GOOOOOAAAAAALL!!!!!!
I have never been someone who gets particularly excited about soccer. The World Cup just came and went and I was surrounded by folks staying up late to watch games and stuff; but I was like nah. Oh, I understand the basic concept of getting the ball into the net, but playing the simulation style games or watching the matches just always seemed boring to me. Especially when I found out that it’s a rare thing for players to get goals… crazy. Somehow, Captain Tsubasa 2: World Fighters managed to get my attention, no doubt with all of its anime flash; and I am so glad it did because I am a fan of this type of soccer now.
Developed by TAMSOFT and published by Bandai Namco, Captain Tsubasa 2: World Fighters, I came into this franchise as a newcomer. What I found was an incredibly entertaining sports game that takes the familiar foundations of soccer and transforms them into something spectacular. It isn’t about faithfully recreating a Saturday afternoon match; it’s about impossible shots, incredible saves and more drama than can fit into an hour of your grandmother’s favorite soap opera. The thing I love about Captain Tsubasa 2 is that the games feel more like a superhero version of soccer.
MSRP: $59.99
Platforms: XBOX (reviewed), PlayStation, Switch, PC
Price I’d Pay: $59.99
Players unleash outrageous special shots, and pull off crazy defensive moves that look more like shots from DBZ or Naruto. Matches end up becoming very flashy and dramatic back-and-forth battles where every type you have the ball it feels like an event. Moving past defenders isn’t about just the right direction, but instead players will have juke moves, tackles, and more that they will have to use to make the right decision. Goalkeeper encounters are equally as entertaining, as players will have to wear down their stamina in order to get shots in. But even the goalkeeper has abilities that can cause them to make a miracle save or more, I am telling you to experience this game is just so freaking incredible.
As a newcomer I found the included story mode a pleasant surprise. Players will create their own character which includes choosing their position on the team. The story will see you take your character from the school leagues to the big-league facing teams that are from the anime. The story is unapologetically earnest, which I found refreshing. Characters are passionate about soccer to an almost comical degree. Under normal circumstances, I probably would’ve found that level of intensity silly. Here, however the presentation commits to the drama that it becomes apart of the charm. While the story occasionally leans into familiar sports tropes, I found all the enthusiasm infectious. The characters believe in themselves and their teammates to a degree that you can’t just hope but root for them.
As much as I loved the game, it’s not without some issues. Firstly matches, especially in the story mode will start to feel repetitive as players start to recognize the patterns of play. There is also a learning curve when it comes to being familiar with all the moves and systems that are available. The game is very approachable, but understanding how everything works together will take a bit of patience. These are all relatively minor complaints in an experience that consistently managed to entertain.
I’m not a soccer fanatic. I don’t spend my free time studying teams or getting invested in real-world tournaments. Yet here I am, celebrating ridiculous goals, getting caught up in dramatic rivalries, and eagerly jumping into the next match. Captain Tsubasa 2: World Fighters is a fantastic arcade sports game that proves an over-the-top presentation, satisfying mechanics, and a compelling adventure can win over even the most unlikely soccer fan.
Review copy of game provided by publisher.