Online Soccer

Game Description

Soccer, released in 1985, is one of the first attempts to depict soccer on the NES console. The game was created at a time when sports games were just beginning to gain popularity on home consoles, and developers were experimenting with various aspects of gameplay.

Gameplay

Soccer in 1985 presents a basic approach to soccer simulation. The player has the option to choose their team and compete against an opponent in a single match or tournament. The game mechanics include basic elements of soccer, such as ball kicking, dribbling, and also strategic elements related to skillful maneuvering of players on the field.

There are seven teams available in the game: USA, UK, France, West Germany, Brazil, Japan, and Spain. The player can set the time limit for each half of the game to 15, 30, or 45 minutes. There are also 5 levels of difficulty for the computer player.

Game Modes

Although in those times some sports games might have been limited in terms of available modes, Soccer from 1985 could have offered standard options such as single match, tournament mode, or the ability to compete with another player in multiplayer mode.

Graphics and Sound

The graphics in Soccer were limited by the capabilities of the NES console, but developers attempted to convey the basic elements of a soccer match, such as the field, goals, and player figures. Sounds included simple sound effects such as ball kicking sounds and crowd cheers upon scoring a goal. The music from the main menu is quite familiar :)

Later Versions

The game was released on the Famicom Disk System in 1986. In 2006, it was re-released for the Wii console, and in 2014 for the Wii U.

Influence on the Gaming Industry

Soccer from 1985 can be seen as one of the early attempts to bring team sports into the world of video games. Although the game itself may not have achieved classic status, its existence was part of the evolution of sports games on the NES, and subsequent titles built upon that foundation, introducing new mechanics and innovative solutions.

It's interesting to note that the game was rated 83% by "Computer and Video Games" magazine, which noted that although the game was somewhat slow and not very appealing, with sparse backgrounds and shapeless players, that didn't stop it from being great fun for everyone.

Basic Information

• Release Date: 1985
• Genre: Sports (soccer)
• Number of Players: 1-2 (multiplayer mode)
• Publisher: Nintendo
• Platform: Nintendo Entertainment System (NES)

Gameplay of Soccer (1985) on NES