Super Soccer

"There's a difference between soccer and rugby!"

When Super Soccer came out, I guess they were trying for an arcade-style soccer game. Unfortunately, the way it plays, it looks like a soccer game with a bit of rugby element involved.


Graphics: 7/10
The players all look the same, save for the different uniform colors. The tackles and shots are rather stiff and look alike. The only saving grace is the post-goal animations, where the player who scored celebrates, or a losing team member comforts their goalie after blowing it by scoring on themself. The cards that are pulled look like squares instead of rectangles.


Sounds: 6/10
The whistle signals the kickoff, and there's the sound of crowds cheering, players groaning as they take a tackle, and a digitized voice which says a few things on occasion. There's music which plays throughout the game, depending on the two teams. The team who kicked off at the start of the half has their song play throughout the half. It's a little repetitive, and it's too bad there's no way to shut it off.


Controls: 8/10
At least the controls allow you to perform passes, shots, headers, sliding tackles, and shoulder charges with ease. This is where things get a bit misunderstood, though. Sliding tackles are legal, whether or not a player is brought down. However, shoulder charges occasionally draw fouls, meaning a yellow or red card from the ref. The thing is, if it's red, then it means that the tackled player is injured and must be replaced. Come on, in real soccer, the players aren't replaced after getting fouled too hard. Or, it could be that it just so happened that the foul was too hard. There's where it plays like rugby: Tackles are fine either way unless you're too hard.


Replay: 7/10
You can do exhibition or tournament modes. Of course, there is really little team management involved, other than substituting those who have been injured or sent off the pitch.


Overall: 6/10
A rugby-style soccer game that has its share of good and bad points. It's advised that you try before you buy.

Reviewer's Score: 6/10, Originally Posted: 04/17/00, Updated 07/16/01