Here is a new release from Commodore Spain, created in the Sideways Shoot-‘Em-Up Construction Kit. Note Ten physical tape copies will be awarded to the players who find the Easter Eggs hidden in the game and email them to the correct address.

Subtitled "Death Match", our hero is Futbolino. He must survive three hazardous matches (and a bonus round) played out on huge horizontally scrolling pitches. Each match is filled with hazards - dangerous officials (a red card-throwing referee and his assistants on the touchlines), fans throwing chairs from the stands and flying footballs that could appear from anywhere. Training cones and holes in the pitch present obstacles to walk around. Trophies can be picked up for extra points, and in the bonus round they can be shot for more points. Every 10,000 points an extra life is awarded, as the player starts with just three. At the end of each match is a deadly goalkeeper who must be beaten to win. The game ends with a trophy presentation, before Futbolino must try it all over again.

There are a couple of good ideas here, from the match officials to the hidden bonuses and intermission screens. The second match has rain falling and flying umbrellas, which adds a little variety. The extra presentation - a loading screen, title music and so on - is OK, and Commodore Spain are preparing a tutorial to help other programmers do the same with their SEUCK creations.

Unfortunately the limitations of SEUCK are apparent at times, with sprite flicker when a lot is happening on screen. There are a couple of places where the difficulty curve is quite steep, but it should only take a few games to master.

A fun idea, but flawed.

If you can overcome the limitations of SEUCK, like me, you may just find this game to be one crazy version of the beautiful game, but like me you may just find it quite enjoyable. I had many a laugh while playing, the concept is bonkers for sure, but I love football so I had a great time playing this game. My ratings would be higher especially for the fun factor.