Sports games are tough to review, because there are so many out there and loads of them are pretty similar. And in all honesty playing golf on a computer can only be so exciting and that is why I really love playing soccer games, and have been a big fan of them since I was a kid. But i find it difficult to find games that simulate the on-field action, and hate it when the graphics are lousy or the sound effects are irritating.
That's the great thing about this game: it's easy to follow and get into. There's a great selection of teams and the graphics are unlike many soccer games I've played. Microsoft, being the trusted name that they are, never fail to deliver on the gaming front. And yet again they've hit the nail on the head. The action is as close as it could be to that of a real match and you get a sense of involvement with the atmosphere that a lot of other games are missing.
The details of the players and the field is fabulous, I do however resent the fact that you can't choose to include well known players on your team - that's
a bit of a bummer in sports games. But I think the speed and graphics really make up for any short falls which might be apparent. As well as this, I really like the structure of the game, there are lots of options of how to play e.g. tournament play, single game etc.
I know this game gets looked over a lot for it's seeming lack of complexity when compared to EA games, but there's something reminiscent about the whole simplicity of it which really takes me back to the great old school structure of games: simple camera angles, all about the action without too much technicality. The game is able to keep its fast pace because it is not bogged down by too many extras that just break the momentum of the game. It concentrates on good game play. That's what I think I play sports games for - and when you consider the top notch graphics (for its day) I'm definitely a big fan of this one!
Worldwide Soccer is another favourite, but I don't think it's really appropriate to compare the two since I think they're aiming to achieve different outcomes... Just my thoughts! I've become really addicted to this game, to the point where my flat mate thinks it's interfering with my uni degree! However, it's such fun to play I'd highly recommend it to any one out there looking for a bit of a distraction and a bit of fun... Watch out soccer fans! Australia is in the world cup! Woo
