Overview

Released in 1986 by U.S. Gold Ltd., this video game was designed to coincide with the FIFA World Cup held in Mexico that year. The game aimed to capture the excitement and drama of the world-famous soccer tournament.

Gameplay

The game features a soccer simulation, allowing players to select from a range of international teams to compete in a virtual World Cup tournament. The gameplay involves basic soccer mechanics, including passing, shooting, and defending, with each match unfolding on a horizontal field from a top-down perspective.

Historical Significance

Initially, U.S. Gold Ltd. intended to create an original soccer game. However, due to time constraints and the impending World Cup event, the developers opted to acquire, rebrand, and slightly modify an existing game titled “World Cup Soccer” that was developed by Artic Computing.

Reception

The game received mixed reviews upon release. While the concept was appealing to soccer fans, many critics noted that the game fell short in delivering engaging gameplay and technical fluency. Critics often pointed out that the rushed development compromised its quality, with graphics and controls that did not fully capture the dynamic nature of the sport.

Cultural Impact

This game is remembered more for its historical context and the rush to capitalize on the World Cup craze rather than its gameplay mechanics. It provides a glimpse into the early days of sports video games and the challenges of aligning game releases with real-world events.