My Played Video Games Review: Mega Man Soccer for the Super Nintendo

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Mega Man Soccer is a soccer video game developed and published by Capcom for the Super Nintendo/Super Famicom, drawing inspiration from the original Mega Man series of action-platform games. It made its debut in Japan on early 1994, followed by a North American release in the same year.

A soccer/football themed Super Nintendo game featuring Mega Man? What are they going to think of next?

Cool Japan only box cover art (Image source)

The Story

Dr. Wily, in his relentless quest for world domination, has taken an unexpected turn—attacking the world's favorite sport! Dr. Light is undeterred and readies Mega Man for a unique battle. In the midst of a championship soccer match, chaos ensues as the stadium is bombarded with fire blasts, and the field is shrouded in smoke. Emerging from the haze are not soccer players but familiar enemy robots—Dr. Wily's creations. However, Dr. Light is not caught off guard. Mega Man and a squad of his robotic counterparts swiftly appear to take on this bizarre soccer challenge. In this unconventional match, wherever evil emerges, Mega Man is there to score against Dr. Wily and his robot masters.

Box, manual and cartridge of the game. (Image source)

The Graphics and Sound

The graphics are well-crafted, showcasing detailed fields and the surrounding areas. The developers paid attention to detail, especially in the victory dances characters perform after scoring. Special moves also leave a mark on characters, like cuts or freezing effects.

The sound complements the game, featuring fitting effects for various actions and background music that aligns well with the game's flow.

Gameplay video sample of Mega Man Soccer on the SNES. Watch in 360p for near TV resolution of that time.

The Gameplay

Mega Man Soccer introduces a love-it-or-hate-it aspect with its soccer gameplay. While the Mega Man characters bring personality to the game, the essence remains soccer/football. The game offers league, exhibition, and tournament modes, with league play being particularly enjoyable. The unique thrill comes from playing as characters like Wood Man or Dr. Wily on different terrains. The game's fun factor is enhanced, especially in two-player mode, but whether it suits your taste depends on your preference.

Sports games often come with high replay value, and Mega Man Soccer is no exception. However, the score is somewhat affected by the ease of scoring once you've mastered it. Playing against another player in 2 player mode might offer more fun and challenge. On a positive note, exploring different robot characters and their special moves can add variety and entertainment to the gameplay.

My Verdict

Overall, Mega Man Soccer stands as a solid game, with the Mega Man elements adding a cool touch. Even if you're not a fan of soccer games, this one can be enjoyable. The unique twist of playing soccer with Mega Man characters adds a fun factor. It's recommended, and if nothing else, it's worth trying out for some fun with friends.

Play it on the precious Nintendo/Super Famicom or play it on a beloved emulator. Play it with a friend.

Let's keep on gaming in the free world!