Sensible World of Soccer (2007) [PC/360]

[Sweey]

Following on from the release of Sensible Soccer 2006 - which was good for what it was, an updated version of Sensible Soccer but not for those of us craving SWOS - an updated version of the classic Sensible World of Soccer is due for release in the summer of 2007 for PC (Vista only) and XBox360. Essentially it incorporates improved graphics, greater features improved audio and online play with the same game engine as SWOS 96/97 - you can't be that classic SWOS gameplay so why bother tinkering?

Quick Q&A

Recently we spoke with Nick Pili, Director of Casual Gaming at Codemasters, to give more details on the forthcoming Xbox Live Arcade (XBLA) retro-smash Sensible World of Soccer (SWOS). He was happy to oblige and here’s the answers to some of the questions you’ve been asking via forums and websites.

We started by asking him on the background to the surprise return of one of the best games of all-time…

Could you briefly outline your involvement with the Sensible World of Soccer (SWOS) project?

Sure, my team and I manage Codemasters Casual Games strategy. This includes managing our series of Funsta casual game portals (check it out at http://www.funsta.com), developing new casual games for the web, PC downloadable and XBLA platforms, as well as reviewing dozens of prototype casual games we receive weekly from small dev companies and wannabe bedroom developers. The standard of casual games in the market is phenomenal.

During a series of meetings last summer with Microsoft at the 2006 Casual Games Conference in Seattle we were discussing a number of XBLA game opportunities. Microsoft were keen to have an easy to pick-up-and-play football game for the XBLA platform - a Sensi type game seemed like the obvious choice.

After presenting the business case internally for a SWOS XBLA game, supported by the overwhelming interest of the SWOS community it was a no-brainer to take this project forward.

Is this version of SWOS just an online version of last year's Sensible Soccer?
No - the game is different from last year’s. We have listened very carefully to the Sensi communities’ comments after last year’s game and I’m pleased to confirm the following:

In this version the user will be able to play two main modes of SWOS. Mode 1 will be the original Amiga game (we haven’t touched the core game code) with enhanced graphics and enhanced game features. Mode 2 will be the actual original Amiga game from the mid 90s. Again we haven’t altered the game code in any way.

Will the gameplay differ from the Amiga/PC/SNES version I remember?
No - as stated above it will be the EXACT core gameplay that we all remember from the Amiga/PC/SNES versions.

Which version of SWOS does this game’s code use (either of the all-conquering 95/96 or 96/97 versions hopefully)?

To produce the authentic SWOS experience we'll be using the original source code used in SWOS 96/97, so you can celebrate now! The core gameplay will be untouched, and therefore identical to that within the SWOS96/97 game.

Is there any new or changed audio (crowd chants or songs)?
Yes - in Mode 1 of the game (see question 2) we’re improving the audio and crowd chants.

Will it feature Xbox Live functionality? What online tournaments and features can we expect from this?
Yes – you’ll be able to play online and there will be high-score tables all as standard. We’ll announce more details in due course!

Can you reveal any of the achievements planned for the XBLA version?
What this space - details to be announced in due course.

Can I play the game in HD resolution?
Yes – the game will support HD resolutions as standard.

Is there going to be a PC release?
Yes - we can confirm that later in the year we will be releasing a PC version for Vista-based machines.

Is the PC release just for Vista or can people on Win2k and XP play it?
So far just Vista. We hope to provide the game for more OS in the future though!

What online tournaments and features can we expect from the PC version?
We are currently working with Microsoft to understand exactly how the new Windows Live functionality will work. Once we figure this out we will be able to confirm what online tournaments and features we can apply to the Vista version of SWOS.

When do you expect to release the game on XBLA?
Summer 2007. We’ll confirm a more accurate date in the very near future!

Thanks for your time Nick – I’m sure the forums will be clambering for more details very soon!

As far as I'm concerned, this is great news. Always want SWOS with current-day squads and better balance (player values fluctuated stupidly - you could score 100 goals in a season with a striker but if his heading was high and you weren't heading the ball x times in a game, his price went down).

 

[RichB_33]

Thanks for supplying some great news.
SWOS with some touch-ups, current squads, audio tweaking and all importantly the exact same gameplay & XBL aspect.
Perfection.

 

[-Deki-]

Deleted

Deleted

 

[Sweey]

The disappointing aspect is that it includes the 96/97 season data - but with the names changed due to licensing. The style of play is exactly the same, graphics are improved and you can play multi-player matches over the internet on both Vista and XBox Live.

Available via download only for approximately £7.99 upon its imminent release.

 

[Dan]

Codemasters' Sensible World of Soccer will kick off on Microsoft's console before Christmas.


By Tom Magrino, GameSpot


Posted Nov 27, 2007 7:47 pm GMT



It's nearly impossible to mention Xbox Live without soccer hooligans crawling out from under the bleachers to cry foul over the lack of a Sensible World of Soccer update. Since first being teased at Microsoft's X06 event two years ago in Barcelona, Spain, Codemasters has been cagey on a firm release date of its downloadable Xbox 360 and Windows Vista remake of Sensible Software's classic franchise. The soccer devout were given especial cause to take up their blackjacks when the game slipped past its projected summer 2007 release window.


However, Codemasters and Microsoft have at long last fingered December 19 as the day when Xbox 360 gamers, at least, will be able to take to the pitch in Sensible World of Soccer over Xbox Live. Codemasters made no mention of the Vista-enabled version of the game, and had not responded to requests for comment as of press time.


As detailed in GameSpot's previous coverage, Codemasters will pull data from the '96/'97 season of the game, often considered to be the best in the series. Like other redux Xbox Live Arcade games, SWOS will feature both a true-to-the-original version of the game as well as a revamped edition that includes updated visuals, retuned audio, and new gameplay features. Both versions of the game will feature online play and leaderboards.


Sensible World of Soccer for Xbox Live Arcade has not yet been priced.

Christmas come early. (For 360ers anyway) :dancer: It says the price is unconfirmed, but I'm sure they said it would be 800 MS ages ago. Fingers crossed it doesn't slip again, or there will be hell on. : 0

 

[spoonzwba]

Will definetly be getting this, really is a good game.

 

[Dan]

I've stumbled across the database for the game, chaps.

http://database.swos.info/start.html

Henry for 600k. 6 days left now, roll on.


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EDIT -
I downloaded it earlier today, it's good fun, but kinda disappointing, mainly cos the player names are all made up and there doesn't seem to be a way of editing them. :?/

 

[Ziss]

Look at that Monaco squad

Does it have to be purchased through Marketplace?

 

[Lörd TH]

hasn't this been pulled from the marketplace due to bugs or something

 

[requiem7]

I can't wait for sensible soccer!