Back in the early 90's before the 'britpop' urge to learn a musical instrument, there wasn't really much for teenagers to do. Then Sensible Software released ‘Sensible Soccer’ on the Amiga and the Atari ST and the football gaming world was changed forever.
What was so different about this game was the simple control method, the same button for pass and shoot (tap for the pass and hold for the shot). It really was pick up and play stuff.
As well as this simple approach to gaming it also allowed the editing of national, club and custom teams. Friends always gathered round to play each other. 'The Black Swan FC' often competed against 'Netto Town' in their bumble bee style kits. With your class mates filling the numbers 1-11 (they didn't have squad numbers then)
As well as this simple approach to gaming it also allowed the editing of national, club and custom teams. Friends always gathered round to play each other. 'The Black Swan FC' often competed against 'Netto Town' in their bumble bee style kits. With your class mates filling the numbers 1-11 (they didn't have squad numbers then)
As the years went on regular updates were released with minor tweaks and bugs ironed out.
But in 1994 Sensible World of Soccer or 'SWOS' as it's affectionately known was released, this wasn't just an update this was a complete overhaul. Not only could you compete as a team from near enough every division in every league across the world but it also featured a 20 season career mode which allowed players to manage and play as whatever team took their fancy.
Again in typical Sensible software style the management aspect was simple, user friendly options nowhere near as in depth as FIFA touches on these days and certainly not like what we've become accustomed to in Football Manager.
But in 1994 Sensible World of Soccer or 'SWOS' as it's affectionately known was released, this wasn't just an update this was a complete overhaul. Not only could you compete as a team from near enough every division in every league across the world but it also featured a 20 season career mode which allowed players to manage and play as whatever team took their fancy.
Again in typical Sensible software style the management aspect was simple, user friendly options nowhere near as in depth as FIFA touches on these days and certainly not like what we've become accustomed to in Football Manager.
For many 'SWOS' was the best game on the Amiga and the only reason to own an Amiga.
Codemasters released the 96/97 version of SWOS on Xbox Live Arcade, it featured the retro styling of the game as well as more polished HD friendly presentation. As with 'Sensi Soccer' games it took a little while getting used to the feel of the game but it wasn't long before I remembered why I spent so much time playing the game when originally released in the 90's.
There have been a number of attempts of next generation versions of the franchise since the Amiga days but unfortunately none of them come close to the original. But with the presentation of FIFA and the playability of PES 'SWOS' is always going to look dated.
Codemasters released the 96/97 version of SWOS on Xbox Live Arcade, it featured the retro styling of the game as well as more polished HD friendly presentation. As with 'Sensi Soccer' games it took a little while getting used to the feel of the game but it wasn't long before I remembered why I spent so much time playing the game when originally released in the 90's.
There have been a number of attempts of next generation versions of the franchise since the Amiga days but unfortunately none of them come close to the original. But with the presentation of FIFA and the playability of PES 'SWOS' is always going to look dated.
But really simple football and goals is all we want, Right?
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