Soccer Superstars 2010

CNET Editors' review

by: Jason Parker on June 29, 2010

Soccer Superstars is a unique and fun soccer game for iPhone with cartoony, anime-style graphics, RPG elements that let you level-up special players, and challenging gameplay. Unlike most 3D soccer variants you find in the iTunes App Store, Soccer Superstars has a much more arcadelike feel. At the beginning of every match, you're able to choose a special character who plays as a striker with super moves for scoring goals. This arcade style is particularly apparent in the My League mode, which lets you play as your own special player you can level-up and comes complete with special moves you can earn as you win games throughout the season.

The control system for Soccer Superstars is similar to many soccer games on the iPhone: an onscreen joypad to move your player, and two buttons for shooting and passing while on offense, and guarding and slide tackles on defense. There is not a lot of nuance when it comes to maneuvering or passing in this game, but we think this title was meant to be fast paced and free-wheeling.

Even with it's cartoonlike feel, Soccer Superstars has a surprising amount of depth. You can play in cup tournaments, Exhibition matches, the My League mode we mentioned before, or Dramatic Mode. Dramatic Mode drops you into dramatic situations such as free kicks at the end of matches, for example, or challenging you to win a game with limited time when you're down by a goal. Across all the game modes, you'll be able to sub players and change formations, just like other soccer games. But for the most part, Soccer Superstars is in a league by itself for the overall feel of the game.

Soccer Superstars is probably not for the soccer purist, but we think the game is enjoyable even without the realism found in most soccer offerings. Overall, if you want something a little lighter than a simulation, with fancy shots, funny sound effects, RPG elements, and fast-paced gameplay, Soccer Superstars is a great choice.