SOCCER is a sports video game created by Intelligent Systems and published by Nintendo for the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES). It was released in Japan and North Ameria in 1985, and Europe got it in 1987.
This was one of the few NES sports games always included in pirated compilation games cartridges sold in the Philippines during the height of the NES/Famicom popularity during the early 1990s.
The Story
You've got to be quick on your feet to play with Nintendo's SOCCER!
Enjoy some World Cup football action as you play your team to victory! Perform pro moves just like in a real damn soccer match. You can get to choose a computer team or a friend as your opponent. Then select the head-to-head type of competition that youll control just with your fingertips! If you do miss out on this must-have Nintendo game pak, youll be kicking yourself!
The Graphics and Sound
You have to excuse it as a game released in 1985. Really, you could not expect much. The character sprites have absolutely no detail on them. A nice touch were the cheerleaders.
There is very little music in the game. There is the usual title theme, some minor themes playing sometimes in the background, and that cheerleader dance routine. The limited sound effects are only about the ball being handled in the field.
The Gameplay
For the-mid 1980s, it was sort of interesting. The game is damn simple. Get the ball, push it down the field, pass it few times, kick to the goal. Steal the ball from the computer and shoot the goal again. Block enemy shot, etc. It is quite simple, pretty amusing, and a bit addictive. No complaints there.
You can adjust the game's difficulty. You can also play as other teams, although they are the same in moves. The only plus for replay value is the multi-player that is included in the game. I guess that is sort of fun to try out with friends and a little betting money on the side.
My Verdict
It is a soccer game. Not an epic game, but not that bad, really. Just give it a try to see how you will like it. The gameplay could have used some work by the developers, and the one player mode is not the best thing out there. Many wasted hours can be spent playing the multiplayer, though. If you and your buddies want a sports versus gaming fix, and you dig soccer, here it is.
SOCCER your way on the NES or on emulators.