Ladies and gentleman.....be prepared for some hard-hitting, pulse pounding, 3 on 3 soccer action in this smash from Sega.
This game marks an entry of a unique soccer type of game, that of the arcade, smash-em-up soccer game. Borrowing some cues from the NFL Blitz series, this game features hard hits, power ups, as well as codes to unlock various features within the game. It also includes various gameplay modes including the deeper than expected Quest mode to the game.
Graphically, this is a very attractive game. The special effects and power ups are particularly impressive, especially watching your player became a flaming being complete with fire trail and a ball that drips flames for a moment. The stadiums themselves are fairly standard, although the Reactor Core stadium is fairly attractive and slightly offsetting when you first play on it. The game sports a fairly high frame rate, even when playing with your friends. The most impressive feature is the killer shots and the spotlight shots, which feature a slow-motion Matrix-like effect where you can aim your shots and see some awesome moves.
The sound effects were fairly well done in this game, if a tad standard as far as these types of games go. The play-by-play announcers are sometimes annoying, and the things your players say are often laugh out loud dorky. However, for what this game is, the sound and effects complement the game very well, especially during killer shots when even the crowd chants become slowed down.
Gameplay is one of the key staples to this game, and I am happy to say that it is pulled off perfectly. Control of your team and players is carried off very well with the Gamecube controller and with the exception of a somewhat taxing combo for killer shots, it never once feels uncomfortable in your hands. Like all superior sporting games, this game features a very helpful training mode, whereby you can learn how to use the controls and perform all the moves that the game has to offer. The quest mode is where your characters attempt to achieve their personal goals in a 12 match 3 tiered tournament, complete with an All-Star Break and some mini-games where you can earn extra money in a variety of shooting exercises. This is also where you can earn money to buy items, which enhance your players abilities, or art work where you can get various codes for the game. The exhibition mode is very standard, where you can play either a team or your friends in a single match where you can choose your arena and customize the weather. The other mode allows you to set up a tournament just to play for fun. This game also features 6 playable teams, each with its own strengths and weaknesses/playing styles. I choose to use the passing masters Toxic and after learning the game easily wipes out the competition with the Toxic's devastating one-timers.
The multiplayer modes, feature some of the best 4 player sports action you will find on any console. While the computer is tough at first, playing with human players makes the game more challenging and much less predictable. This feature makes this game a good reason to have 4 controllers, as you will almost assuredly want to play with your friends and have some heated matches.
This game is very fun for what it is. It sets out to be a fun arcade type of experience and it succeeds without fail. I have enjoyed this game in both the single and multiplayer modes and will continue to play it for months to come. This is the first real sports game that I have purchased for the Gamecube and it was definitely worth the money.
-Mark
Company Line
It's a kick-off revolution…and the pitch will never be the same!
Take your team through a series of matches, unlocking secret stadium locations and gaining access to hidden items that improve player attributes. Through this unique quest mode, you'll be able to save your enhanced player attributes for use in the other game modes. Alternative game-play options include a quick-start mode, an exhibition mode, and a round-robin tourney mode for sizzling multiplayer action. With the built-in training mode, you have the opportunity to become experts in the Sega Soccer Slam's insane special maneuvers: spotlight shots, deadly killer kicks, dekes, hits, steals, headers, and special team specific power-up moves. This isn't ordinary soccer…and with additional user-controlled features such as weather and difficulty levels, players can create the ultimate match of champions.
Fast and Furious Action - 3-on-3 game-play (plus goalies), opens up the field for lightning quick rushes, intense battles, and high-impact tackles. Special moves include deadly killer kicks, spotlight maneuvers, and team specific power-up skills.
Power-ups and Bonuses - Great plays result in dazzling special effects and fantastic team specific power-ups that boost player skills. Victories provide access to exotic unlockable venues and mystery items that boost player attributes.
5 Ruthless Game Modes – A unique Continental Cup Quest mode as well as a Quick Start mode, an Exhibition mode, and a Tourney mode for sizzling multiplayer action. An additional Practice mode provides the user with an opportunity to master complex Sega Soccer Slam moves.
Non-stop Pandemonium - From the opening kickoff to the final whistle, the clock stops only after goals and at halftime. Shots are so powerful, that they are most often deflected back into play.
Detailed Characters - Sophisticated 3D models, individual voices and personalities, facial animation, and more than 1,000 motion-captured moves.
Rabid Fans - Soccer Slam fans chant, wave flags, and respond to the highs and lows of the on-field action.
User-Friendly Controls - Pick-up-and-play controls make it easy to learn the basics. Complex and advanced moves are challenging to master.
Create an Account
Member Login
