as a defensive player. Rosalina, on the other hand, excels at shooting, making her a perfect forward. In-game, players should focus on maximizing each character's effectiveness by keeping them in their positions.
It can be easy to get mixed up in the game's chaos, but ensuring that it's Rosalina, rather than Bowser, who's positioned to take the decisive shot could be the margin between victory and defeat. Players should also choose gear that enhances their characters' strengths, rather than trying to make well-rounded characters by improving their weaknesses. For example, given that strength-based characters should predominantly stay in defense anyway, they won't need great speed or shooting. The reverse is true of more offensive players. Therefore, bolstering the traits that each character will use most will prove to be more useful.
Optimizing Item Use Will Give Players the Upper Hand
It can be tempting to use items as soon as they're picked up. However, immediate use isn't the best policy. Instead, players should wait for a key moment, such as when an opponent is either about to shoot or tackle a teammate who's charging up a Super Strike. By saving items for these moments, players are given the best chance of coming out on top in these decisive battles. Having said that, items are available fairly frequently throughout the game and each team can only hold two, so don't keep them for too long. Finding the right balance will be key.
Following Up Super Strikes Will Provide a Great Chance to Score
Super Strikes are special shots that when scored, count as two goals. However, pulling off the perfect Super Strike isn't easy, and as a result, some may get blocked by the goalkeeper, who will consequently be stunned for a few moments. The goalkeeper will likely parry the shot back out to the edge of the box, either directly in front, or to the sides. With this knowledge, players can put their characters into these positions so that any rebounded strike can immediately be shot back at the goal for another chance to score. Defensively, players should do the same to protect their stunned goalkeeper and ensure they keep the upper hand.
Learning How the Goalkeepers Work Can Help Offensively
The goalkeepers in Battle League can either be incredibly good or painfully bad. Understanding their weak spots will be key to beating them. One important thing to note is that when shooting from long range, the goalkeeper stands a long way off the goal line. Therefore, pulling the left analog stick backward to elevate the strike will give it a high chance of going in over their head. Releasing the A button just as the shooter's possession circle turns blue will release a "perfect" strike, making a goal even more likely. From close range, shooting low by pushing the left analog stick forward will be more beneficial, as it's harder for the goalkeeper to get down to block.
Mastering a Well-Timed Dodge Can Create Space to Play
It's easy to forget about Battle League's dodge button while frantically trying to dribble, pass or shoot on such a confined pitch. However, it's a skill that is crucial to gaining an advantage. The best and easiest place to pull off a successful dodge is when charging up a shot.
Opponents charging up a tackle can easily be spotted by their glowing arrows, so players should keep an eye out for these before dodging just as the tackle is put into play. Doing so at the very last moment will pull off a "perfect" dodge, granting the player a boost of speed which can be valuable for creating space to play. It's also one of the most satisfying moves to pull off. Combining these skills will certainly take practice, but those that do will be well on their way to many Battle League victories.
