Zzap


Peter Beardsley's International Football
By Grandslam
Amiga 500

 
Published in Zzap #42

Peter Beardsley's International Football

Liverpool's famous roving left-winger, Peter Beardsley endorses this latest footy game, which sets up matches between a selection of European teams in an international tournament. Three qualifying matches are played before the knock-out semi-final, and then the European International Football Final, where your team could become the Champions of Europe!

The team you represent is chosen from a selection of eight, and the players line up for the kick-off. To shoot or pass hold down the fire button till the required power level is obtained, then release the button to kick the ball in the direction faced. The footballer under control is (according to theinstructions) the one nearest the ball, and is highlighted by an arrow above his head.

GH

On a 16-bit machine, particularly the Amiga, you'd expect a game endorsed by the talented Geordie haircut to extend to something more substantial than a basic kickabout.

Peter Beardsleys International Football

Obviously Grandslam think differently, because that, unfortunately, is all you've got with Peter Beardsley's International Football. If you have the self-discipline to turn a blind eye to such shortcomings as poor playability, no fun and little variety, you might just manage to find the game mildly addictive.

ME

What it looks like Grandslam have done is convert International Soccer, put Beardsley's name and face on the packaging, and timed the release date to coincide with the football fever from the European Championships.

The game graphics are well designed, especially the ref and commentator faces, but animation is unremarkable and there are some terrible sprite glitches. What's worse is the presence of that bane of computerised team sports - the computer selection of the one player who isn't nearest the ball. If you just want a 16-bit International Soccer, then feel free, but that's all you'll be getting for your twenty quid.

Verdict

Peter Beardsleys International Football

Presentation 71%
A number of useful options and good on-screen presentation, with referee and commentator cameos.

Graphics 68%
Nicely defined but poorly animated.

Sound 27%
Annoying sample theme tune and unimpressive match sounds.

Peter Beardsleys International Football

Hookability 67%
Inaccurate player selection and poor sprites are distractions to what should be an immediately playable game.

Lastability 39%
Limited enjoyment with such unadventurous controls.

Overall 47%
A simple football game which doesn't take advantage of the Amiga's abilities.