This is Football: A Detailed Game Summary

Story

While This is Football does not feature a traditional narrative or storyline as found in RPGs or adventure games, it excels in creating an authentic soccer experience that feels like a story unfolding on the pitch. The game’s narrative is primarily driven by the player’s actions, decisions, and the unfolding drama of soccer matches. Players can lead a team from obscurity to glory, simulating the journey of a soccer club through various competitions.

The game offers a variety of modes, such as the standard friendly matches, league play, and tournaments, which add layers to the narrative experience. By crafting their own stories through gameplay, players can experience the highs and lows of managing a soccer team, making strategic decisions that impact their success on the field. This open-ended approach allows players to create their own “storylines,” whether it’s building a dynasty with a top-tier team or leading an underdog to a major upset.

Gameplay

This is Football was celebrated for its depth of gameplay, catering to both casual fans and hardcore soccer enthusiasts. The game features a comprehensive roster of teams and players from around the world, allowing players to select from a wide array of national and club teams. Each team and player is meticulously detailed, capturing the unique styles and skills that differentiate them in the real world.

One of the standout features of This is Football is its control scheme, which was designed to provide a realistic soccer experience. The controls are intuitive, allowing players to execute a variety of moves such as dribbling, passing, and shooting with precision. The game also introduces advanced tactics and strategies, giving players the option to customize their team’s formation and style of play. This level of tactical depth was a significant draw for players seeking a more authentic soccer experience.

In addition to single-player modes, This is Football offers multiplayer options that allow friends to compete against each other. The competitive aspect of multiplayer gameplay adds another layer of excitement and unpredictability, as players must adapt their strategies to outmaneuver human opponents.

Key Gameplay Features

Extensive roster of international and club teams

Advanced control scheme for realistic gameplay

Customizable team tactics and formations

Single-player and multiplayer modes

Graphics and Sound

For its time, This is Football delivered impressive graphics that contributed to its realistic portrayal of the sport. The game utilized the capabilities of the PlayStation to render detailed player models, realistic stadiums, and smooth animations that captured the fluidity of soccer. The attention to detail in the players’ appearances and movements helped create an immersive experience that brought the game to life.

The sound design in This is Football is equally noteworthy, featuring dynamic crowd noises that react to the on-field action, adding to the atmosphere of a live match. The commentary, provided by professional broadcasters, enhances the game’s realism and provides insightful analysis as the match unfolds. The ambient sounds, such as the thud of a well-struck ball or the referee’s whistle, are finely tuned to enhance the overall experience.

Legacy and Reception

Upon its release, This is Football was met with positive reviews from critics and players alike. It was praised for its realistic gameplay, depth of tactical options, and impressive presentation. The game was particularly lauded for its ability to capture the essence of soccer, providing an experience that was both accessible to newcomers and challenging for seasoned players.

This is Football’s success paved the way for subsequent entries in the series, which continued to build on the foundation laid by the original game. The series became known for its commitment to realism and authenticity, influencing other soccer games that followed.

The game’s legacy is further cemented by its role in popularizing soccer video games at a time when the genre was still finding its footing. By offering a comprehensive and engaging soccer experience, This is Football helped expand the appeal of soccer games to a broader audience.

Conclusion

This is Football remains a significant title in the history of sports video games. Its blend of realistic gameplay, strategic depth, and immersive presentation set a new standard for soccer simulations on the PlayStation. The game not only captured the excitement and unpredictability of soccer but also allowed players to create their own stories on the virtual pitch. Its impact on the genre is evident in the continued popularity of soccer video games, and it holds a special place in the hearts of fans who experienced its pioneering approach to the beautiful game.