PlayStation 2

Sega Soccer Slam

Despite the graphical issues, Sega Soccer Slam is still a highly enjoyable, fast-paced game of soccer that will inevitably set the bar by which all other games of this type will be judged. The gameplay is fun and easy to learn, the visual style is distinctive, and the addition of new characters and minigames to the PlayStation 2 version makes up for the minor technical shortcomings.

SEGA Soccer Slam is a solid title that's hampered by some questionable graphics. The game itself is a kick. The single-player game offers a good amount of depth, and the multiplayer game is the stuff that great parties are made of. Ideally, the title would have supported online play, but when the framerate is this iffy, I don't want to think what it would be like if phone lines and modems got involved. If you're living a multi-consoled existence, I would definitely opt for one of the other versions of the game, but if you're a PS2 owner that's willing to deal with some minor graphics hassles, Slam is a good way to see what real soccer should be like.

When it all comes down to the wire, Sega Soccer Slam is still a soccer game. Off-the-wall characters, no rules matches -- they might attract more attention to the title than if it were a traditional-style soccer game. But soccer is soccer is soccer is soccer. That's not a bad thing. Soccer Slam is an innovative title, and it presents an excellent strategy to market a sport that receives little attention here in the U.S. It's hard to ignore Soccer Slam -- that is, oncea gamer is sitting down and playing it.

Great concept, excellent execution, bad port. That’s what the PS2 version of this game is in a nutshell. Luckily, the addictive gameplay mechanics and entertaining aural niceties made the cut, but the unattractive visuals and inconsistent framerate can be quite noticeable at times. Rent first.

Malheureusement les grosses lacunes en terme de réalisation font de Soccer Slam sur PS2 un titre frustrant. On sent tout le potentiel d'un gameplay à la fois fun et original gâché par une dimension technique qui ne suit pas. Dommage.

This game is fully capable of producing an excellent party sensation, but don't count on it providing the same long-term quality play as ISS or FIFA. The novelty just wears off so quickly it's difficult to recommend this to any serious soccer player.