Head-On Soccer

Are you ready to go head to head with the toughest soccer teams in the world? Well, then welcome to U.S. Gold's latest trip to the soccer pitch, Head-On Soccer. Take your pick from more than 50 teams throughout the world. Choose a team like Brazil (a soccer powerhouse) or attempt to lead Morocco to victory.

Choose from an exhibition game or jump into a regional tournament. Play with a friend or take on a computerized opponent. Now you're ready for the kick-off!

The game play is smooth and simple, making the game riveting to play. The fast-paced action, multiple fouls and the cheer of the crowd really get you into this game.

Offensively, you can use hard and light kicks, passes and also head the ball. When on the attack, try to keep the ball moving between your players. Quick passes and then an angle shot is the best form of attack.

Defensively, do your best to make your opponent's life miserable. Try to steal the ball with a slide tackle or just boot the ball carrier in the shin. Hey, is that legal?

As your team wins’ games, you will be given additional players to add to your arsenal. There are several of these characters to choose from. You will have to be patient to get the players with a high impact.

This game includes all aspects of a real soccer game from the penalty kicks to the throw-ins. So, grab your shin guards!

Put down the controller if you haven't fueled up with a good nutritious breakfast! You'll need all your strength to keep up with the accelerated action of Head-On Soccer.

Rock 'Em Sock 'Em Soccer

Not the gentleman's game of soccer, Head-On enables you (and the CPU) to bang away at your opponents as much as the ball. Head-On is a soccer "game," not a sports sim -- some of the realism has been removed to make way for a better (faster) gaming experience.

Each of 51 international teams boast "star players." In the Tournament mode, you have to earn star players, while in the Exhibition mode, you begin with the maximum star players allowed. Star players have special offensive and defensive moves, like highly accurate passing, fake falls (in order to earn a free kick), and well-controlled shots.

Keep Your Shin Up

Graphically the game looks a little better than average. A nice view of the field makes passing easier, but the cinemas (for a foul or goal) are a little corny. The sprites are average sized for a soccer sim and are decently animated.

The sounds are also slightly above par. The crowd chants, the announcer shouts "Goall!", and you get a good smacking effect when your man kicks the opposing player in the shins.

The control is good, and the Genesis game seems to play a little faster than the SNES version. If you aren't looking for stats and standings on the real international teams, this game of "street" soccer might be right up your alley.

This isn't a soccer simulation, it's more like a soccer arcade-style action game. There's some colorful characters with some exceptional attributes, but otherwise the true sport sim action isn't there. I still say this is some kind of British plot, but it's still good!

Ok, this isn't a soccer simulation, it's more like a soccer arcade-style action game. There's some colorful characters with some exceptional attributes, but otherwise this is just average. I still say this is some kind of British plot, but Neil isn't talking.

Oooh-rah! Head-On Soccer for the SNES is aptly named because you'll dive right into this turbo-charged game.

Ball Brawl

A total of 51 international teams take the Exhibition or Tournament field in this game. There's no FIFA or World Cup endorsement, which is fine because Head-On is more like an arcade soccer game than a simulation. It's quicker than most soccer games and definitely more physical: While referees patrol the action, they're somewhat lax in calling penalties.

Because these teams aren't bound by World Cup regulations, the game includes "star players" who possess special skills that exaggerate standard soccer moves. Star forwards burn the ball with blazing hard shots, star mid-fielders maneuver beautifully, and star fullbacks deliver devastating defensive moves.

Head-On nails the controls with a six-button interface, providing separate buttons for heading the ball and for the star players' special moves. Getting off quick passes is easy, and slide-tackling your opponents is just as simple.

Goalie Cow

The graphics for Head-On are dead on. The stadium is well detailed, and the field view gives you good depth for passing. The characters move well and are better defined here than on the Genesis.

Like the graphics, the sound is slightly better here. Heavy crowd noise, authentic whistles, and good booting noises highlight the effects. The music is limited, and a mechanical announcer calls the penalties and throw-ins.

Implementing the star players' special moves really juices up the action. If other soccer sims seem slow to you, this fast and furious version of the sport may keep you coming back for more.