Summary
- Release Year: 1993
- Genres: Adventure, Platform, Sport
- Platforms: 3DO Interactive Multiplayer, Amiga, Amiga CD32, Atari Jaguar, DOS, Game Boy Advance, PlayStation, Super Nintendo Entertainment System
Soccer Kid (1993): A Unique and Fun Platformer
Soccer Kid is a platformer game developed by Eurocom and published by Virgin Interactive in 1993. The game was released for the Amiga, Atari ST, Commodore 64, DOS, and Game Boy.
Gameplay
Soccer Kid is a side-scrolling platformer where the player controls a young boy named Charlie who must use his soccer ball to defeat enemies and progress through the game. Charlie can kick the ball in various ways, including ground shots, headers, and overhead kicks. He can also use the ball to bounce on enemies’ heads, juggle it in the air, and even use it as a shield.
The game features a variety of enemies, including bats, spiders, ghosts, and even giant soccer balls. Charlie must use his soccer skills to defeat these enemies and progress through the game’s six worlds.
Unique Elements
One of the things that makes Soccer Kid unique is its focus on using the soccer ball as a weapon. Charlie can use the ball to attack enemies, solve puzzles, and even reach new areas. This makes the game more challenging and strategic than other platformers.
Another unique element of Soccer Kid is its use of football-style tricks. Charlie can perform headers, overhead kicks, and other tricks to keep the ball in the air and under control. These tricks are especially useful for defeating enemies and reaching new areas.
Graphics and Sound
The graphics in Soccer Kid are colorful and detailed, and the animation is smooth and fluid. The game’s soundtrack is also catchy and upbeat, and it helps to create a fun and exciting atmosphere.
Reception
Soccer Kid was met with positive reviews upon its release. Critics praised the game’s unique gameplay, challenging levels, and charming graphics. The game was also a commercial success, selling over one million copies worldwide.
Legacy
Soccer Kid is considered to be one of the best platformers of the 1990s. The game’s unique gameplay and charming characters have made it a favorite among gamers of all ages. Soccer Kid has also been ported to a number of other platforms, including the PlayStation, Sega Saturn, and Nintendo Switch.
Conclusion
Soccer Kid is a unique and fun platformer that is still enjoyed by gamers today. The game’s challenging levels, charming characters, and catchy soundtrack make it a must-play for fans of the genre.
Here are some additional details and trivia about Soccer Kid:
- The game was originally going to be called “Football Kid,” but the name was changed to “Soccer Kid” for the international market.
- The main character, Charlie, is based on the real-life soccer player Charlie Nicholas.
- The game features a number of hidden secrets and bonus areas.
- Soccer Kid was one of the first games to feature a “trick system,” which allows players to perform special moves by pressing certain button combinations.
- The game was ported to the Game Boy in 1994. This version of the game is significantly different from the original, featuring smaller levels and fewer enemies.
- Soccer Kid has been re-released on a number of platforms over the years, including the PlayStation Network, Xbox Live Arcade, and Nintendo Switch Online.
Review Score
8/10