E308: Wii Fanboy bats-on with Mario Super Sluggers

Seeing as how the game has been out in Japan for quite some time now (and releasing here in little over a month), you've probably seen and heard all their is to Mario Super Sluggers. But, we'd be remiss if we didn't do our duty and sit down with the game and enjoy some time at the ballpark.

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There isn't much to reveal in the way of game facts that haven't already been featured on our very own site. We've basically seen all of the unlockable stadiums, as well as the roster of characters that will be available in the game. But, that doesn't mean there isn't some stuff worth mentioning.

First of all, the list of playable characters is pretty huge. With each of the characters, they have several different ability ratings. There's hitting, pitching, speed and running. Also, depending on where you place certain characters, they have a chance to gel with one another and increase their abilities.

Just like the previous Namco-developed baseball game, Mario Super Sluggers is very much an automated affair. You don't control the outfielding and the hitting and pitching are very simplified. But, anyone signing up for Mario Super Sluggers won't be concerned about these things so much as how fun it is and how the controls are.

As for the controls, it's motion-based, with a little dash of button pushing sprinkled in for good measure. When pitching, if you hold down the A button and pull back on the Wiimote, you'll start charging your pitch. When the charge reaches its maximum, you flick the Wiimote forward and, depending on your timing, will toss a pretty fast or slow, arcing pitch. When hitting, you pretty much do the same thing, and charge up your bat, swinging the Wiimote when you're at your maximum, given the ball is flying over the plate. So, with the controls, timing plays a big part.

Regarding the fun, well, what can I say? It is fun, and when I played against the Nintendo rep, it seemed like this would be a good title to enjoy with a friend (it supports up to four players locally, as well). Overall, I found Mario Super Sluggers to be a fun title that will undoubtedly provide gamers will several hours of entertainment when it releases next month.