Super Mario Spikers is a cancelled video game developed by Next Level Games, planned for release on the Wii video game console. The game was worked on in 2006 and 2007, but never formally announced as a title in development until a prototype was leaked in 2014.
Video Super Mario Spikers
Gameplay
The game was described as a hybrid of volleyball and wrestling, with elements of a game show as well.
Maps Super Mario Spikers
Development
Development of the game began in late 2006, shortly after Next Level Games had completed Mario Strikers Charged. As a reward for the success of the prior two Mario Strikers adaptations of the Mario franchise to the world of Soccer, and Nintendo's general success with creating sports adaptations with Mario characters, Nintendo financed Next Level Games efforts to create a pitch for a volleyball game. The title started off as Mario Volleyball, a simple take on Mario characters playing volleyball, similar to Mario Golf or Mario Tennis. Over time, the development team decided to implement elements of wrestling to the game, changing the title to Super Mario Spikers and adding more aggressive gameplay, making it more similar to their two prior Mario soccer games in both title and concept. This move was inspired by Next Level Games' involvement in also developing a cancelled WWE game prior to Super Mario Strikers.
Nintendo, while open to the idea at first, did not green-light the project after seeing the teams's pitch. All work on the title ceased in 2007. An unnamed member of the development team stated that the game clashing with Nintendo's "code of honor" was the reason for its rejection.
Aftermath and legacy
The game went entirely unannounced until information on the game was leaked by video game website "Unseen 64" in September 2014. Only test footage and concept art were ever released from the project. Despite Nintendo passing on the game, Next Level Games would continue to work with Nintendo with their properties, with the team next developing 2009's Punch-Out!! (Wii), and Luigi's Mansion: Dark Moon.
Many video game journalists lamented the game's cancellation due to its original premise. IGN included it on its October 2014 feature of "10 Most Heartbreaking Game Cancellations", likening the game's potential to U.S. Championship V'Ball. Other journalists felt that the game's combination was "strange".
See also
- Super Mario Strikers - Next Level Games' first soccer title with Mario characters.
- Mario Sports Mix - Nintendo's eventual 2011 venture into volleyball with Mario characters, instead developed by Square Enix.
References
External links
- Unseen 64 - Information on initial pitch
Source of article : Wikipedia
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