Educational Goals- Academy of Champions: Soccer

Evidently, creating an arcade-like sports game can be a challenging task. For every successful diversion such as NBA Jam or Wii Sports, there are a handful of complementary middling titles like Family Fun Football or Bill Lambeer’s Combat Basketball. Boiling down an adored recreation down to a few, simple enjoyable mechanics can stymie even an experienced developer.

The core gameplay of the recently released Academy of Champions: Soccer is surprisingly polished, approaching the level of finesse shown in 2007’s Mario Strikers Charged. Academy wisely trims footie to a five-on-five match, allowing players to concentrate on nimble dribbling, and passing to a reduced number of teammates. Gamers use the stick on the Nunchuck to direct a player on the pitch, with a tap of the “C” button switching control to the teammate closest to the ball. Shots on goal are taken with the “B” button, which can be charged for greater velocity and control. Successful play rewards the gamer’s team with talent, which may be released for quick sprints, dodges, or even, nearly unstoppable shots. Overall, the title’s interpretation of soccer is uncomplicated enough for newcomers to enjoy, while containing just enough depth to support repeated play.

Owners of Nintendo’s WiiMotion Plus, can use the peripheral to make high passes or chip shots by aiming their controller’s up, while a downward angle will initiate a low pass. Although it’s a slight enhancement to the game, its absence for owners without the accessory is inexplicable- the standard Wiimote is capable of measuring pitch. While the title indicates support for the Balance Board, its incorporation is minimal- only one minigame utilizes the device.

While this proficient adaption of soccer could warrant the game’s thirty dollar price on its own, Academy of Champions’ story mode significantly elevates the amount of value found on the disk. On the commencement of the game’s campaign, players will follow an enjoyable academic schedule, and receive tutelage from either Pele or Mia Hamm (depending on which gender is picked). Gamers are offered three activities for each modeled day, from player training through six mini-games, to recruiting local talent. Academy offers a fairly decent amount of freedom- players may select from a choice of options, of even skip ahead to the next mandatory match. These role-playing elements complement the on-field action well, and are typically uncomplicated. I do wish the game gave a quick comparison between your current player and substitute; remembering each athlete’s individual ratings can be problematic.

While Academy of Champions: Soccer may not have the have vibrancy of Mario Strikers Charged, it is a visually gratifying title. Each of the game’s stadiums are creatively rendered, and have huge floating screens that burst with animation when a goal a scored. Although the game’s athletes vary wildly in size and girth, they are all drawn admirably and are well animated. Seeing a few of Ubisoft’s virtual celebrities- from Altair from Assassin’s Creed to Sam Fisher of the Splinter Cell series, is an amusing addition that will make some gamers giddy.