Game by
New Star Games

Gameplay: 6
Graphics: 4
Sound: 6
Appeal: 9
Final: 65%

Mike’s 2nd Opinion
Gameplay: 9.5
Graphics: 7.5
Sound: 7
Appeal: 10
Final: 87%

Average: 76%
Grade:C

You begin the game with some basic character designing: hair color, eye color, height and weight. The last two of these actually affect your character’s ability as a player through the use of fitness attributes such as strength, acceleration and pace. After this you have a number of points which you can apply to a selection of skills and reinforce your player’s talents. Interestingly, you’re asked a few personality questions as well. I was impressed with the number of teams available to you. Not only is every country is playable, but every single major club within that country. Though, the team names are changed, for copyright purposes. Being from Cambridge, England, I chose to play as “Cembridge United”. Each team has its own kit, but I’m sure if you were to cross reference the kits, you would find many of them to be the same. The kit design is rather basic… In fact, everything about this game is basic.

Graphically, the menus are pretty enough: plain interfaces labeled with colorful bars indicating your levels of fitness, how much energy you have, etc. There’s even a pretty globe spinning in the background that somewhat resembles Google Earth. However, the simplicity of the design isn’t as appreciated within a match. The characters’ blocky appearance makes every player look the same and the pitch is without any real attention to detail. The crowds in the stands are stationary and the only really nice touches are the boards around the edges of the pitch advertising various websites and games obviously affiliated with New Star Games. The game is a vast improvement over the 2D stylings of New Star’s soccer games before hand so it’s nice to see that they’re progressing.

Build your Soccer Career in this addictive title

The gameplay feels clunky and lifeless, chasing the ball around only to have it kicked off to the other side of the field where you will once again have to run after it. You rely mostly on your team members passing the ball to you through a “HEY, PASS ME THE BALL!” command which is sort of cute and similar to the recent FIFA game if my sources are accurate. I failed to get hold of the ball more than a few times without using this feature though.

The audio effects don’t do much to inspire you to carry on playing. Some very basic whistle sounds are used to indicate a fowl or a half/full time. The crowds can be heard constantly, but only a continuous dull roar, although if you listen carefully, you can hear the occasional soccer chant being called out by the fans. All in all, the audio seems a half hearted attempt at creating an atmosphere. On the other hand, this is dreamy compared to the music that’s forced upon you in the menu screens when you’re managing your player; a ridiculous, fast paced, Brazilian beat slammed on repeat for your ears to bleed to. It’s a shame because these menu screens, although a sidetrack to the game, are actually where I found myself spending most of my time playing.

The RPG elements really come into play. You manage your free time and energy as a player outside of work. You can choose to spend time with friends and family or your fans and team. Ignoring any one of them will have negative effects on you (such as being stuck on the bench if your team starts to dislike you). You can even get yourself a girlfriend if you’re at all interested in doing so. You have a player profile with statistics that you can improve as you go through the game. Train your fitness attributes by doing laps, working the exercise bike, etc, but first you will have to have enough money to purchase the equipment (Who knows what’s wrong with the gym). You can also boost your performance with energy drinks, performance enhancers and, oddly enough, alcohol, though these all have side effects including a friendly trip to rehabilitation. A nice touch I think. You have a finances page in which you can follow what you’re spending your money on and truly live the life of a football star. You can purchase property and vehicles. Transport choices ranges from roller skates – though I’ve never seen a soccer player on roller skates in my life – to your own private jet at a substantially higher fee. You can keep track of what you’re being paid for and your sponsorship deals, though obviously you don’t start with anything except a basic wage.

There are also some mini games available. These are split between training like dribbling around cones and shooting practice, to gambling games such as blackjack, roulette and the slot machines to make (or lose) money. Finally, you can bet money on horse races and if you make enough, purchase your own horses and stables to race your own. I can see the game being – if you can deal with its faults – very satisfying as your character progress’ up the ranks and becomes successful. Since you’re able to purchase bigger and better things and everybody loves you. I also have a sneaky suspicion that this game is intended to be played with a joystick. It just doesn’t feel right with a keyboard and mouse though this isn’t indicated anywhere prior to the download.

On the plus side, if you do like the game, there’s an awful lot to do. As far as I can tell there’s no limit to the amount of matches you can complete and money you can make as well as a number of competitions. There’s a huge list of achievements for you to try and collect, some of which seem very difficult (to me at least). To sum up, this game is lacking. It’s worth playing. If you are a serious soccer enthusiast and fancy supporting an underdog instead of a big gun then perhaps worth purchasing, but I, as a player not in love with the genre found it difficult to grasp, be absorbed by and enjoy. It’ saving grace being that there are other things to do besides playing soccer.

A 2nd Opinion by Mike

New Star Soccer 4 is a highly praised Sports/Sim Game that should not be faulted for its RPG focus over sports action. NSS4 is about controlling 1 rising football star to glory. While the 3D graphics are blocky, it’s unfair to expect an indie developer to recreate real life players and offer the graphical prowess of large studio titles. This game is a very in-depth simulation game that resembles an RPG more than a sports soccer title. Ultimately, there’s nothing more rewarding than having your country call on you to compete in the World Cup. This game is certainly not for everyone, but it is a unique experience. The game offers incredible depth and if the description has you are a soccer/football fan, you’ll probably have a hard time putting this game down.