"Strikers" is a sports game incorporating characters and themes from the "Mario" franchise. The game features the basic aspects and objectives of a football game, although no referees are present and characters can legitimately shove others out of possession of the ball. As in other games such as "Mario Power Tennis", the player can use "Mario"-themed items such as bananas and red shells to hinder the opposition and gain the advantage. Each team's captain can use "Super Strikes" that, if timed accurately, will result in two points scored for the striker's team. Each team comprises a goal keeper, a main "Mario" character (captain), and three of the same secondary "Mario" characters known as "sidekicks".