Common Sense Media Review
By Chad Sapieha
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Arcade sports game is short, simple, social, and safe.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 7+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Play
Videos and Photos
Charrua Soccer
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's It About?
CHARRUA SOCCER is a simple arcade sports game designed for a broad audience. It distills the game into just a few basic moves. On offense, you can kick or pass as you move down the pitch, and the active player is switched automatically so that you're always in control of the ball. On defense, you have the option to change players to move closer to the action and slide-tackle nearby opponents to steal the ball. A virtual control stick allows players to control running and aiming direction. Those are the basics, but you can also dive a little deeper prior to beginning a match if you choose. Players can pick teams representing various countries and eras -- each is ranked based on attack, midfield skill, defense, and goalkeeping -- and adjust squad formations to suit their style of play. Players can also choose from a handful of stadiums and set the time of day, weather, and game duration, which can range from one to 10 minutes. Local multiplayer allows pairs of players to compete against each other via controllers.
Is It Any Good?
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.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about screen time. Charrua Soccer matches can be as short as a minute or as long as 10, so which length makes for the most satisfying play session?
Staying active is an important part of a healthy life, and sports encourage us to be physically energetic. What kinds of sports interest you?
Game Details
- Platform : Apple Arcade
- Pricing structure : Free (Included at no extra cost with a subscription to Apple Arcade ($5/month).)
- Available online? : Available online
- Publisher : Batovi Games
- Release date : February 7, 2020
- Genre : Sports
- ESRB rating :
- Last updated : April 2, 2020
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