Match Day
Encyclopedia
Match Day was a football
computer game, published by Ocean Software
in 1984, originally on the ZX Spectrum
and then later released on the Amstrad CPC
, BBC Micro
, & Commodore 64
systems. It is the first game in the Match Day series
, and the title and opening music are references to Match of the Day
. It was the creation of programmer Jon Ritman
.
This video game was the first one where large moving footballers characters could dribble, throw-in, take corners, etc on ZX Spectrum
. The game uses modified sprites from a previous title Bear Bovver
to create an almost isometric, but still ultimately side-on football title.
was much the same but incorporated two features still used today in most football titles - a deflection system, the ball could bounce off players, which meant headers were possible, and a shot power system, although it was as easy to accidentally backheel the ball with this system, as it was to hit a powerful shot. The game is also similar to a previously, not published game by Jon Ritman, Soccerama.
Later, in 1995, Jon Ritman tried to release Match Day III, but due to copyright problems he had to change the name of the game to Super Match Soccer
.
Football (soccer)
Association football, more commonly known as football or soccer, is a sport played between two teams of eleven players with a spherical ball...
computer game, published by Ocean Software
Ocean Software
The British company Ocean Software was one of the biggest European video game developers/publishers of the 1980s and 90s...
in 1984, originally on the ZX Spectrum
ZX Spectrum
The ZX Spectrum is an 8-bit personal home computer released in the United Kingdom in 1982 by Sinclair Research Ltd...
and then later released on the Amstrad CPC
Amstrad CPC
The Amstrad CPC is a series of 8-bit home computers produced by Amstrad between 1984 and 1990. It was designed to compete in the mid-1980s home computer market dominated by the Commodore 64 and the Sinclair ZX Spectrum, where it successfully established itself primarily in the United Kingdom,...
, BBC Micro
BBC Micro
The BBC Microcomputer System, or BBC Micro, was a series of microcomputers and associated peripherals designed and built by Acorn Computers for the BBC Computer Literacy Project, operated by the British Broadcasting Corporation...
, & Commodore 64
Commodore 64
The Commodore 64 is an 8-bit home computer introduced by Commodore International in January 1982.Volume production started in the spring of 1982, with machines being released on to the market in August at a price of US$595...
systems. It is the first game in the Match Day series
Match Day (series)
Match Day is an association football video game franchise created by Jon Ritman in 1984 for the 1980s 8-bit home computer market.- Games in the series :...
, and the title and opening music are references to Match of the Day
Match of the Day
Match of the Day is the BBC's main football television programme. Typically, it is shown on BBC One on Saturday evenings during the English football season, showing highlights of the day's matches in English football's top division, the Premier League...
. It was the creation of programmer Jon Ritman
Jon Ritman
Jon Ritman is a software developer, notable for his work on major 1980s video games. Working primarily on games for the ZX Spectrum and Amstrad CPC home computer range. His first experience with a computer was at the age of 13, and first computer was a Sinclair ZX81 that he bought in 1981.His first...
.
Game play
ZX Spectrum
The ZX Spectrum is an 8-bit personal home computer released in the United Kingdom in 1982 by Sinclair Research Ltd...
. The game uses modified sprites from a previous title Bear Bovver
Bear Bovver
Bear Bovver is a computer game released in 1983 for the ZX Spectrum, Commodore 64 and Amstrad CPC and was developed by Jon Ritman.-Gameplay:Ted's Sinclair electric truck has broken down and needs new batteries. Ted must climb up the scaffolding and collect the batteries for his electric car. ...
to create an almost isometric, but still ultimately side-on football title.
Sequels
The sequel, Match Day IIMatch Day II
Match Day II is a football sports game part of the Match Day series released for the Amstrad CPC, ZX Spectrum, MSX and Commodore 64 platforms...
was much the same but incorporated two features still used today in most football titles - a deflection system, the ball could bounce off players, which meant headers were possible, and a shot power system, although it was as easy to accidentally backheel the ball with this system, as it was to hit a powerful shot. The game is also similar to a previously, not published game by Jon Ritman, Soccerama.
Later, in 1995, Jon Ritman tried to release Match Day III, but due to copyright problems he had to change the name of the game to Super Match Soccer
Super Match Soccer
Super Match Soccer is a football videogame published by Acclaim and developed in 1998 by Jon Ritman. The game is available for PC and PlayStation and it is the last game in the Match Day series.- Features :Some of the features of the game are:...
.
External links
- It Really Is All Over at Eurogamer
- History of Computer Soccer at members.lycos.co.uk/Crispin_S