Microprose Soccer
Encyclopedia
Microprose Soccer is a soccer videogame published by Microprose
in 1988. The original Commodore 64
version was developed by Sensible Software
, with conversions carried out to other formats. It is the fore-runner of the 16-bit classic Sensible Soccer
. In the United States
the game was released under a title Keith Van Eron
's Pro Soccer.
A single player can work through a World Cup (or Indoor League) tournament, or take on a series of increasingly tougher computer teams. A two-player friendly can be played head to head.
The control method was designed to be as simple as possible, lending itself to fast and flowing football (in the manner of the later Sensible Soccer
). A quick tap of the fire button passed forward, a longer hold of the button chipped the ball at height. Pushing backwards and fire did an overhead kick. Pushing forwards and fire took a shot.
Most unusual was the "banana kick", the strength of which could be varied among three settings in the options menu. By pushing diagonally as a shot was taken, the ball would swerve in the air to get round defenders and goalkeeper Rival game Kick Off
would also add this after-touch feature.
Most versions featured a simulated "action replay" after a goal was scored, with the C64 version featuring black & white stripes to resemble a video rewinding.
provided several funny jingles and sound effects for the C64 version.
The 16-bit conversions of the game however, did not receive much attention.
Microprose published the game in its traditional large-format cardboard box and added a big manual, with a history of football and the World Cup.
Developers the Electronic Pencil Company were responsible for the Amiga and Atari ST versions. The programmer created a 6502 emulator, transferring the game code and logic to the 16-bit machines.
MicroProse
MicroProse was a video game publisher and developer, founded by Wild Bill Stealey and Sid Meier in 1982 as Microprose Software. In 1993, the company became a subsidiary of Spectrum HoloByte and has remained a subsidiary or brand name under several other corporations since...
in 1988. The original 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...
version was developed by Sensible Software
Sensible Software
Sensible Software was a software house active during the 1980s and 90s, from the United Kingdom.The company was well-known for the very small sprites used for the player characters in many of their games, including Sensible Soccer, Cannon Fodder and Sensible Golf.- Early history :Sensible Software...
, with conversions carried out to other formats. It is the fore-runner of the 16-bit classic Sensible Soccer
Sensible Soccer
Sensible Soccer, often affectionately known as Sensi, is an association football video game series which was highly popular in the early 1990s and which still retains a cult following...
. In the United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
the game was released under a title Keith Van Eron
Keith Van Eron
Keith Van Eron is a retired American soccer goalkeeper who played one season in the American Soccer League and three in the North American Soccer League. He also played the first eleven seasons of Major Indoor Soccer League, winning the 1984 championship with the Baltimore Blast...
's Pro Soccer.
Playing the game
The game can simulate a full 11-a-side game of football on a grass pitch, or 6-a-side soccer, based on the American indoor league of the time.A single player can work through a World Cup (or Indoor League) tournament, or take on a series of increasingly tougher computer teams. A two-player friendly can be played head to head.
The control method was designed to be as simple as possible, lending itself to fast and flowing football (in the manner of the later Sensible Soccer
Sensible Soccer
Sensible Soccer, often affectionately known as Sensi, is an association football video game series which was highly popular in the early 1990s and which still retains a cult following...
). A quick tap of the fire button passed forward, a longer hold of the button chipped the ball at height. Pushing backwards and fire did an overhead kick. Pushing forwards and fire took a shot.
Most unusual was the "banana kick", the strength of which could be varied among three settings in the options menu. By pushing diagonally as a shot was taken, the ball would swerve in the air to get round defenders and goalkeeper Rival game Kick Off
Kick Off
The Kick Off franchise is a series of football simulation computer games which was highly popular in the early 1990s. The series is renowned for its fast-paced action and delicate ball control scheme....
would also add this after-touch feature.
Most versions featured a simulated "action replay" after a goal was scored, with the C64 version featuring black & white stripes to resemble a video rewinding.
Humour
Like many Sensible games, there are elements of humour. The simulated weather of the outdoor game can cause a player making a sliding to tackle to spin around furiously, or slide miles past the intended target. Martin GalwayMartin Galway
Martin Galway is one of the best known composers of music for the Commodore 64 sound chip, the SID soundchip, and for the Sinclair ZX Spectrum...
provided several funny jingles and sound effects for the C64 version.
Reception
Zzap 64 gave 90% for the game. The users of Lemon64 website have voted the game to the top 100 list of C64 games.The 16-bit conversions of the game however, did not receive much attention.
Trivia
Preview pictures of the game appeared in an issue of ZZAP! 64 magazine, with a plea for a publisher to come forward.Microprose published the game in its traditional large-format cardboard box and added a big manual, with a history of football and the World Cup.
Developers the Electronic Pencil Company were responsible for the Amiga and Atari ST versions. The programmer created a 6502 emulator, transferring the game code and logic to the 16-bit machines.
Related games
There is a modified version for Italy 90 World Cup, for USA 94 World Cup , for Korea-Japan 2002 World Cup for the Germany 2006 World Cup and another for South Africa 2010 world cup . These versions were made by retro game enthusiast thus indicating the lasting popularity of the game.External links
- Microprose Soccer screenshots at eurogamer.net
- Microprose Soccer at crashonline.org.uk
- Microprose Soccer at hol.abime.net
- Microprose Soccer video at youtube.com
- Microproce history at taringa.net (in Spanish)