|
Sony CEE's soccer sim arrives on PSP. World Tour Soccer for PSP is based on World Tour Soccer 2006 for PS2, but with some improvements. The developers have crafted a good soccer simulator for the PSP, one that improves on an already good PS2 iteration, which in itself was drastically improved from its predecessors.
World Tour Soccer does not include a career mode, as was found in WTS 2006. Instead, you’ll find a number of modes more fit for portable gameplay. There is an Exhibition mode included for a quick game, a quick play mode (that randomly chooses teams to save additional time), cup competitions, and a challenge mode. Sony CEE included a number of options, though. The game has a number of time settings and difficulty levels. The A.I. is pretty decent, but as always, the best games take place against another player.
The game’s actual gameplay is respectable. The controls of the PS2 version have adapted faithfully to the PSP. Sony CEE has made use of the PSP’s button scheme very well. The face buttons perform the same functions as was found in the PS2 version of the game. The shoulder buttons handle sprinting and tricks. Controlling the character can be accomplished through either the D Pad or analog nub. Thankfully, the controls are pretty responsive.
World Tour Soccer has a well-developed unlockables system. There are seven cup competitions. The incentive for completing these is that you can unlock special teams. Other classic teams can be unlocked throughout the game. All in all, you’ll find nearly 250 teams at your disposal ranging from classic, club and international. You can also unlock stadiums via the game’s challenge mode. Here, you’re rewarded with points by scoring goals, and also eloquently playing soccer. You’ll gain points for completing a pass, or using a trick against an opponent. Like the cup mode, there are seven challenge matches.
WTS includes a rudimentary multiplayer mode. Two-player local multiplayer is included in the game. Only exhibition mode is supported, however. Unfortunately, the game lacks the online mode of Sony's other sports games.
The game’s visuals don’t disappoint. The players are detailed and wonderfully animated. The stadiums look great sporting many differences and attention to detail, as well. The fans once again have a noticeable presence and enhance the feeling of the game. After all, everyone knows soccer fans are among the most passionate. WTS closely resembles the PS2 version of the game; any differences are negligible on the PSP’s screen.
The sound effects let you aurally enjoy the game and do their job well. The fans are responsible for the great audio though. Sony CEE captured tons of different chants and it’s nice to hear the enthusiasm. It makes you want to keep playing. The commentary has been dramatically reduced in size as often times you’ll simply hear the players’ names.
World Tour Soccer is a solid soccer simulation. It is currently the only soccer game available for the PSP (although FIFA Soccer looms nearby). World Tour Soccer’s gameplay is well-defined, and the different modes spice things up considerably. The presentation is solid, as well. Overall, it is recommended. -- Jose Liz, PGNx Media
---- Apr 26, 2005
|
