Sociable Soccer 24
- November 15, 2023
- Combo Breaker
Sociable Soccer 24 is a cross-platform arcade football game, designed by Jon Hare, the creator of Sensible Soccer. It offers fast-paced gameplay with over 13,000 FIFPRO licensed footballers, allowing you to build your dream team and compete in multiplayer head-to-head matches. As a token of appreciation, Early Access 2017 buyers on Steam will receive a free Steam code on release.
Reviews
- The game captures the nostalgic charm of Sensible Soccer with fast-paced, addictive gameplay that is easy to pick up and play.
- The card-based player upgrade system adds a unique twist to team building, making matches feel rewarding and engaging.
- The game runs smoothly on various platforms, including the Steam Deck, and offers a fun multiplayer experience when online matches work.
- The game requires an internet connection for all modes, including single-player, which has frustrated many players due to server issues and offline play being impossible.
- The AI is often criticized for being too easy, leading to repetitive gameplay where players can score with minimal effort, diminishing the challenge.
- Many players have reported issues with the online PvP mode, including difficulty finding matches and frequent disconnections, making it feel incomplete.
- gameplay54 mentions
- 41 % positive mentions
- 54 % neutral mentions
- 6 % negative mentions
The gameplay of Sociable Soccer 24 is characterized by its simple, fast, and addictive mechanics, reminiscent of classic arcade soccer games, making it particularly enjoyable in local multiplayer settings. While the shooting mechanics are praised and the overall experience is fluid, some players feel the gameplay loop can become repetitive and lacks depth, especially regarding scoring opportunities and the effectiveness of long balls. Overall, it offers a solid debut for an arcade soccer game, though there is room for improvement to enhance engagement and realism.
“Now, 30 years later, Sociable Soccer 24 brings back the simple, fluid, and addictive gameplay that, combined with the possibility of an aerial/vertical view of the field, is pretty close to that original feeling.”
“The actual gameplay is very solid and great fun, particularly in local multiplayer.”
“The gameplay is easy to get into, and the graphics and animations are amusing, making the game more appealing to a casual sports fan compared to the usual serious sports sims.”
“The gameplay is just not engaging enough.”
“I understand they were going for a simple arcadey soccer game, but the gameplay loop of pass, pass, pass and shoot anywhere outside the opposing team's box gets pretty tired quickly.”
“Nevertheless, as other reviewers also pointed out, gameplay can still be improved, especially on how easy or difficult it is to score from outside or inside the box, the usefulness of long balls, and the opportunity to score with headers.”
- graphics14 mentions
- 57 % positive mentions
- 43 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game have been praised for their sharpness and nostalgic aesthetic, successfully updating the classic style while retaining its quirky charm. The animations and art style contribute to an appealing arcade atmosphere, making it accessible and enjoyable for casual sports fans. However, some players noted that the gameplay can become repetitive once the AI is mastered, despite the overall positive reception of the visual elements.
“Sharp graphics and improved AI compared to classic titles complete the package for a game that is already very interesting, even though it's still in development.”
“The nostalgic aesthetic is great.”
“The gameplay is easy to get into, and the graphics and animations are amusing, making the game more appealing to a casual sports fan compared to the usual serious sports sims.”
- optimization4 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- 50 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The game is well-optimized, running smoothly on modest hardware with a consistent 60fps and no performance issues reported. Players appreciate the detailed career mode features, which enhance the overall experience without compromising performance.
“Game runs perfectly on my modest PC (i5, 6GB GTX 1070, 32GB RAM) with a locked 60fps and no performance issues.”
“Career mode with signings, box office profits proportional to the team's recent results, player price fluctuations according to their performance, possibility of training your team in an empty stadium, be invited to manage national teams -- if you reach such level as a coach, that is.”
- grinding2 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
Players find the single-player mode to be largely unengaging, as it primarily involves repetitive grinding against AI to unlock various cards, which many consider tedious and lacking in depth.
“The single-player doesn't offer much at all as it's basically grinding against the AI to earn the fiddly card unlocks.”
- humor2 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The game is noted for its humor, providing a fun and entertaining experience that enhances the overall enjoyment of the gameplay.
“A funny football game with a lot of entertainment value!”
“A hilarious take on football that keeps you laughing throughout!”
- monetization2 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
Reviews indicate that the monetization in FC24 is perceived as excessively exploitative, leading some long-time players to abandon the game altogether. The sentiment suggests that the game's financial model prioritizes profit over player experience.
“I quit FIFA after 10 years because FC24 is the biggest cash grab ever.”
- atmosphere2 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- 50 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The game's atmosphere is characterized by a vibrant and playful art style that effectively complements its arcade setting, enhancing the overall enjoyment and engagement for players.
“The fun art style of the managers and referees matches the arcade atmosphere well.”