Review - Onside Soccer Beta
Posted: Mon Jul 23, 2007 1:55 am
When I was a kid, I used to play soccer (football to the rest of the world), and I played it... BADLY. heh. Well, I thougth I would take another go at it in the virtual world and give Onside Soccer it's first review. Does it measure up to the 3DO FIFA standards? Well, yes & no.
Let me first say that this one was a surprizing treat to play. Most sports that are televised are quite boring to me, and usually that boredom translates down to their virtual world counterpart. I'm glad to say that is not the case here.
Graphicly, its pretty decent. Seeming not as refined overall as FIFA, but then not really needing to be as it's more an arcade feel than a simulation. Instant replays are available automatically when you score, and on the fly at your request with the PLAY button, and allow for camera movement and other features so that you can control your own playback, making you seem more a part of the crew, and of the game. Cool! Somewhat blocky characters are easily forgivable, as the animation is very smooth and makes playing a real treat.
Sound wise, this one is a bit bland. The ref whistle gets REALLY annoying as you navigate the various menus trying to set up everything, but once you're in the game, it becomes the standard THUMP, THWAP sounds of the sport. No in game music, but some durring the various menus, ranging from decent, to weird and repetitive. The announcer is pretty decent as well, but he sounds very mechanical and really chimes in at some weird times.
Control input is very tight. You've got turbo, slide, kick/pass & more all at your disposal any time. Control of the replay is good, but can be a bit distracting if you're just wanting to play. I suggest disabling the automatic replays for long term play, that way you choose when & if it comes on.
Desipte it's claim at it's launch screen, there are still a few bugs here and there, mostly with it's timer and such, but nothing that really deters from the overal enjoyment.
Overall, this is a surprizingly fun title with good graphics and a bit of fun for all. Even those who're not really fans of the sport, will get a 'kick' out of this arcade-y feeling little gem. Sim fans may be a little put off by the game initally, but then it's a lot easier to get a real human opponent for a quick game in this one, than to have them stay in for a 60 minute long haul simulation. I reccomend it highly.
Drax
Let me first say that this one was a surprizing treat to play. Most sports that are televised are quite boring to me, and usually that boredom translates down to their virtual world counterpart. I'm glad to say that is not the case here.
Graphicly, its pretty decent. Seeming not as refined overall as FIFA, but then not really needing to be as it's more an arcade feel than a simulation. Instant replays are available automatically when you score, and on the fly at your request with the PLAY button, and allow for camera movement and other features so that you can control your own playback, making you seem more a part of the crew, and of the game. Cool! Somewhat blocky characters are easily forgivable, as the animation is very smooth and makes playing a real treat.
Sound wise, this one is a bit bland. The ref whistle gets REALLY annoying as you navigate the various menus trying to set up everything, but once you're in the game, it becomes the standard THUMP, THWAP sounds of the sport. No in game music, but some durring the various menus, ranging from decent, to weird and repetitive. The announcer is pretty decent as well, but he sounds very mechanical and really chimes in at some weird times.
Control input is very tight. You've got turbo, slide, kick/pass & more all at your disposal any time. Control of the replay is good, but can be a bit distracting if you're just wanting to play. I suggest disabling the automatic replays for long term play, that way you choose when & if it comes on.
Desipte it's claim at it's launch screen, there are still a few bugs here and there, mostly with it's timer and such, but nothing that really deters from the overal enjoyment.
Overall, this is a surprizingly fun title with good graphics and a bit of fun for all. Even those who're not really fans of the sport, will get a 'kick' out of this arcade-y feeling little gem. Sim fans may be a little put off by the game initally, but then it's a lot easier to get a real human opponent for a quick game in this one, than to have them stay in for a 60 minute long haul simulation. I reccomend it highly.
Drax
