Soccer Gaming

In our continued support of the indie gaming scene, Soccer Gaming is reviewing Red27 Studio’s new release, titled Awesome Soccer World 2010. I will hope to bring your more information about the company itself another time, however, this piece solely concentrates on the game. For more information about Red27 Studios, please visit their website http://www.red27studios.com/

One of the biggest limitations with any Indie football game is actually finding a unique selling point. Developers such as EA Sports & Konami can throw money at motion capture, licenses and competitions, which is turn makes it alot more difficult for the smaller comapnies to provide that USP. Couple this with graphical limitations, and you would be forgiven for thinking that Awesome Soccer World 2010 is another Sensible Soccer clone that has arrived 15 years too late.

Based upon the inital in game action, there would be alot to support that claim too. The two button system is very retro, player names for the large part are false and whilst the game does capture the ‘Sensi’ feel down to a tee, is it enough to make the gamer of 2010 continue to play. And perhaps the most shocking part of the whole experience was, the answer is yes! The two button matches are exceptionally addictive, and whilst the AI is hardly going rival a Mourinho defensive experiencem there is enough passing and moving to be done, and it is done very well.

Graphically, again the game may look like a early 90’s game at first glance, but on closer inspection there is enough rendering to make it credible. Player differenciation is not great (as you may see in the screenshots) but as with the New Star Soccer series, there is a certain level of compensation given to these companies that makes it almost acceptable.

But what about the USP, that unique point that makes it worthy the £5.53 / $7.99 price tag? For me, there is not one unique selling point that Awesome Soccer World 2010 has, there are several. There are little tweaks and features that make the game feel like the developers have actually spent time trying to fit everything they can into the product. Interactive action replays, animated crowds and over the top celebrations make the game feel very modern whereas the exaggerated after touch give Awesome Soccer World 2010 a pure Retro feel to it’s core! The depth of tournaments, whilst unlicensed is also very impressive. 16 tournaments offer a wide enough variety for most casual gamers, and there are over 280 teams to control.

With this all said, it is lifespan that really places ASW2010 up there with the top Indie games on the market. The game is fully customisable, meaning that you can edit leagues, teams and formations to your hearts content. Take control of your pub team and play them against your real life opponents (random name generators make this very realistic) and the option to customise tournaments for up to 128 teams is something that even the big boys are unable to compete with. The ‘Golden Balls’ award system, similar to Trophies & Achievements also gives and added dimension to the game. You will spend that little bit more time trying to score that diving header or overhead kick, and the 5 difficuly levels offer a challenge for even the best footballer gamers out there.

The Indie Football Gaming Market is every expanding, and Awesome World Soccer 2010 is a fine addition to it. The game offers a very different dimension to that provided by New Star Games, and Red27 Studios have really taken their time to provide a title that will appeal to gaming fans who like football, adding lifespan and progressive challenges. Again, it must be said AWS 2010 will not replace your PES or FIFA fix, but it will allow you to create your own custom leagues in 20 minutes, something which provides many hours of enjoyment and a real ‘carry on playing’ atmosphere.

Awesome Soccer World 2010 is available online from http://www.red27studios.com/ priced $7.99 or £5.53.