Soccer (1985 video game)


is a video game produced by Intelligent Systems and Nintendo as part of its Sports Series for the Nintendo Entertainment System. It was released in Japan and the united States in 1985, and in Europe in 1987. It was also released for the Family Computer Disk System in 1986. It is also available on the Virtual Console since June 12, 2014, to be bought from the Wii Shop Channel and the Wii U Nintendo eShop.

Gameplay

The objective is to kick the ball into the opponent's goal. The game features cheerleaders and the ability to choose between 15, 30, and 45-minutes halves. Pressing B passes the ball, while A shoots at the opponent's goal.
There are seven teams represented in the game:
When beginning a game, the player chooses whether to play with one or two players. The single-player mode is against artificial intelligence with five variable difficulty settings. The player chooses between seven teams and sets a time limit of either 15-, 30-, or 45-minute halves. Games begin in the center of a horizontal field, which pans from side to side with player activity. The player closest to the ball controls it and can kick the ball at the push of a button. An indicator shows over the closest teammate headed in the same direction as the player. They can receive a pass of the ball. Shots on goal can be controlled with a small meter that represents the ball reaching over the goalie's head. Likewise, the player automatically controls their goalie when their opponent makes a shot on the goal.

Reception

In Japan, Game Machine listed VS. Soccer on their February 1, 1986 issue as being the nineteenth most-successful table arcade unit of the year. Computer and Video Games said that while every console receives a soccer game, Nintendo's was among the best. They noted the game was somewhat slow and not very attractive, with sparse backgrounds and formless players, but that didn't stop the game from being fun to play. The magazine rated the game 83% overall with its highest subscore in playability and lowest in graphics and sound.