Charrua Soccer

Soccer games come in all shapes and sizes, from the incredibly sophisticated to the very easy, and this one is certainly among the latter. But that's not to say Charrua Soccer is meant just for people with a passing interest in the sport. Though its interface is simple and matches typically last less time than it takes to drive kids to school, there's a lot here to satisfy anyone who enjoys the Beautiful Game and happens to have a few idle moments. The action, for starters, is terrific. Passing, tackling, and kicking are satisfying thanks to great controls that can be surprisingly nuanced. A kick's power, for example, is determined by how long you hold your screen tap. And for those interested in a little more strategy, picking the right team and matching it with a formation that plays to its strengths can make all the difference.

But there's significant room for improvement. Local multiplayer, while fun, is restricted to a single device rather than a local network, and it requires controllers. There's no option for online multiplayer, which essentially means the bulk of your matches will be played against computer-controlled teams. The AI is good, but not a match for a crafty and unpredictable human. And while there's a modest selection of national teams from which to choose, including male and female squads, it seems strange the list isn't bigger -- especially since these aren't licensed teams featuring actual players. Charrua Soccer has outstanding controls and satisfying action, but it feels like it's not quite complete.