Previous Next

Not so long ago, a football comic was released. This comic was similar in style to 'Roy of the Rovers' but with the added bonus of Gary 'Open Goal' Lineker's endorsement, and as Gary's England form went down, so did the comic's sales. Now 'Hot Shot' has been merged with Roy Of The Rovers and this must have come as a bit of a blow to Sheffield-based Gremlin Graphics. Gary Lineker's defunct Hot Shot is the latest in a string of releases carrying the England striker's name, and one wonders whether it can be any better than the previous attempts (Surely it couldn't be worse?).

The answer is quite simply, yes. If you have experienced other football games, you'll know what to expect, as it doesn't go all out to alter the norm, just better what has previously been one before. The view is of the same type as Four Soccer Simulators as you look on the action from above, although unlike its counterpart, it only features one match.

Once all the relevant options have been chosen (team name, etc.) it is time to start the match. And what a match it will be. Play flows along at a happy, care-free pace, with no regard For realism, but fun nonetheless. If prizes were awarded to gameplay, Hot Shot would be in the top three. The whole structure of the on-field action revolves around a strength factor, where the longer the fire button is pressed, the harder the ball is kicked.

This factor is also responsible for throw-ins, corners and other set pieces, such as free-kicks, with the latter being a regular occurrence when I play. Extra little features include the referee blowing for any misdemeanours, and even the dreaded red and yellow cards can make an appearance. The only problem with the match itself is the fact that the pitch does not scroll smoothly, but in the heat of excitement, you don't really notice. The structure of the off-field activities is based around a league Format.

There are four divisions of four International teams, and the aim of the proceedings is to play your way to the top of the first (by winning games, of course). You can choose to play any of the teams offered (nearly all the popular countries ore represented), but there is no mode to change your team's name to anything else. Another slight annoyance that this version has is that no matter what colour your team strip really is, your players all play in white, and the opposition in red.

Apart from these minor faults, Gary should be proud with his latest licence (because the other were not really up to scratch). If Gary's form improves as much as his computer games, all other countries should resign from the World Cup now.