I just got done with a 7 hour session with soccer kid by 3do studio. thought i would offer some thoughts.
when i first got the game, about 4 days ago, i thought that i would support 3do studio and check it out. i really was not expecting much, just a second class platform game. i almost get everything that comes out for the 3do and because it was a good price, i got it.
for the first few hours i was under the impression that the previews were more exciting than the game. (which, btw, doesn't say much for the previews) the first level, england is very flat, very horizontal, very _dare i say_ 16 bit. not much strategy, not much in the way of graphics, just dull.
then it happened. i got to italy and i was hooked. with the 2nd level (which you can save at), the game really picks up. there are strategies that begin, new and different monsters, and much better graphics. not all levels are you regular 'street scene' but more exotic. i thought, hey, this isn't a bad game, a average platform game. a keeper. that was yesterday, before i went to russia and the east.
after going to the opera (everyone who hates pavorttia has much as i do, here's your chance to do something about it) the next level starts. i do not want to ruin the game for anyone, but please believe me: the graphics and the gameplay get _so much better_ after italy. the third level, 3rd zone really looks great, and the last zone of 3rd level is perfect. nothing that you could ever see on snes! trust me! but the one that did it for me, made me realize that this was better the average (dare i say 32-bit) is the 4th level, 3rd zone. it is great. studio 3do...congrates. really something special.
so far i have only found the code to change the color of the shorts and shirt. it anyone finds any secrets, please post. the save function is interesting. i think it really adds to the strategy of the game. you are always tempted to try to go back and do a better job so that you can save the game with more men left. the game is not flawless. much of the scoring is very vague, esp the number of balls at the end of each round. but all the flaws can be over looked for the pure fun (something that is missing from so many games) soccer kid has to offer.
when batman the movie came out, everyone knew it was out and it was an ok movie. it could have never lived up to the hype, even if it was a great, must see movie. with soccer kid there was no hype, i was expecting nothing, and got a real gem of a game. thank you studio 3do. i look forward to the many other titles on the way.
michel.buffa@cmu.edu