VR Soccer '96

VR Soccer '96 is a video game in the sports genre developed by Gremlin Interactive Limited and published by Gremlin Interactive Limited originally released in 1995. It is currently playable on DOS.

Actua Soccer is one of the first soccer games ever to feature a true 3D environment and allow up to 4 players to play on the same computer.

The game is very atmospheric, with superb commentary by Andy Davies adding greatly to the excitement. Although the gameplay is arguably inferior to 2D soccer games such as Sensible World of Soccer (curve balls are quite difficult to execute due to clumsy controls, for example), the graphics in Actua Soccer are used to great effect. There are plenty of good camera angles, an exceptional choice of Action Replays, stadium and crowd details, and great sound effects. All these factors combined create all the atmosphere of a real-life match. You can choose to have a video wall, you can choose to have commentary provided by Barry Davies. . . . you can even choose which way you want the tractor to mow the lawn. You can play with any of 44 international teams, each with 22 players, each with 8 individual skill factors that do have an impact. You can customize cups, leagues, and teams/players to your heart's content, and the infinite camera angles allow you to view players from any perspective.

Overall, Actua Soccer deserves credit for being one of the pioneers in 3D soccer games, and was years ahead of EA's better known FIFA Soccer at the time of its release. Actua Soccer won't dethrone games like Kick Off 3 as arcade soccer classics, but it offers enough adrenaline and the impression of 'being there' to make it an addictive game. Highly recommended.

VR Soccer '96 is available at a reduced price on the following websites and is no longer abandonware.