gamecca • review
just playing the game; tackling, passing, shooting and, most important, scoring goals. When the talent bar is full you trigger the talent of the currently selected player by shaking the remote. Defenders generally have a form of unstoppable tackle, or shield, and your attackers have a power shot that goal keepers fear. Goal keepers’ talents are not activated, rather being passive (in the form of general team boosts). The controls are simple and easy to get into, so not much is stopping your friend from picking up the controller, getting a quick tutorial and kicking your butt. However, the game does not use enough of the Wii controller’s functionality. It’s the first game to be compatible with the MotionPlus and the Balance Board, but it under-utilises the MotionPlus completely. Aside from the story mode, you can jump into a quick game and select a range of teams. There are standard teams, but don’t forget the unlockable ones that include favourite Ubisoft characters Altair the Assassin, Rayman, and his rabbids! These are unlocked by beating them in a match in story mode.
Reviewer’s Rating:
Hardcore < > Casual
B+
I do not like the fact that two people can’t play in the story mode at the same time, with individual progress, as this is a standard for games now, but on the other side, how many people use this feature anyway? Online play could easily have been built in but it’s not really missed. All these negative points are wiped away if you think that this game is intended for the younger players… complications are not the best idea. They want to jump in and play something fun, which was achieved in this fun football game. g
It’s a soccer game for children that adults can enjoy as well. Academy of Champions is lots of fun, and features a few good challenges. issue 4 • october 2009
85