Summary
- Release Year: 1996
- Genres: Sport
- Platforms: 3DO Interactive Multiplayer, PlayStation, Sega Saturn
Olympic Soccer (1996): A Nostalgic Look Back at the Official Game of the Atlanta Olympics
Released in 1996 to coincide with the Summer Olympics in Atlanta, Georgia, Olympic Soccer was the official video game of the tournament. Developed by US Gold and published by Sega, the game was released on the Sega Genesis, Game Gear, and PC.
Olympic Soccer is a traditional soccer game, featuring both exhibition and tournament modes. The exhibition mode allows players to select any two teams from the 16 available and play a match. The tournament mode follows the format of the actual Olympic soccer tournament, with teams divided into four groups of four. The top two teams from each group advance to the knockout stage, which culminates in the gold medal match.
One of the unique features of Olympic Soccer is the inclusion of “super shots.” These special moves can be performed by pressing a button combination and can give players a significant advantage in matches. However, super shots can only be used a limited number of times per match, so players must use them wisely.
Olympic Soccer was generally well-received by critics, with many praising the game’s graphics, gameplay, and authenticity. However, some critics found the game to be too difficult, especially on the higher difficulty settings.
Gameplay
Olympic Soccer is a traditional soccer game, played from a top-down perspective. Players control a team of 11 players and must try to score goals against their opponents. The game features a variety of passing, shooting, and dribbling moves, as well as the ability to perform super shots.
The game’s controls are simple and easy to learn, making it accessible to players of all skill levels. However, the game can be challenging, especially on the higher difficulty settings. Players must be able to quickly and accurately control their players in order to succeed.
Graphics and Sound
Olympic Soccer’s graphics are impressive for a 16-bit game. The players and stadiums are well-detailed, and the game’s animations are smooth and fluid. The game’s music is also catchy and upbeat, adding to the overall atmosphere of the game.
Teams and Stadiums
Olympic Soccer features 16 teams, representing the countries that competed in the 1996 Olympic soccer tournament. These teams include Argentina, Brazil, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Nigeria, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Tunisia, the United States, and Zambia.
The game also features four stadiums, each of which is based on a real-world stadium that was used in the 1996 Olympic soccer tournament. These stadiums include the Georgia Dome, the Citrus Bowl, the Orange Bowl, and the Stanford Stadium.
Legacy
Olympic Soccer was a popular and successful game in its day, and it remains a favorite among fans of retro soccer games. The game’s simple controls, challenging gameplay, and impressive graphics make it a timeless classic.
Conclusion
Olympic Soccer (1996) is a well-made and enjoyable soccer game that captures the excitement of the Olympic tournament. The game’s simple controls, challenging gameplay, and impressive graphics make it a must-play for fans of retro soccer games.
Review Score
7/10
