THE_MA~1 Commodore 64 game

When first released to coincide with the World Cup, this game was known as Italy 1990. At that time, it surpassed Virgin's official license and still offers a lot of frantic footy fun today.

There's the obligatory two-player mode, but the real attraction is the full World Cup tournament with all 24 teams from Italia '90. Whichever nation you choose, you can select your team from a fairly authentic squad of star players – yes, Gazza is in the England team, and Jim Leighton for Scotland! However, since the game was released just before the real-life squads were announced, some players are missing, e.g., Mark Wright for England (we wouldn't even have beaten Egypt without him!).

The match action lets the side down slightly. It's a simple overhead-view game with ball-stuck-to-foot dribbling and played at a fast pace that makes clever passing difficult (a bit like British footy, really). It's not exactly MicroProse, but still a better kickabout than many games I could mention (see my soccer round-up in the last issue!).

If you want to relive the thrills of the World Cup, this is certainly a better deal than £5.5 million for a 'daft brush'! Phil - 75%

LEICESTER ATTACK! GOAL!!!

THE MATCH

• Cult, £3.99 cassette

It's another footy manager, and a good one too, with a nifty match scene and commentary. After selecting one of 40 teams, the main menu offers ten options accessed by pressing their initial letter:

• Change Squad: Shows your full squad of 20 players (whose names can be changed). One of three formations (4-3-3, 4-2-4, and 2-3-5 - I thought that one went out with the ark!) can be selected, and players' positions swapped around, including two subs. This is a bit bewildering at first as your players don't have their skill ratings displayed - you have to assess them yourself by watching matches!

• Bank: Displays your finances and enables you to change ground admission prices. You can also hire a scout to compile a report on your next opponents (including strengths, weaknesses, and the best player).

• Training: Your coach tells you which players need training and in what areas (tackling, passing, etc).

• Physio: Tells you who's injured and how near they are to recovery.

• Market: This is where you buy and sell players. Any of four transfer-listed players can be bought (at a listed price). Alternatively, if another player has caught your eye, you can try and buy him by typing in his name - my favorite trick is to buy my next opponents' best player!

• Fixtures: Displays your season fixture list, including past results.

• League Tables: You can see any of the four divisions.

• Save: Stores your game position to tape.

• Quit: Erm, you quit the game (just like old Kenny!).

Play Match: The transfer market offers several players today, or you can bid for a player of your own choice:

1. DARLINGTON OFFER BORGAN £2336460
2. HARTLEPOOL OFFER TAGGART £357668
3. CARDIFF £2351205
4. CARDIFF OFFER ELKINS £2046650
   • OFFER CAYLOAD

YOUR ACCOUNT:

• £273688

BUY PLAYER OWN CHOICE

Okay, it may not look like much on a static screenshot, but this is one of the most effective match scenes in any footy management game. Tiny players move around the pitch, their passes and shots shown by straight lines. At the same time, a running commentary tells you which player has the ball, who's about to tackle him, who he passes to, and more.

D-CARPETT F-VALLACE TEAGLELLS A-CAFPBELL A-STERLAND A-COOPER S-CGDX 4-3-3 S-MAGILL A-HENDON G-FILLERY D-WOHNSON D-HEELEY PUTNEY-NEEDHAR"