Wallop an opponent off-the-ball and the consequence is that the other team receives an item, but clashes are constantly happening all over the pitch. Full contact is not only allowed but actively encouraged players charging up flying kicks and barges to clatter unsuspecting opponents into the electrified walls. Games are four-on-four (plus a goalkeeper) and take place within a small, enclosed arena where the ball skitters around at velocity. Mind you, for all that football is the name of the game, Mario’s version is arguably more akin to a particularly chaotic version of ice hockey.

It trips with a notable lack of depth, even compared to previous games, but its action is intoxicating enough on its own. This latest Switch version –Battle League Football, which comes an inexplicable 15 years since the last one– aims for the same goal. The previous two Mario Strikers have been winners, matching decent football with Mario’s trademark mania. Manchester City might have been easier to catch this season if centre-backs could start throwing giant turtle shells at Kevin de Bruyne. He is Italian, after all, plus the freneticism and chaos of the speed-boosting mushrooms, banana skins and bob-ombs birthed from Mario Kart have a fierce and hilarious impact on the pitch. Football has always been a terrific fit for Mario’s sporting career.

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