Super Shot Soccer

Did You Know?

• The song from the opening film is called "Dive" from the EP Bomb Factory, performed by the Japanese band Bomb Factory and produced by Hell Hornet Records.
• "Crack" from the album Go This Way plays during the game ending.

Gameplay

Released near the end of the PlayStation era and timed with the 2002 FIFA World Cup, this game includes all 32 teams that actually qualified for that tournament. Each squad is made up of players with at least two special abilities, drawing inspiration from the over-the-top style of Captain Tsubasa. These powers can be anything from enhanced passes and defensive moves to speed boosts and other helpful tricks. Beyond the real qualifiers, the roster also adds teams that missed out on the World Cup in reality, like FR Yugoslavia and the Netherlands, plus a Hong Kong side based on the characters from Shaolin Soccer. These extra teams are locked at the start. While there are some basic customization options, the real appeal lies in the special moves and how different teams match up against each other. Every team’s powers reflect the cultural symbols of its country. Denmark’s players can summon a Viking longship to block the goal and stop high balls. The United States team can transform a player into the Statue of Liberty to block scoring attempts. Saudi Arabia’s squad can make opponents slip on a large oil puddle, a nod to the nation’s oil reserves. Paraguay’s goalkeeper has a move straight out of Shaolin Soccer, hurling the ball directly at the goal and knocking down anyone in the way. To use these abilities, players press L1 along with Triangle, Square, or X, and each move consumes a different amount of the team’s special energy. Every team also has one standout player marked with an “S” above their head, whose attacks in their specialty area are more powerful. Standard passing and footwork are still possible, though the characters move a bit stiffly, especially when turning, a design choice meant to create a more realistic feel.