As the sequel to Super Mario Strikers, Mario Strikers Charged is indeed a step up. While that game was a more traditional soccer game with some added features, MSC is soccer on steroids. The ball is now metal and the players wear armour. That alone should give you a feel for where this game is going. The gameplay is about the same from SMS so no real improvements there, but the graphics are better and the new power shots are a bonus. If you liked the first one, then you should enjoy this sequel.