There are no shortage of football games on the Spectrum, some awful and some terrible. No names no packdrill (respect to all Z80 programmers but I'll sit on the fence right now). The original Match Day game came out in 1984 and became an instant hit. Readers wrote in bragging of 15-0 victories over the computer opponant and there was even a real cup competition run by one of the Spec mags. The game was fairly easy to beat - scoring from 50 yards out and with throw-ins were commonplace. Even Dave scored. The graphics were big and it was certainly the best real time footy game we had. This is the first time we've featured a game by Jon Ritman and Bernie Drummond, but it certainly won't be the last.
When Match Day 2 landed in the shops it regained the crown from Imagines dreary Super Soccer and Artics pathetic World Cup games (whoops, I dissed), taking full advantage of the 128 sound chip along the way. At last the new breed of Speccies were getting decent games. There was now crowd noise, more choices over tactics and kicking style, a full league to play in plus the original cup competition. The name editor comes in very handy as the original team monikers make me cringe every time (as does the 'C' in the very ugly font but never mind!)
The graphics are slighlty smaller, in fact they resemble cute baby Michelin men - pudgy but nippy (unlike that fat Gazza thing). The trouble is, I can't seem to score in this game -the goalies are far too good. Sod dribbling and passing, I punt the ball from just outside the box but I never win. A rather dubious tie-in was released shortly after the original game in the guise of International MatchDay. It's a laugh isn't it? You stick country team names in and add a scoreboard bit and you can release exactly the same game all over again. I think I'm in the wrong business...I should be a rip-off merchant.
Football games since 86, in my opinion, have failed to better the Match Day series. Programs that I had very high hopes on, such as Microprose Soccer and Emlyn Hughes Int. were very disapointing. I'm the first to admit I go weak at the knees when offered a game of Sega Fifa Soccer because lets face it lads, I could beat the socks off any of you on it. But I think you'd thrash me at Match Day. In issue 8 I'm hoping to bring you the ultimate guide to football management games and how to actually beat them without cheating (and I should know because I've got about 300 of the things). Congratulations go to the other teams this season who visibly wilted as they entered the New Den. And thanks to the referee who cheated us of a penalty (and a possible Wembley place.) Up Yours.
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