Sensible Soccer 2006 – Review

Thanks to seemingly lifeless teenage years spent with Sensible Soccer way back in the 1990s, it came as delightful news to hear that Codemasters were set to release a fresh version of Sensible Soccer on the PlayStation 2 (and Xbox/PC). Yet it was difficult to stifle visions of the new game being nothing like the superb football title responsible for sucking away half of the 1990s, and that Codemasters would have duly ruined what, for this reviewer, remains the best football videogame of all time.

Despite trembling hands, a rushing heartbeat, and baited breath, the disc clicked into the waiting PlayStation 2 and a wave of relief accompanied the blessed appearance of the old familiar Sensible Soccer title screen; it looked just like it did when the game was first released on the Commodore Amiga in 1992. So, with anticipation rising, a swift click on ‘Friendly’ saw proceedings off to the selection of competing teams.

Sensible Soccer is not FIFA where licensing is concerned—it’s not even Pro Evolution—so the first thing to expect is that teams such as Arsenal and Chelsea are geographically and generically titled as ‘London Reds’ and ‘London Blues’ respectively. Also, player names suffer a similar fate in Sensible Soccer; for example, Arsenal striker (Thierry) Henry is known as Hanry. Those gamers craving to see real team and player names can take advantage of an edit function that will allow for the complete overhaul of the game’s text database—if you’ve a spare week handy.

Now, let’s move on to the game itself. Sensible Soccer offers up the choice between preset Leagues, Cups and Tournaments using either Club teams or International teams, the latter of which can be selected through regions such as Europe and Africa. However, the European section only contains 16 international choices, with such teams as Scotland, The Republic of Ireland, and Wales, all sadly missing from the roll call—even lowly San Marino are absent, who exist as this reviewer’s favorite football whipping boys. The Club option grants the choice of Top league clubs, which contains all 20 (renamed) English Premier League teams. Or there’s Other which offers 24 Nationwide league teams—but that’s about it in terms of usable league clubs.

Sensible Soccer really feels very similar to the version first experienced on the Amiga, but here the team players are slightly more detailed and shown in a more definite 3D (unlike the classic top-down 2D Sensible Soccer camera angle). Subsequently players move with much more authenticity and are considerably more believable in terms of realistic animation—regardless of their comedic oversized craniums.

The camera and screen actions initially feel a little jerky but, after a few minutes of constant gameplay, players’ eyes should drop into a steady rhythm and the game’s controls will quickly fall into place soon after. Before long players should be executing mazy dribbles that Ronaldinho would be proud of whilst also tackling and shooting with confidence thanks to the simple accessibility delivered by the limited player controls. Moreover, it’s not unfair to say that the game’s more defined arcade history and influence will likely see hardcore FIFA fanatics and passionate Pro-Evolution players suddenly back on an even playing field in Sensible Soccer (nice pun—Ed).

Aesthetically, Sensible Soccer is crisp and clear in the graphics department, without losing itself within unnecessary detailing. Players run well with the ball and also slide tackle convincingly—even the odd overhead kick comes into play for a burst of pizzazz. However, everything remains very simple but easy on the eye, there’s nothing that could in any way detract from the immediacy of the gameplay—which is absolutely the most important factor in most games, and certainly in sports titles. Sound is similarly simple but effective. Non-descript crowd chants accompany matches, and the occasional “boo” also filters through as well. The dull thud of players kicking the ball does perhaps grow a little repetitive, though it’s certainly faithful to the original Sensible Soccer in that sense. Either way, the sound as a whole isn’t overly important when it comes to enjoying the game, and near-silent forays in the middle of the night won’t be spoiled by the lack of aural oomph.

Considering the wealth of female football teams, both national and international, and the stars who are emerging from the women’s game, it would have been nice for Codemasters to have included female teams alongside those of the men. Of course, the game’s edit function ‘technically’ allows for the creation of girly names amid male players sporting borderline sexual ambiguity—but it’s not really the same thing.

Modern videogames are a little disappointing where becoming engrossed in their gameplay is concerned—at least beyond those obvious titles such as GTA, ToCa, Gran Turismo, and Black—but Sensible Soccer manages to successfully draw in the player (and their multiplayer friends) due to its sense of immediacy and simply-constructed gameplay. There are no complex control combos or analogue swivels on show here, no convoluted strategy component, or mind-numbing 20-year career. No, it’s nothing more than pass, shoot, and tackle right from the outset. In short, Sensible Soccer is a fun game that will keep you coming back for months on end.

Review by Danny (The Doc)