Total Soccer

The Good
This game has an amazing ability to get you hooked like few other games can. It grows into you with it's simplicity, yet it's challenging enough to require hours to master the higher levels, and varied enough to keep you trying new tactics and plays.

It was a good soccer game when released, and is still the most straight-forward, fun soccer game I have ever played, even though graphics were never good in anyones standards. Just try a curveball shoot or pass, and you'll know what I'm talking about. The action is so good I have yet to see an EA FIFA Soccer attempt that challenges this title.

To sum it up, it does what it sets out to do - a simple, arcade oriented soccer game - and does it better than anyone.

The Bad
What it sets out to do might not be everyone's cup of tea. It is a bit too simplistic, both in controls, and team and tactics management (not to mention the graphics, which serve well, but are extremely limited). The computer chooses which player you'll control, depending on his distance to the ball; you have no control over the goalie; there are just two buttons - pass and shoot; too little control over tackling makes for excessive fouls and bookings.

The more complex options which you can play with, like league or championship, have absolutely no presentation, other than the arrangement of the games and points, which limits replay-value. Also, the team and players stats lack certain credibility, although most players are the real-thing.

The Bottom Line
If you want a simple, fast-paced footy game, look no further. If you're nostalgic about the days when Microprose Soccer or Sensible Soccer ruled the sports genre, look no further. If you dig funky soundtracks, motion captured moves, play-by-play commentary, production values, look elsewhere. But every soccer game fan should try this one at least once.