Football is one of the most popular sports in the world, attracting billions of people each year to watch matches and enjoy the action. This popularity has led to an increased demand for games which are football-themed and mimic the experience of watching a real-life match. This type of game has become hugely popular with casino players, who want a more immersive gaming experience that feels like they are at a live match.
Most of the popular soccer management games on the market these days come with official teams, leagues and players, which adds some extra spice to proceedings. These are often the same players that feature in professional matches, making it feel like you are really calling the shots at a club that you know well and love.
The appeal of this style of game is that you can build a squad from scratch, and the game encourages you to nurture the talent you have at your disposal. You’ll earn special training cards during each match which can be used to hone player skills. These cards have a “Potential” rating which shows how much progress they will make based on their raw talent, and you’ll need to carefully consider who to push harder than others in your squad.
You can also utilise the team’s transfer market to pick up new talents, provided you have enough funds available to spend. This can be a useful way to boost your team’s chances of winning, and the option to share players with other 3DS users is another bonus.
In-match tactics are also something you’ll need to take note of, as changing up your line-up based on your opponent’s formation can make a big difference. Thankfully, the degree of tactical control is not excessively overpowering; in fact, it’s more than enough to make matches engaging and rewarding.
However, there are FootballKub to this reductive approach; for starters, you’ll never get to tinker with player positions in-between matches, which can lead to an exhausting experience at times. The lack of any set-piece tactics, or even the ability to discipline your players for poor performance, also takes away some of the depth of this genre of game.
On the other hand, there are plenty of other aspects to Nintendo Pocket Football Club which will be instantly appealing to anyone who loves a bit of soccer management. These include a charming visual style that is reminiscent of Calcio Bit, which was released on the Game Boy Advance back in 2006. The flat 2D sprites which trundle around the pitch look especially fetching with the 3D slider turned up to maximum, and the range of animations is impressive.
While there are some issues with the reductive approach, it’s worth bearing in mind that this game has a lot of heart. It’s not just about assembling a team that will eventually win trophies — it’s about nurturing players who are destined for the scrapheap, and transforming them into a formidable force. The game’s lovable aesthetic and infectious charm will keep you coming back for more, despite its shortcomings.