Summary
- Release Year: 1980
- Genres: Sport
- Platforms: Intellivision
- Developers: Mattel Electronics
- Publishers: Digiplay, Mattel Electronics
NASL Soccer (1980): The Dawn of Digital Soccer
Released in 1980, NASL Soccer was one of the earliest soccer video games, and it quickly became a favorite among fans of the sport. The game was developed by Atari and released for the Atari 2600 console. It was one of the first sports games to feature real-world teams and players, and it helped to popularize soccer in the United States.
NASL Soccer is a simple but addictive game. Players control one player on their team at a time, and they can pass, dribble, and shoot the ball. The game features throw ins, corner kicks, goal kicks, and even overtime periods. There are four difficulty levels to choose from, so players of all skill levels can enjoy the game.
One of the things that makes NASL Soccer so unique is its overhead perspective. This gives players a clear view of the field, and it makes it easy to see the positions of their teammates and opponents. The game also features a realistic ball physics engine, which makes the ball behave realistically when it is kicked, passed, or shot.
NASL Soccer was a critical and commercial success. It was one of the best-selling Atari 2600 games of all time, and it helped to establish Atari as a leader in the video game industry. The game was also praised for its realism and its addictive gameplay.
Gameplay
NASL Soccer is played on a rectangular field with two goals at each end. The game is played in two 45-minute halves, and the team with the most goals at the end of the game wins.
Players control one player on their team at a time. They can pass, dribble, and shoot the ball. They can also tackle opponents to try to win the ball back.
The game features a variety of different camera angles, including an overhead view and a behind-the-goal view. This gives players a clear view of the field and makes it easy to see the positions of their teammates and opponents.
The game also features a realistic ball physics engine. This makes the ball behave realistically when it is kicked, passed, or shot. The ball can bounce, roll, and spin, and it can be affected by the wind and the terrain.
Teams and Players
NASL Soccer features 16 teams from the North American Soccer League (NASL). These teams include the New York Cosmos, the Los Angeles Aztecs, and the Vancouver Whitecaps.
Each team has a roster of 16 players. Players are rated for their speed, strength, shooting, passing, and tackling abilities.
Reception
NASL Soccer was a critical and commercial success. It was one of the best-selling Atari 2600 games of all time, and it helped to establish Atari as a leader in the video game industry.
The game was praised for its realism, its addictive gameplay, and its innovative overhead perspective. It was also one of the first sports games to feature real-world teams and players.
NASL Soccer has been cited as an influence on many later soccer video games, including FIFA and Pro Evolution Soccer. It is still considered to be one of the best soccer video games of all time.
Legacy
NASL Soccer was a groundbreaking game that helped to popularize soccer in the United States. It was also one of the first sports games to feature real-world teams and players. The game’s innovative overhead perspective and realistic ball physics engine set a new standard for soccer video games.
NASL Soccer is still considered to be one of the best soccer video games of all time. It is a classic game that is still enjoyed by fans of the sport today.
Review Score
7/10
Reviews
Communities
- NASL Soccer – AtariAge Forums
- NASL Soccer (1980) – /r/Atari2600
- Atari 2600 – Facebook Group
- Atari Discord Server
Art
Cover Art
Screenshots
