I’ve never been the biggest fan of soccer, whether that be on a field outside of school or with a controller in my hand. FIFA and Mario Strikers never got my full attention, although I did go through a Rocket League phase (if that counts?). So when I saw that indie developer Subliminal was following up their 2021 pastelle low-poly narrative-driven RPG Button City with a soccer game, I raised an eyebrow.
Button City was a loveable, quirky narrative game set in a 90’s nostalgia-infused world, which I quickly found comfort in. It was the first game released by developer Subliminal, and now they’re back with a new game set within the Button City universe - Button City Soccer Days.
This new game, set shortly after the events of the first, will see the cute cast of characters compete in a soccer tournament and looks to continue the charming style of the first game’s narrative. According to Subliminal Games Co-Founder Ruan Woodward, your choices will impact your game and narrative similar to how they did in the original.
Following a Persona-like system, Soccer Days will have you choosing what you want to do with your days between soccer matches. Whether that’s to pursue a character's questline, hang out with another character or just sit in your house and watch TV.
So is the game’s soccer gameplay fun? It’s described as arcadey and action-packed with rival teams and unexpected challenges such as bad weather, injuries and red cards that will affect your team's season. I enjoyed the variety of mini-games showcased in the first game’s arcade, so I had faith that Subliminal would make the soccer gameplay similarly engaging.
And boy, was I right. I got to go hands-on with the 2-player co-op with my podcast co-host Kameron Donohoe and had a blast. The game plays a little closer to Rocket League than Fifa in that it allows you some more video-gamey abilities like a deadly slide-tackle that I would use to keep my opponent flattened. The physics of the ball bouncing around off of characters instead of sticking to a character like magnet was a welcome - although a bit chaotic - spin on the soccer games that I’ve played before.
While in the first game they showed their love for arcades and now they’re showing their love for soccer. It’s clear that Button City: Soccer Days at its core, is still a cozy, heartfelt love letter from the devs. Subliminal are holding onto one of the most valuable sources of inspiration: things they’re passionate about.
“It’s about finding community and finding things that you’re passionate about and maybe they’re new things that you didn’t know you were passionate about.”
The original game is available on Steam and Switch and Button City: Soccer Days is coming soon to Steam and consoles.
Kelton Burns
Button City Soccer Days Hands-On Impression + Interview
Kelton Burns is a freelance games reporter and recently graduated with his degree in Journalism. You can find him talking about the latest gaming news on his podcast Press Why or reach him on Twitter at @KeltonBurns His favorite game is Alan Wake.
Posted:
Last Updated:
Related Forum: Gaming Discussion
Source: Kelton Burns
"Hands-on with Button City Soccer Days, the adorable athletic RPG" :: Login/Create an Account :: 4 comments