Nintendo has an uncanny ability to turn its hand to any genre of game and deliver something fresh and exciting. Everyone's favourite plumber Mario has already had outings on the golf course and tennis court, but never on the football – sorry, soccer – pitch. With the unveiling of Super Mario Strikers at E3 this year, Nintendo is hoping to deliver a fun slice of gaming to footy fans everywhere.

Wario doesn't care where the ball is, its all about the pounding!

The screenshots and trailer for Super Mario Strikers shows off everything we've come to expect from Nintendo and from titles such as Mario Power Tennis and Mario Golf – charming, colourful graphics and fast-paced gameplay. This is not Pro Evolution Soccer: the emphasis is on action, not simulation!

From the video it appears that the game is a five-a-side affair, with Mario, Luigi, Donkey Kong and the rest of the Nintendo gang leading out teams of similarly themed characters, such as a side made up of four Toads. Passing, shooting and sprinting are accounted for, and the C-stick can be used to dodge incoming tackles. The stadium is typically Nintendo, with the crowd made up of Toads and Shy-Guys. On the field, in keeping with the hectic five-a-side nature of things, the play is kept going with the ball bouncing off the sidelines, rather than slowing up the game with throw-ins or set pieces.

Mario showcases plumbers athleticism.

As with Mario Power Tennis, Mario and friends can draw upon a host of special power shots, with players charging up and unleashing explosive shots and volleys, and power-ups such as Koopa shells and banana peels also figure heavily. Multiplayer will doubtless be a blast with Nintendo's track record of enjoyable and accessible two to four player games.

Super Mario Strikers is probably most reminiscent of the recent Sega Soccer Slam, with its arcade feel and over-the-top action. While that game perhaps relied too heavily on gameplay gimmicks, it seems that Nintendo will concentrate first and foremost on delivering a tightly controlled arcade experience. It is looking very promising for Nintendo and footy fans, although it's to be hoped that the power shots do not detract from the gameplay as they did in Mario Power Tennis.

Although the release date is yet to be announced, Super Mario Strikers should kick-off in Europe by the end of the year.