Sensible Soccer is a game that was integral to my childhood. Playing against my brother on the Amiga, we had our custom teams and the term “do a Rita Repulsor” is still in our lexicon today, purely because of that game. So when I was offered the chance to take a look at Sociable Soccer 25, and heard it was created by Jon Hare, the very same guy who created Sensible Soccer. How could I say no?
Sociable Soccer 25 captures the fast-paced action and intuitive gameplay of its predecessor, complete with the iconic “aftertouch” feature that lets you bend shots after they’re taken. It’s a simple mechanic that’s tough to master, but oh-so-satisfying when you pull it off.
Getting started
Straight away, Sociable Soccer 25 is clearly 30 years of improvement and change. Sensible World of Soccer it is not. The presentation, the aesthetic and the ease of accessibility are clearly way beyond the 1995 release. It’s evident that Jon Hare has moved with the times.
There are immediate whiffs of EA FC or other modern sports sims here, too. With packs, player cards and in-game currency. These are commonplace now, and not a detractor from the core game. I was just a little surprised to see it in a game I was expecting to be a little more “pure” if that makes sense. That being said, there’s no avenue to spend real money, all the in-game currency is earned and players are upgraded with other cards and your currency.
A modern take on a classic
Don’t get me wrong, this isn’t a straight-up retro remake. The default camera angle is similar to modern football games like EA FC 25 (though you can switch to a classic top-down view), and the graphics, while not ground-breaking, are decent enough. It strikes a good balance between a big-budget title and an indie game.
The controls are a bit more involved than the single-button approach of old, with separate buttons for passing, chipping, and shooting. But the aftertouch mechanic is the star of the show, adding a layer of skill and finesse to the gameplay.
Fast-paced fun
The gameplay is lightning-fast, especially if you utilize one-touch passes. You can go from defence to scoring a goal in the blink of an eye. It almost feels like a table tennis match at times, with rapid-fire exchanges between the two sides. This makes for a refreshing experience compared to the more simulation-focused football games out there.
Sociable Soccer 25 has its quirks. Goalkeepers can be a bit leaky, and I found myself hitting the woodwork more often than I’d like. The referees are also quite trigger-happy with the cards. But these quirks add to the game’s charm and chaotic fun (I had 4 reds in 2 consecutive games…..).
One of the highlights is the inclusion of over 13,000 licensed players. It’s cool to see real player names and faces, even if the club names are fictionalized. The Career mode lets you build your team by acquiring and upgrading players, although I wish there was a traditional transfer market.
Perfect for pick-up games
Sociable Soccer 25 is best enjoyed in local co-op mode. It’s easy to pick up and play, making it perfect for casual matches with friends. While it might be too simplistic for hardcore football sim fans, its arcade-style gameplay and nostalgic charm make it a fun and refreshing alternative.
This is one I can’t wait to couch co-op with my brother who grew up with me playing Sensible Soccer.
Overall thoughts on Sociable Soccer 25
Sociable Soccer 25 is a love letter to classic arcade football games with a modern twist. It’s a blast to play and offers a welcome change of pace from the more complex football simulations on the market. And if you had Sociable Soccer 24, you’ll get the upgrade for FREE.
If you’re looking for a fun, nostalgic, and accessible football experience on Steam, Sociable Soccer 25 is definitely worth checking out.
Get more details on Sociable Soccer 25 on the main website. It’s available to download and play now from official game stores across platforms. If you want to check out more of our game reviews, click right here.
