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Game Review by Nicholas Bacon
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Buy The Game $ 19.95

I remember quite a few hours back in high school that were spent playing tabletop soccer. I remember even more playing video games. So what could be better than the two becoming one? The two staying one. Contrary to what is said on the website, I tried MasterKick once and it did not become my favorite addiction.

Upon opening the game I am greeted with a screen asking me to “insert coin”. After searching my computer relentlessly for a coin slot and finding none I simply click the screen to move on. The soundtrack for the opening screen, although repetitive, is almost guaranteed to get your head bobbing. But now it’s time to get my game on.

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First, I check out the Options tab, which includes on and off choices for volume, clouds, shadows, audience, ads, and language. Wanting to get the full experience I set everything to on and proceed to Quick Match. The League option is not available since I have not purchased the game. I now have to decide on a team. I choose New York, as it is the only one available. If purchased you will have the luxury of choosing from New York, Tokyo, Paris, Rome, Berlin, and London. Next there are seven different formations, difficulty settings ranging from Loser to Superb, and Match Type (five goals or timed). There is also an option, for those who buy, that allows you to pick the style of your playing field. I’m now ready to go. I press the Play button.

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The ball drops and I realize I do not know any of the controls. Fortunately they are easy enough to figure out. Mouse or Arrows move the players; Mouse Button or Control key takes care of spin. In a game as simple as MasterKick the controls should work like a charm. This is not the case. Moving the players works well enough but spinning is a chore. I play a few games on varying difficulties but the only difference seems to be the speed at which the ball moves.

One thing I do enjoy is the sound made when the ball comes in contact with a player, which is quickly outweighed by the annoying static that is the crowd. The graphics are smooth and distinguishable. Not too fancy, but satisfying except for the fact that the playing screen is about the size of an index card.

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Buy The Game $ 19.95

After about 25 minutes of play time the demo will not let me get more than 30 seconds into a game before self quitting on me. I was done anyways. Just to make sure I didn’t miss anything I take a glance at the Read Me file. Besides being just plain confusing the English is very bad. Game Over.

Pros:
- Catchy opening screen soundtrack
- Sound of ball hitting players
- Graphics
- Windows, MacOS, and Linux compatible

Cons:
- Small playing screen size
- Crowd noise
- Controls
- $20 price tag
- Lack of depth to options/game play
- Lack of in-game instructions
- Confusing Read Me

All in all MasterKick is not worth the $19.95 unless you have some serious money to burn. You’re better off searching the net for a free version of tabletop goodness.

Download Free Game Trial
Buy The Game $ 19.95

Industry Entertainment created Masterkick

Tags: Sports Games //