Sociable Soccer 24 – Analysis (Review) – Arcade-style nostalgia!

GAME SHEET: Release:  June 7, 2024 Players:  Up to 00 players Genre:  Football, Arcade Developer:  Tower Studios, Combo Breaker Publisher:  Tower Studios Available languages:  German, Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, Korean, Spanish, French, Dutch , English, Italian, Japanese, Portuguese, Russian. Available on platforms:  PC – Computer, Switch. Rating:  Free – Suitable for all ages. Game version analyzed:  American version for Nintendo Switch and PC.

Over the years, football games have been divided into two main areas: realistic simulation, represented by titles such as EA Sports FC (formerly FIFA) and eFootball, and arcade games, which focus on uncompromising fun and fast and easy gameplay. accessible. In this scenario, Sociable Soccer 24 appears as a nostalgic breath for lovers of football games from the 90s, especially for those who cherish the memories of Sensible Soccer, a classic of the genre.

Developed by Tower Studios and Combo Breaker, Sociable Soccer 24 promises to bring back the simplicity and fun of arcade games, but with a modern look. Initially released for mobile devices through Apple Arcade, the game now arrives on PC and Nintendo Switch (it will soon be released for PlayStation and Xbox branded consoles), seeking a space in a market dominated by sports simulation giants. The proposal is clear: to offer a pure arcade experience, without the complexities of modern simulators, but can it fulfill this promise? Let’s find out.

Mechanics and Gameplay

Sociable Soccer 24’s gameplay is, without a doubt, the game’s strongest point. From the first moment I picked up the controller, I was transported back to the 90s; wow, how I remembered the time when we played football games from past generations. The game takes an extremely simplified approach, with controls that are easy to learn and difficult to master. There are just a few basic commands: pass, shoot, throw and cart. This simplicity may seem like a step backwards for those who are used to the complexity of modern simulators, but that’s exactly what makes the game’s charm, and that’s exactly what I liked most, as I personally like simple football games that are fun and fun. cause emotions in gaming situations alone or with groups of friends.

The “aftertouch” mechanic, which allows you to curve the trajectory of the ball after the shot, adds an extra layer of strategy and fun. Being able to score a great goal from outside the box is extremely gratifying. However, the simplicity of the controls also has its limitations. There are no advanced dribbling or complex movements, which can make the game repetitive after a few hours. The lack of a greater variety of movements and plays is also felt, especially in longer matches.

Career mode is where I spent most of my time. In it, we start with a team of average players and we must improve our team by winning matches and acquiring new player cards. The card system is addictive and made me want to play “just one more game” to get that star player. However, progression can be slow and somewhat unbalanced, with players on smaller teams having very low stats, which can discourage persistence.

Graphics

Visually, Sociable Soccer 24 is a game that opts for a more cartoonish and simplified style. The graphics are not the game’s strong point, but they do their job well. The artistic style is very reminiscent of old football games, with exaggerated characters and simplified animations; many graphic elements of these games immediately reminded me of the Winning Eleven games on my brother’s PlayStation One, and also on the PlayStation 2, but I particularly prefer the time when Konami made International SuperStar Soccer, which shined on 16-bit consoles and even on the Nintendo 64, and also SEGA football games, such as Virtua Striker, from the arcade and Dreamcast. The vibrant color palette contributes to the game’s happy and relaxed atmosphere, but don’t expect a level of detail comparable to great football simulators. In fact, keep in mind that, in every sense, Sociable Soccer 24 is not a simulator, it is an arcade-style game!

Player animations are limited and repetitive, which can take away some of the immersion. The player and stadium models are basic and do not vary greatly. Goal celebrations, for example, are few and end up being repeated frequently. However, for a game that does not intend to be a realistic simulator, the graphics are adequate and complement the arcade proposal of the title well.

The game’s camera is also worth highlighting. Although the game offers several camera options, the top-down perspective is the most nostalgic and is very reminiscent of Sensible Soccer. However, some camera settings can be a little disorienting, especially in fast-moving or high-detail stadiums.

Sound

Sociable Soccer 24’s sound is functional, but doesn’t stand out. The soundtrack is made up of electronic music and simple beats, which fulfill their role of keeping the player excited during matches. However, there aren’t any memorable songs that stand out or stick in your head after turning the game off.

The sound effects are equally simple. The sounds of kicks, passes and carts are basic, but work well in the game’s arcade context. The first impact I felt when starting the first game was the absence of narration… wow, I found that really strange and I missed it; although this absence is understandable for a game of this style, but, in fact, the lack of commentary during the game can make the game seem a little empty at times, it is missing that emotion that the narrators’ squealing screams bring to matches.

The crowd’s reactions are generic and repetitive, which takes away some of the immersion. The goal celebrations and associated sound effects are adequate, but could be more varied to avoid repetition.

Fun

Sociable Soccer 24 shines when played in small doses. The simplicity of the gameplay and the fast pace of the matches make the game ideal for short, uncompromising sessions. It’s a great game to have fun with friends on the couch or to play a few quick games online.

Career mode offers a good deal of fun, especially for those who enjoy collecting and improving players. However, the lack of depth and variety in game modes could cause the title to lose some of its long-term appeal. The repetitiveness of the games and the simplicity of the mechanics can become tiring after long gaming sessions (exactly the same as what happens when you spend many hours at the same arcade machine, in the shopping arcade…).

Still, Sociable Soccer 24 manages to capture the essence of 90s arcade football games, providing a fun and nostalgic experience for those looking for something different from modern simulators.

Performance and Optimization

I played Sociable Soccer 24 on PC and Nintendo Switch, and on both platforms the game behaved satisfactorily. On PC, the game ran smoothly, with no framerate drops or performance issues. Graphics settings are limited, but that’s to be expected for a game of this style. The loading time is fast and does not hinder the gaming experience.

On the Nintendo Switch, the game also behaved well, both in portable and docked mode. Transitioning between modes is smooth and performance is stable, making it a great option for gaming on the go. However, the interface can feel a little cramped on the Switch’s smaller screen, especially in menus and player selection.

A negative point is the need for a constant internet connection for some game modes. This can be an inconvenience, especially for those who play on mobile devices or in locations with an unstable connection. Despite this, the overall optimization of the game is good and provides a fun and enjoyable gaming experience.

Conclusion

Sociable Soccer 24 is a game that has a lot to offer for arcade football fans. It manages to capture the essence of 90s football games, bringing simple and fun gameplay that is accessible to everyone. However, the lack of depth and repetitiveness may limit its long-term appeal.

If you’re looking for a relaxed football game that can be played in short sessions and offers a good dose of nostalgia, Sociable Soccer 24 is a great choice. The simplicity of the gameplay and the speed of the matches make it perfect for having fun with friends or for a quick game in online mode.

On the other hand, if you are looking for a deeper and more complex football simulator, with a greater variety of movements and tactics, Sociable Soccer 24 may not be what you are looking for. The game has potential, but still needs improvements to become a viable long-term option.

Strengths:

• Simple and fun gameplay;
• Addictive card system;
• Large number of licensed players;
• Perfect for short, uncompromised sessions.

Negative points:

• Repetitiveness in matches;
• Lack of depth in game mechanics;
• Basic animations;
• Need for constant internet connection for some modes;
• Absence of commentators.

Rating:
Graphics: 7.0
Fun: 8.0
Gameplay: 7.0
Sound: 6.0
Performance and Optimization: 7.0
FINAL RATING: 7.0 / 10.0

• Analysis produced from a copy of the game provided by the producer.