Sensible Soccer

By Kristan Reed Published 14 March, 2006

Football's coming home.

Comebacks are almost always rubbish. Who can forget Paul Gascoigne's harrowing spiral into League 2 obscurity or the sight of a tormented, chubby Paul Merson waddling out onto the Tamworth turf the other week? It wasn't meant to end this way. They were great players who didn't know when to quit, and it's a painful thing to witness first hand.

Sensible, though, knew when its time was up. Back in '98 it was all-too clear that its Sensi's belated transition to 3D hadn't worked at all, and rather than limp on, the franchise was stretchered off. Sensible sold up to Codemasters, took the money and waved goodbye to its loyal fans with a rueful grin.

With hindsight we ought to be grateful for the fact that Codies decided not to flog a dead horse, for whatever reason. At least we had five solid, happy years to reflect upon between '92 and 97 when successive incarnations of the game completely dominated the scene. And why? For the simple reason that it was the cheekiest, most addictive, and most playable footy game around by some distance.

Sensibilities

Some might argue that no-one's really come close to matching what it stood for ever since, with successive generations of footy games striving for realism over the indefinable fun factor that Sensible Soccer had coursing through its veins right from the kick off. Forget the tiny graphics and rudimentary animation: the instinctive, deceptively deep controls and fluid, hopelessly addictive gameplay earned it a special place in the hearts of millions. Little wonder that people talk about it in such glowing terms even now.

'Sensible Soccer' Screenshot two

Two big heads are better than one.

But inevitably some bright spark eventually realised that Sensible Soccer could be brought out of retirement, trained up and thrown into the first team after all - it just needed the right coach. Handily for Codies, Jon Hare's long-standing relationship with the publisher made it an easy fit when discussions about the game commenced last year.

It didn't come out of the blue, though, as long-term fans will be aware, with Kuju working alongside Hare's Tower Studios to produce a mobile phone version of the game back in late 2004. With a hugely positive reaction to the port inspiring confidence, the money men finally realised that such a project had legs, and even managed to persuade Hare to reprise the design role he held throughout Sensible's glory days, and suddenly the Norwich fan was thrown back into to fray to work alongside the Kuju Sheffield development studio.

March Hare

'Sensible Soccer' Screenshot ego

They do say that footballer's egos are getting out of control...

With our extended history lesson over for the day, Hare himself arrived in London and proudly showed the game off to select members of the press for the first time yesterday, and granted us an extended playtest to put his new baby through its paces. After such an extended absence, we were concerned it might miss the point entirely and wind up a pale shadow of the frantic, instinctive action of the original, but we needn't have worried.

Within seconds of picking up the pad (we played both PS2 and Xbox versions during the course of the evening) it definitely feels right. Not in the sense that it feels like the football games of today as such, but that it captures the fast, accurate passing gameplay that has always been the key hallmark of the Sensible Soccer experience. Passes ping with unlikely velocity straight to feet, dizzying manoeuvres are strung together with precision, and booming, curling shots cannon off the upright. The important thing right from the start is it feels exciting, instinctive, and distinctly different from everything currently on the market.

Crucially, the control system is one of the simplest, most intuitive around, yet the 360 degree system pulls it off without losing any depth in the process. Adopting a simple three-button, two-stick system, most of the work on the pitch is carried out with the left stick, in combination with two joypad face buttons (one for pass and another for shots/headers/sliding tackles/crosses). Throw in right trigger for sprinting and the right stick to manually bring out the keeper when required, and you've got Sensible's control set-up in a nutshell.

Reactive

'Sensible Soccer' Screenshot ping

Ping, ping, ping, ping, gooooal!

Of course, the context of your actions makes all the difference to what actually happens when you press the button. For example, there are certain zones on the pitch (out on the wing, for example) where hitting the shot button will intelligently cross the ball instead, while a ball played across the penalty box might result in the defender volleying away or heading depending on the flight of the ball and so on.

Unlike pretty much every football game released since, um, Sensible Soccer, you actually have far more control over the power and direction of your shot in way that's both easy to understand and ludicrously straightforward to get used to. For example, when you're on the ball an arrow points out from your player's feet in the direction you're heading. But as useful as this is in stringing together passes, it comes into its own when you're bearing down on goal and looking to fire a missile guided curler past the despairing outstretched hand of the keeper. In a system not dissimilar to the feel of the original, simply holding down the shot button rapidly extends that arrow to give you an intuitive visual clue over both the power and direction. Of course, the next step is to let go, add a bit of aftertouch as required and watch as your piledriver hits the onion sack. Or at least that's the plan.

At this stage, the defending team has the option of relying on the AI and their ability to slide in and defend, or - as a last resort - can push the right stick and take control of the keeper to force them to rush out, narrow the angle and pressurise the forward to fluffing his chance. From a few hours play, it's a remarkably intuitive system that you begin to use more and more (especially during free kicks, where moving the keeper automatically changes the wall positioning), meaning it's actually possible to control the defence and the keeper at the same time - albeit with varying degrees of success that comes at the expense of being able to use the pass or shot button for a split second. It's very much a case of 'use at your own risk', especially given how fast the action is; during a typical game shots will rain down at a pace some footy fans may take a while to adjust to, though current AI balancing suggests that a goal feast isn't necessarily a given.

Good 'ead

'Sensible Soccer' Screenshot shirt

How on Earth am I going to get this shirt over my head?

As you'll have discerned from the screenshots, the old pseudo top-down viewpoint has been retained, albeit using a scalable view that zooms where appropriate and appears more visibly angled to give you a better view of the big-headed, skinny-bodied players (with widescreen TV owners getting a much broader view of the action, incidentally). But one thing the static images are rubbish at is conveying just how much hilarious character has been infused into each player - not just in terms of the pleasing design, but the enormous range of supremely subtle animations that make it one of the most chucklesome footy games ever, if nothing else.

Although it's not always immediately apparent when playing the game zoomed out, some exceptionally cunning moves often come about from a seemingly innocuous tussle. For example, during a replay you might find out that your attacker actually back-heeled the ball through the defender's legs, or a fouled Spanish player might theatrically collapse clutching their shin in agony when fouled, complete with exaggerated facial expressions. Funnier still is the sight of a defender's reaction upon putting the ball in their own net, or the jubilation that surrounds a goal-scoring celebration. The pseudo-likenesses are genuinely loveable and make you actually crave for the replays far more than you could imagine. Depicted with huge heads and comedy bodies, they're still exquisitely animated, and such subtlety goes a long way to dispelling the notion that this is in any way a technically impoverished game. In motion, it's absolutely delightful.

In terms of general features, Sensible's lack of FIFPro licensing means it fudges the issue in the way that Pro Evo fans will be familiar with from older versions, complete with amusingly misspelt player names that turn out for London Blues and London Reds, for example. Nevertheless, a simple editing system makes it easy to change everything back if these things worry you. In total there will be over 5,500 players (each with their own unique stats and skills), 350 international and club teams to choose from, while each squad will have 16 players, with 12 formations to choose from.

Fact me up

'Sensible Soccer' Screenshot logo

Even the logo got us all excited...

On top of that, you can play two-player co-op games (two on each team), there's all manner of different stadium types, weather types, pitch conditions, kick-off times, save-able replays, over 50 different preset competitions, DIY competitions, league and tournaments for up to 64 players, custom teams that allow you to upgrade players by winning any of the 45 trophies up from grabs, not to mention a host of one-off unlockables - such as comedy hairstyles, kits and boots.

Even from a cursory glance, the game's absolutely rammed with excellent features that will keep everyone occupied for months, though the absence of online play is definitely regrettable - as is the confirmation that the original Sensible won't be featured as an unlockable, sadly. But none of this will matter in the slightest when Sensible comes out in June, because you'll be too busy challenging all-comers on your sofa and marvelling at the joyous return of one of the most cherished brands in the history of football.

Sensible Soccer is released in June on PS2, Xbox and PC via Codemasters. Check back for a full review in the run-up to release.

Picture of Kristan.

About Kristan Reed

Kristan is a former editor of Eurogamer, dad, Stone Roses bore and Norwich City supporter who sometimes mutters optimistically about Team Silent getting back together.

Read more articles from Kristan by visiting the Kristan Reed archive page.

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Comments (62) Latest comment 6 years ago

Comments threads automatically close after 30 days, but please feel free to continue chatting on the forum!

  • Stormflood_UK #1 6 years ago

    GOOOOOOAAAAAAALLLL!!!! Liquid football.

  • Dr Strangelove #2 6 years ago

    "...and the right stick to manually bring out the keeper when required..."

    \o/

  • souljah #3 6 years ago

    Fantastic!

    Cannae wait!

  • TheMoonRat #4 6 years ago

    That right analogue control stick method for the keeper does sound ingenious. One problem was constant goals from the same angles (especially against good players who knew those angles). This means you can thrwart their plans with goalie positioning. awesome!

  • wolfen #5 6 years ago

    So no "Press button and down to lift the ball" rubbish? Count me in!

    Oh, does it have funny teams to go with? Sensi isn't Sensi without a game between Disk Errors and Dull Things.

  • Jaggy #6 6 years ago

    PSP - this needs to come out on the PSP. It would be perfect for it.

  • renzo #7 6 years ago

    Will it have a side-view TV-style camera option as well?

    I haven't played any of the old Sensible Soccer games and I don't really like the "pseudo top-down viewpoint".

  • technos #8 6 years ago

    I want to see those guys do throw ins

  • coderkind #9 6 years ago

    I can't wait!!!

  • Errol #10 6 years ago

    Look forward to picking up the PS2 version.

    Loved sensi on my Amiga. Those were the days.

  • Lummox #11 6 years ago

    Please release a 360 version. Please, please, please...

    Failing that, any chance of making the Xbox version compatible with said monolith?

  • Sir_Zandy #12 6 years ago

    Sensible World of Soccer next......Lummox any chance of getting petition going for Xbox360 users? lol. I wanna be 12 again!!!!
    Edited by 1 at 14/03/06 @ 13:17

  • RiverMan #13 6 years ago

    I want to love it, I really do. But will it be able displace Pro Evo as my fave footy game? I'm not conviced.

    As a Norwich fan, I hope we'll be fully represented like we used to in the Sensi glory days.

    Does it have a manage-a-team option like in Sensible World of Soccer? Made Skonto Riga legends with that.

  • JonFE #14 6 years ago

    I really liked what I read so far; any chance it comes in budget price?

  • Perry #15 6 years ago

    Very interested in this.

    If they are entertaining a PSP version, load times are the key. Although I love getting in a game and a half on the tube every day to/from work, that could easily be 3 games if loading times were not such a concern.

    Certain buy for me, and I've never played the old ones

  • OnlyMe #16 6 years ago

    Who would've thought, this game actually seems to be good. Can't wait to get my hands on it, or a demo even.

  • MrAtheist #17 6 years ago

    Looks like its going to be cack.

    The beauty of Sensi was its arcade simplicity, one stick one button and very easy to pick up.

  • bunglebonce #18 6 years ago

    PC version for me probably with this: I can't imagine there not being patches/mods for realistic data.

  • OnlyMe #19 6 years ago

    MrAtheist: the only reason the original only used one button was because the Amiga joysticks only HAD one button. It would work just as good if there was one button for passes and one for longshots or shooting.

  • Furbs #20 6 years ago

    I reckon this will sell about 15 copies unless they knock it out for £10 a shot.

  • bunglebonce #21 6 years ago



    during a typical game shots will rain down at a pace some footy fans may take a while to adjust to, though current AI balancing suggests that a goal feast isn't necessarily a given.

    and

    supremely subtle animations that make it one of the most chucklesome footy games ever, if nothing else



    ...both make me wonder if Kristan's hinting that it's not going to be as fantastic as what it could be?

    because you'll be too busy challenging all-comers on your sofa and marvelling at the joyous return of one of the most cherished brands in the history of football.

    - makes me hope though
    Edited by 1 at 14/03/06 @ 13:34

  • OnlyMe #22 6 years ago

    You underestimate the power of the Sensible Soccer franchise. Do you know how many people have been waiting for this? I reckon at least a couple of million worldwide. It will definately sell.

  • groovychainsaw #23 6 years ago

    Make this backwards compatible for the 360! oh, and while you're at it, make the original available on xbox live arcade with an online play mode for only 400 points! Cheers!

  • El_MUERkO #24 6 years ago

    >.<

    /cries with joy

    ITS GOOD!!! ITS GGOODDDD!!! >.<

    /dances

    Is there a manager option like swos?

  • El_MUERkO #25 6 years ago

    But that doesnt mean codies shouldnt port SWOS 96/97 to the PSP

  • fiery_jackass #26 6 years ago

    JonFE: "I really liked what I read so far; any chance it comes in budget price?"

    there's every chance it'll be available at a budget price almost immediately....once today's feckless youngsters dismiss it out of hand for not being FIFA Street or whatever. That's a shame, I'll bet it's deadly fun.

  • morriss #27 6 years ago

    no 360 version :(

  • snick #28 6 years ago

    The original would make a perfect game for Xbox 360 live arcade surely??????
    Edited by 1 at 14/03/06 @ 13:47

  • Furbs #29 6 years ago

    OnlyMe, yeah I know its a huge franchise, SWOS is in my top 5, but peoples desire to see an old classic resurrected has an upper price limit. And excitment on a gaming forum doesnt equal huge sales - look at Katamari.

    Will people really pay more than they did for the game 10 years ago, even with some minor improvements?

  • MrAtheist #30 6 years ago

    "MrAtheist: the only reason the original only used one button was because the Amiga joysticks only HAD one button. It would work just as good if there was one button for passes and one for longshots or shooting."

    [sarcasm] OMG the olden days only had one stick one fire button OMG [/sarcasm]

    The point is that the original Sensi was a simple arcade game, not some half-arsed attempt at a football 'sim'.

    Im with Furbs, this will sell about 15 copies. The Sensi name didnt help the last 3D version did it? :)
    Edited by 1 at 14/03/06 @ 13:59

  • jpj84 #31 6 years ago

    I hate to restart a 15 year old argument, but here goes:

    Sensible was to Kick Off 2 what FIFA is to Pro Evo. Played by people not skillful enough for the nuances of KO2.

    I quite like a quick game of FIFA or Sensi, but they are both too arcadey for me.

    There, I've said it.

  • faux_carnation #32 6 years ago

    Are this and this just figment's of Play's fertile imagination?

  • krudster #33 6 years ago

    Very much so!

  • lemonfist #34 6 years ago

    This is going to be amazing.

    Giant heads ftw!

  • Furbs #35 6 years ago

    jpj84 - maybe, but then Goal! pwnt them both :p

  • funk #36 6 years ago

    sounds good with the keepers, it was a piece of piss to score in the old one, and your own keeper was utterly useless also

    agree with the weird player names/teams, they must be there :)


    will there be online play on the pc?
    Edited by 1 at 14/03/06 @ 14:24

  • SparryHotter #37 6 years ago

    Visually it looks arse to me.

    Hope the game plays like a dream to make up for the rather poor visuals.

    Reminds of those early 3D renders.

    Menu looks nice! LOL
    Edited by 1 at 14/03/06 @ 14:43

  • El_MUERkO #38 6 years ago

    "I hate to restart a 15 year old argument, but here goes:

    Sensible was to Kick Off 2 what FIFA is to Pro Evo. Played by people not skillful enough for the nuances of KO2.

    I quite like a quick game of FIFA or Sensi, but they are both too arcadey for me.

    There, I've said it."

    Wrong!

    I would counter that by saying you never gave it a chance or were crap at it and choose to rubbish it.

    I played both for years, as well as the ever underestimated GOAL, I can appreciate the differences.

    But many kick off fans rubish sensi becaus they assume a game easy to learn is easy to master.

    You are so wrong that if there is a god he will count it againist you when you stand before him to be judged.

  • Ceatlan #39 6 years ago

    Was it this or Kick Off that had the stupid turn at the wrong point and leave the ball behind thing ? That was the most annoying feature in any footbal game ever.

  • BremXJones #40 6 years ago

    If the people hailing KO2 over Sensible don't take it all back this VERY SECOND I'll get Stuart Cambell to come over and tell you all off.

    KG

  • Furbs #41 6 years ago

    Both...in both (or all three if you include goal) cases the ball wasnt stuck to your foot. Seemed like a good idea at the time, but I'm not so sure nowadays. Something inbetween would be ideal (ie only "loose" when sprinting in FIFA/PES).

  • Tomo #42 6 years ago

    I. Want.

    It looks like a very neatly done update to me. That title menu is sublime too. Retro, yet a modern twist.

  • Markusdragon #43 6 years ago

    I never played the original, but I'll buy this on the sheer basis that I want Sensible Software back.

    Bring on cannon fodder!

  • T-Bag #44 6 years ago

    imo swos 96/97 is still better than any modern football game. Not got my rose tinted specs on as I still get my Amiga out to play it after becoming bored with pro-evo etc.

    I think it is one of the greatest games of all time and certainly the best football game so no doubt I will be disapointed with this but it does sound good!

    I actually found my swos save disk with highlights of some of my matches nearly 10 years ago, managed to transfer them onto pc, load them in emu and cap them to an avi + add on the funky song :)

  • Vroom #45 6 years ago

    What fantastic news!

    Its goooood !!

  • Kavvy #46 6 years ago

    Yeah Goal was class and definately overlooked by many people despite good reviews, very rewarding on a PES scale that game.

    Can't wait for this though!

  • El_MUERkO #47 6 years ago

    Yeah I dont have my red shades on either, I play sensi daily on the PSP but I'm stuck with the Megadrive version as no others run at stable fps on the PSP.

    I dont want them to change a thing about it, just port a stable version of SWOS 96/97 to the PSP and if you really feel nice throw in network play.

    I'll pay bojillions!!!

  • Lukus #48 6 years ago

    I absolutely hate the visuals in this game! Big heads? That's so mid 90s! I can see what they were trying to achieve, but it just looks irritating. It's not cute or funny. Idiots.

  • Faust #49 6 years ago

    Cough* Club Football *Cough

  • OnlyMe #50 6 years ago

    *cough* Jon Hare *cough*

    He made the original Sensible, he's making this. Codemasters does basically nothing. They'll only publish it.

  • Ecanem #51 6 years ago

    Sounds very promising.. I hope it does well - but not too well - if you know what I mean! =P

  • OnlyMe #52 6 years ago

    btw, the main menu screenshot really brought a tear to my eye.

  • tentonipete #53 6 years ago

    IT'S NOT A PATCH ON MAN UNITED THE DOUBLE!

  • OnlyMe #54 6 years ago

    Hehe, ye, that was a fun game. Though in the end, it was just a isometric version of Man United Premier League Champions.

  • DryHeat #55 6 years ago

    About time.

    This will at least get Konami and EA to improve there games. The football market was getting stale with only 2 companies. Hopefully the makers of kick off could enter the market.

    If codemasters really want to take on EA/Konami they should add a stadium builder/pitch builder/chant adder/national anthem so that eventually every time would get ther own stadiums, pitches, chants and national anthems.

  • OnlyMe #56 6 years ago

    I think Dino Dini (creator of Kick Off 2 and Goal) is working on a soccer game... appearently the soccer game to end all soccer games. Well, at least that's what he says. And he's never been big-headed, has he? Not at all.

  • Ecanem #57 6 years ago

    Dino's latest project is rumoured to have come to an end and his forum has been shut down..

  • OnlyMe #58 6 years ago

    In that case, he's gonna blame it on the new Sensible Soccer, in future interviews.
    Edited by 1 at 16/03/06 @ 07:48

  • msephton #59 6 years ago

    Play.com have this listed as coming out on PC, PS2, PSP, Xbox and DS.

  • IP #60 6 years ago

    :: Play.com have this listed as coming out on... DS.

    Oh, man, Sensi on the DS?

    *head explodes*

  • posh_geordie #61 6 years ago

    Post deleted at 18:45:04 02-01-2012

  • jvmartins #62 6 years ago

    **** cand wait to try this in my xbox.

    swos is simply the best game ever made.