Soccer Story

Soccer Story is a charming role-playing adventure that seamlessly builds a joyous and often goofy story around something as simple as kicking a ball. A cataclysmic event causes soccer to be banned unless sanctioned by the evil Soccer Inc. (with more than a few parallels to real-world FIFA), and our young hero’s father goes missing during the catastrophe. A year later, a magical soccer ball comes crashing into our hero’s life. What comes next is an often silly and fun story about bringing soccer back to the world, filled with anthropomorphic panda goalkeepers and an evil soccer corporation.

Soccer Story is a nice little RPG that revolves around bringing Soccer back to life. And on Steam Deck, it feels like a wonderful time!

Soccer Story is a rather charming little RPG/sports sim title by No More Robots, where you must restore the joy of soccer to a land where amateur games have been banned by the villainous Soccer Inc. Although the goofy-yet-earnest premise and vibrant world and NPCs make it delightful to initially dive into, the actual fetch quest-laden gameplay outstays its welcome, and results in an adventure that unfortunately does not live up to its potential.

Soccer Story is by no means a perfect game, especially where there are bugs and glitches that require a hard reset and cause a loss of progression, but it does manage to deliver an entertaining time on occasion, even if it doesn't necessarily have to do with the ball on the pitch. It might not be a great recommendation for those that are looking for more soccer action, but as a narrative-driven roleplaying title that just so happens to involve soccer, Soccer Story remains something worth checking out if you temper your expectations.

Soccer Story is a valiant attempt at a Sports RPG, but it falls victim to a repetitive story and quest structure. Its light narrative quickly falls to the side, with annoying bugs taking its place. Perhaps a player can find value in the endless amount of running and collectible items to be found but, for the most part, its lively world and polished soccer ball physics aren’t enough to make this an enjoyable experience.

As the brisk winds blow, the World Cup endears fans at every corner of the globe. Countries everywhere are battling a widespread disease called “Futbol” fever, making this month a suitable window to release a title that reflects the beautiful game. Whether it be coincidence or sheer marketing genius, Panic Barn had the same thought process. Using current events, they’ve ensured that the utmost attention is given to Soccer Story. When I first laid eyes on a trailer, there wasn’t a bone...

Soccer Story brings its take on a combination of adventure, sports, and RPG. A cute world is unfortunately undermined by both sporting and technical difficulties.