Ronaldo V-Football (Editor's Note: Soccer to Americans) Game by Infogrames Reviewed by geezer http://geezer.homepage.dk Size: 8 megabits Save: Battery, 1 slot Released: 1999 Works with: All gameboys **************************************************************************** Opening Snide Remarks: A football game that I was really looking forward to. Ronaldo was to be the start of the new wave of football/soccer games on the handheld. I was a little wrong. **************************************************************************** Gameplay Descripion: This game uses a side-on view, similar to ISS '99. The game is controlled in a very similar way, but isn't as 'locked' as ISS. The players aren't as skilled as the ISS games though. I feel a certain degree of freedom as I run around the pitch, and possibly a little too much. Players don't run onto the ball as they do in ISS, which is a good and bad thing. This game plays and looks fine, until you gain control of the ball. Once you've got the ball, your player walks slowly, making him an easy target. This really annoyed me at first, but I've gotten used to it, even though I find it very unrealistic. Tapping the A button kicks the ball a little ahead, so it is possible to 'run' with the ball. Learn this trick. I'm a little disappointed by set-pieces in the game. I'm not able to achieve anything from a free kick or corner, not even pass the ball with precision. It is also very hard to head the ball, it's possible, but very difficult. Tackling works fine, but I think that possesion play has to be improved upon. This is named after one of the best footballers of all time. There are a variety of playing modes, but no World Cup option, which I found a little strange. There is a good selection of teams, both national and international. Most big European clubs are represented with accurate stats. The international are also accurate. The game can be played in arcade mode or realistic mode. I can't really see the difference. There are other options, such as setting game-length, difficulty level, etc. Easy level is an easy way to learn how to play, normal level is tough. This game is very slow on Super Gameboy. You have been warned!! Liked: Very good defensively...... Hated: A little lame and slow when you have possesion **************************************************************************** Graphics Description: The game looks good, without ever being great. The players are big enough to see, but they don't fill the pitch. Hair colour and skin colour can be seen, but I'm not sure as to how accurate these physical qualities are. The teams all have their own distinctive kits, which is a definite plus. The animations are good, and multiple spites on screen is handled very well, there is occasional slowdown, or sprite flicker, but it is rare and short. I think that the splash screens, and menu screens could've been better. Liked: Well, satisfied yes. Hated: Could always be better. **************************************************************************** Sound/Music Description: I think that the sound effects are adequate. It does sound as if there is a crowd, and the playing effects are there. You can hear the ball being kicked, and the refs whistle. The crowd goes crazy when a goal is scored. The music in the menus is okay, but suffers from the same problem as almost all GB music. Music is rarely good on this machine. I rarely listen to the sound or music, so call me grumpy. Liked: Can't rave... Hated: Can't grumble... **************************************************************************** Play Control/Game Design: Play control is good, the players are responsive to their commands. One complaint is when clearing the ball from your own defensive area. I find the ball hitting one of my own midfielders in the back of the head. The play modes and all the options are good, and the ability to save is a gift from heaven (well, almost). I do find it a little easy to win 7-0 all the time. Maybe I should try the normal level. Last time I did that I got beaten 7-0. Liked: Jumping players, and computer controlled goalies. Hated: Lack of skills for players. **************************************************************************** Improve: I'd like to see more skills or abilites for the players. An injection of speed wouldn't be a bad thing. An option to play in a world-cup competition. I'd like to see the game tweaked and improved in all ways. RIYL: There aren't so many good soccer/football games around, so good luck. International Superstar Soccer, FIFA, Golden Goal, Three Lions, Sensible soccer, Total Soccer (coming soon). **************************************************************************** Final Words: Slightly above average, and maybe the best football game on the GBC. Buy if you are desperate for an alternative to ISS, or any other crap soccer game you may own. **************************************************************************** Score Gameplay: *** Graphics: *** Sound/Music: *** Play Control/Game Design: *** Personal Opinion: **** Total: 16 Final Score: 64% **************************************************************************** Currently Known Codes: None