Super Kick Off review - Sega Master System
It's the game that made a small software house called Anco an overnight sensation! It's the game that has been hailed as the greatest sports simulation of all time! It's the game that's just popped up at the MEAN MACHINES offices and promises to be one of the best Master System games devised! It's Kick Off, of course, and it's ready to kick some Master System ass!
As the name and screenshots suggest, Kick Off is a football game - but it's not just any football game. Owing to a completely brilliant method of ball control it's the most realistic soccer sim ever devised. In normal soccer games, the ball "sticks" to the foot of the player in possession, but with Super Kick Off, the ball has to be successfully manipulated by dribbling, trapping and shooting - just like real life.
Just about every single rule of soccer has been programmed into Super Kick Off - with the exception of off-sides (according to the original programmers, it slowed up the action). Everything else is included - even fouls, penalties and sendings-off!
What the Mean Machines staff thought
 |
|
The world's finest soccer game finally arrives on the Master System... and it's utterly, utterly superb. It's got exactly the same graphics, gameplay and game logic that made the Amiga version one of the greatest games ever written. The controls are superb, although those new to Kick Off might find them a bit strange at first because the ball doesn't stick to your feet like in other football games. Instead you "run" with the ball. It might sound weird, but believe me, once you master it you won't believe the moves you can get your players to pull off! The computer logic is simply brilliant, with your team seeming to read your mind! When you pass there's always another player running onto the ball, keeping play going and making it possible to string together complex, sweeping moves! The computer teams are very intelligent, and it takes an awful lot of practice before you can consistently beat them! And even if you do get completely brilliant at the game, there are an amazing amount of gameplay options, two different two-player modes (two players on the same team or two players head-to-head), two different leagues and a cup competition to keep your interest alive and kicking. The only thing that's disappointing about this game is the sound - the title screen has to be one of the crappiest, most repetitive and irritating pieces of "music" ever heard in the history of video gaming. It's absolutely dire, and the people responsible should have their ears syringed. Other than that, Super Kick Off is a truly outstanding game, offering gameplay, challenge and lasting appeal unmatched by any other Master System game. Under no circumstances should you miss it.
|
 |
Have your say about this review
Tom Widdows - 05 Apr 2009, 02:29 GMT
I remember buying this game for the Megadrive (Master system version never made it to my local shops) and I still cannot see how the reviewers can state the control system was excellent and 'addictive'. I can still remember how irritated I was by losing the ball almost everytime I turned or had the audacity to stop. I only ever managed to discover one way to score a goal and that took so much effort I basically gave up on ever playing more than a couple of games so leagues and cups were out. Then FIFA arrived and this game was shelved for life. What a waste of £30
psilas - 26 Oct 2009, 02:15 GMT
Tom, you do know about 'trapping' the ball don't you?
I had no idea about this, thinking it only came about with Dino's 'Goal' game.
Before you touch the ball, hold down the button and the ball will stay with you when stationary. Release the button and you can pass to another player.
CLASSIC game,especially for the 8bit genre.
