From: rjung@aludra.usc.edu (Robert A. Jung)
Newsgroups: rec.games.video,alt.games.lynx
Subject: Lynx review! WORLD CLASS SOCCER
Date: 7 Nov 1992 18:23:49 -0800
Organization: Southern California Lynx Enthusiasts
NNTP-Posting-Host: aludra.usc.edu

  Another Lynx sports title? Wonder which way it'll fall...

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WORLD CLASS SOCCER
1-2 players, horizontal game
Atari Corp., for the Atari Lynx
$29.95
Stereo? No


OVERVIEW:
    In Atari's moves to fill the Lynx game library with sports titles, the
latest entry is WORLD CLASS SOCCER. As the title indicates, this is a portable
version of the worldwide ball-kicking sport for one or two players. Two teams
from around the world face off for a one-game bout, trying to score the most
goals in the time given. Basic soccer rules and penalties apply, including
throw-ins, corner kicks, and fouls. Game options allow setting the length of
the game, from 10 to 90 minutes, the field conditions, and the computer
difficulty level.


GAMEPLAY:
    WORLD CLASS SOCCER has the makings of a quality title; unfortunately, its
good points are outweighed by numerous quirks in the gameplay. On the plus
side, ball control is fairly effortless, with automatic dribbling and easy
passing and kicking controls. On defense, you can steal the ball either by
kicking or a sliding "tackle", and you have full control of the goalie as well
and all squad members. The field scrolls from side to side, while the screen
zooms in and out of the action as needed.

    While the game ideas are sound, the actual result is lacking and hurts the
playability. Control automatically goes to the man closest to the ball, which
causes quick control changes it enters a crowd. There is an option to manually
change the active player, but it doesn't work at all. The zooming screen tends
to focus closely on the ball, creating tunnel vision; long passes are
impossible to coordinate, and you may be controlling a player or goalie who's
off-screen, impairing your defense further. Players can choose teams from a
hundred countries, but the only difference is the flag used. These and other
problems make following the game very difficult and frustrating. Playing well
is possible, but requires a lot of practice.


GRAPHICS/SOUND:
    Like the game itself, the graphics on WORLD CLASS SOCCER are a mix of good
and bad points. Images and sprites are respectably drawn and animated, and
look well even when the screen is scaled to its smallest point. On the down
side, the scaling is too slow to effectively show where the active player is,
and the scrolling is often very jumpy to keep pace with the ball. Sounds are
even less inspiring, composed mostly of a bouncing soccer ball mixed with
periodic whistle blows and a simplistic crowd cheer.


SUMMARY:
    This game has the ingredients for a quality soccer game, but assembles
them into a disappointing ensemble that could have been better. While the
hard-to-follow game action can be overcome with perseverance, only devoted
soccer fans will care to invest the time that WORLD CLASS SOCCER requires for
mastery.


                GAMEPLAY:        5
                GRAPHICS:        7
                SOUND:           4
                OVERALL:         5

  Rating values  10 - 8   Great! This game can't get much better.
                  7 - 5   Good. Average game, could be improved.
                  4 - 2   Poor. For devotees only.
                      1   Ick. Shoot it.

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  Well, at least this one is playable. Sorta.

                                                --R.J.
                                                B-)

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"You weren't chosen because you are the best pilot in the Air Force. You were
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Newsgroups: rec.games.video