A surprisingly good soccer game for the PSP.
delivers a solid game, especially for the handheld PSP.
There are three main game modes: exhibition, cup, and challenge mode. Exhibition pits two teams of your choosing against each other. International teams are initially available, but more teams can be unlocked. Cup mode offers a series of tournaments. Perhaps the most interesting mode is challenge mode, which adds a lot of fun to the game. You are rewarded with points for playing good soccer, tackling, passing, and scoring goals. Similarly, points are taken away for missed tackles, intercepted passes, and allowing goals. This encourages the player to play a game somewhat resembling real life soccer.
The game's presentation is adequate, but nothing really stands out. Graphics aren't too special, but they certainly hold their own. I wasn't expecting to see players' names on the back of uniforms during replays and cut scenes, but they are there. Player models don't look as smooth as they could have been. While the commentary is passable, I was surprised that the game operates with only one main commentator, and didn't have a color commentator. The replays after goals are pretty nice, as each goal is replayed at least three times from various camera angles. The game also contains a selection of licensed music which plays during the game menus.
The game's strength is in the gameplay. World Tour Soccer plays a tight game of soccer, and you'll have to work to score. Goals don't come too easily, so you will feel a sense of accomplishment when you do score. In addition to basic passing, shooting, and tackling moves, there are a few moves to help elude defenders. But the most curious move has to be the intentional dive. Done in the open, it looks absolutely hilarious, like your player tripped. I suppose there are situations which you can use this move to lure the referee into calling a foul, but each time I've done it, I've received a penalty.
There are a few unlockables, such as stadiums for completing the various challenge mode tasks. Winning the various cups at one of three different skill levels rewards the player with tokens which he can spend to unlock teams.
World Tour Soccer takes itself seriously, and has be to applauded for it. The strong gameplay, along with the challenge mode, round out a solid package. All in all, it is a surprisingly good soccer game for the PSP.