| Super Mario Spikers | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Developer | Next Level Games |
| Publisher | Nintendo |
| Series | Mario Sports |
| Platform | Wii |
| Release | Cancelled |
| Genre | Sports game |
| Modes | Single player,multiplayer |
Super Mario Spikers was a cancelled video game developed byNext Level Games, planned for release on theWiivideo 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.
The game was described as a hybrid ofvolleyball andwrestling, with elements of agame show.[1]
Development of the game began in late 2006, shortly afterNext Level Games had completedMario Strikers Charged.[2] As a reward for the success of the prior twoMario Strikers adaptations of theMario franchise to the world ofsoccer, and Nintendo's general success with creatingsports adaptations withMario characters, Nintendo financed Next Level Games' efforts to create a pitch for avolleyball game.[2] The title started off asMario Volleyball, a simple take onMario characters playing volleyball, similar toMario Golf orMario Tennis.[3] Over time, the development team decided to implement elements ofwrestling to the game, changing the title toSuper Mario Spikers and adding more aggressive gameplay, making it more similar to their two priorMario soccer games in both title and concept.[2] This decision was inspired by Next Level Games' involvement in also developing a cancelledWWE game prior toSuper Mario Strikers.[3]
Nintendo was initially open to the idea, giving the budget to follow through as a reward for the completion ofMario Strikers Charged.[4][5] However, after Nintendo saw the team's pitch, it was notgreen-lit due to the level of violence present.[6][2][4] A playable prototype was created before development ceased in 2007.[6][1] An unnamed member of the development team stated that the game clashing with Nintendo's "code of honor" was the reason for its rejection.[3]
The game went entirely unannounced until information on it was leaked by the video game website "Unseen 64" in September 2014.[7] Only test footage and concept art were ever released from the project.[8][9] Despite Nintendo passing on the game, Next Level Games would continue to work with Nintendo and their properties, with the team next developing the Wii console'sPunch-Out!!,[7] andLuigi's Mansion: Dark Moon.[2]
Video game journalists lamented the game's cancellation.[8][9]IGN included it on its October 2014 feature of "10 Most Heartbreaking Game Cancellations", likening the game's potential toU.S. Championship V'Ball.[10]Kotaku writer Alex Walker featured it in his list of cancelled games Nintendo could revive.[4]GamesRadar felt that it was understandable why Nintendo did not green-light the project, citing an animation whereWaluigi stomps on a downedMario as being exceedingly violent for aMario game.[11]
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