Prepare to be very pleased. Codemasters has announced that Sensible Soccer is to be given a fresh burst of life via the magic of a modern day remake, in development for Xbox, PlayStation 2 and PC.
Due for release in Q2 of next year, Codemasters promises a faithful update the original 16-Bit classic footy gem that paved the way for relationship-ruining soccer marathons now the territory of Konami’s Pro Evolution series.
A tongue in cheek press release explains that the “…all-new Sensible Soccer will launch Q2 2006 and come complete with lightning fast football action, mesmerising dribbling, physics-defying sliding tackles and, most famously, a huge amount of unbelievable goals, that can go curling into the top corner, thanks to the outrageous levels of after-touch.”
Updates include a new cel-shaded, big-headed approach to player design (as you can see from the screens to the right), 50 preset competitions to enter and four-player multiplayer goodness.
“Following the success of Sensible Soccer's recent mobile edition and the fantastic retro Plug 'n' Play TV version of the game, it's great to bring a truly new version out for the first time in over eight years on all of the major formats." says Jon Hare, now a director of Tower Studios and games design consultant. "We are doing everything in our power to modernise and recreate the sheer playability, fun and footballing depth of the original and remind the playing public just what they have been missing out in the current market of slow, drab sims."
Codemasters also promises some “…special content that will celebrate the series' 15-year anniversary,” likely to be a remake of the MegaDrive version.
We’re excited. And so should you be. Expect more on this as we get it.