Soccer fever has reached its peak with the FIFA world cup just around the corner! During these times, there will be people who want to try something new, in this case, soccer video games. I was one of them, and in this review I’ll be giving you my opinion on Gamevil‘s latest soccer game, Soccer Superstars!

Gameplay 10/10

The gameplay is more or less the same in every game mode during matches. The AI controls most of the players/player running, but you can override this with the V-stick and the virtual buttons. Some people may find this clunky, but I think the controls are spot-on! If you don’t like what you hear, you can always switch to manual control. Outside of matches, the menus are easily navigated and usually react the first time you press them. In my opinion, the controls are great! I have had very few problems with them.

Graphics 10/10

When you hear the name “Gamevil“, what comes to mind? If you answered games with charming anime-inspired characters and graphics reminiscent of the SNES era, then that’s a pretty good answer. Gamevil seems to be comfortable with this graphical style, and it’s in no way a bad thing. Outside of actual gameplay, the menus are easy to navigate. In actual gameplay, your presented with 2D sprites that are tiny but easily differentiated from opponents through differently colored uniforms. Characters aside, the actual playing field looks good especially when weather effects are present. The game has great graphics if you like 2D sprites as I do, but 3D players may find this to be a downer.

Controls 8/10

The controls in this game as expected are mainly comprised of a virtual pad and any buttons necessary. But the controlling the movement of your character isn’t as simple as using the v-pad and holding in the direction you want to move. You see, your character moves about the field automatically, and when you want to you can change the direction of your player by pushing the v-pad in one direction and releasing. But, alternatively, you can hold in the direction and dash. Unfortunately, a lot of people found these controls to be clunky. But if you spend enough time with it you’ll catch-on. The buttons don’t even need to be mentioned, their the standard fare controlling when you kick, pass, or use your super kick (when available). In the end, I thought the controls were great, but the deeper-than-wanted learning curve took some points off.

Sound 10/10

The sound of the ball being kicked around, the crowd roaring, and the whistles blowing during stoppages. All this amounts to great sound! It really immerses you into the game! You don’t feel like you just scored a point in a game, you actually feel a sense of achievement every time the crowd roars with every goal you make! Once again, the sound is great!

Menus 7/10

The menus are important, without menus any game would be a garbled mess that is impossible to navigate. Fortunately Soccer Superstars isn’t that garbled mess. The menus are vibrant, colorful, and easily navigable as expected from any well-polished game. But if your a bit older than the targeted audience you may have a hard time reading some things because of the minuscule letters used in some areas of the games menu. All in all, the menus are easily navigable, but if your older than the targeted audience and have some eye problems, you may have a hard time reading some parts.

Longevity 10/10

Five game modes, with at least two of them allowing you to develop and manage your team. This game has a lot of replayability! The “My League” mode is where replayability really shines! In said game mode your tasked with developing your own player from amateur player, to legendary superstar! With 13 seasons to develop your player, each one having 33 matches, add it all up and you got 429 matches to play through! You’ll definitely have a lot of time with this game!

Cost 10/10

Pricing is fair if you have the money. At $4.99 you can’t go wrong with this game!

Overall 65/70 – 4/5

All in all, this game is absolutely fantastic! Even to newcomers this game will be fun even with its flaws! You can never go wrong with a “Superstars” game!

Soccer Superstars on the App Store.