Developer – Tower Studios, Combo Breaker

Publisher – Tower Studios

Platforms –  Playstation 4/5, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One,Xbox Series S|X, PC (Reviewed)

Review copy given by Publisher

Sociable Soccer 24 is an arcade action game developed by Jon Hare, the mind behind the iconic Sensible Soccer series. With a FIFPRO license, the game is designed to offer fast, intuitive gameplay. It features both couch and online player-versus-player modes, allowing friends to compete side by side or against others online. Players can aim to win 80 different trophies, choose from over 1,000 teams, and collect and upgrade more than 12,000 licensed players as they progress through various leagues.

But does the sheer number of teams and licensed players truly enhance the game? While having a vast selection of teams and players adds depth and realism, the real question is whether this abundance translates into a more engaging and enjoyable gaming experience.

Firstly, Sociable Soccer 24 falls short of being truly “sociable.” While it offers local multiplayer, it restricts players to competing against each other rather than allowing them to play cooperatively on the same team. The situation with online multiplayer is even more disappointing. During my gameplay, there was an average of only three players online, and according to SteamDB, the 24-hour peak was just 10 players, with an all-time high of 63. This scarcity of online participants meant that I couldn’t properly test the online multiplayer mode, and I wasn’t paying $24.99 USD/$34.99 CDN, just for a friend to join me to test this game after playing the “Career mode”

Regarding Career mode, although the game’s website and Steam page boast “100+ hours of content,” the Career mode itself only comprises about 19-20 games (I may have miscounted by one or two). Given that this game has been in Early Access since 2017, as noted on its Steam page, and is no longer listed as such, the question arises: where is all this content supposed to be?

While the graphics aren’t the worst, it’s important to note that this is an arcade-style soccer game , so the graphics aren’t meant to be incredible 4k models. However, the user interface, including the score display and player images outside of gameplay, is of low quality and feels like a direct copy from a mobile version of an arcade soccer game. To improve the game, several enhancements could be made.

First, allowing players to adjust the half-time duration would add flexibility and customization to the gameplay experience. Second, the shooting mechanics need significant improvement. Currently, trying to score a goal feels monotonous. Giving players more control over where they aim the ball would make the game much more engaging. As it stands, the shooting mechanics seem to favor aiming for the middle of the net, and the computer-controlled (COM) player does a poor job at blocking shots.

The most frustrating issue, however, is the requirement to have an internet connection to play even the single-player mode. This limitation severely hampers the accessibility and enjoyment of the game for many players. By addressing these issues, the overall quality and appeal of the game could be greatly enhanced.

Well, Sociable Soccer 24 is marketed as a fast-paced, fun, easy-to-grasp, and hard-to-master game that promises to keep players entertained for hours, it falls short of delivering on these promises. Although it might provide some brief enjoyment, the lack of challenge, combined with numerous other issues, renders the game unappealing. I wouldn’t even consider purchasing it as part of a Humble Bundle. In fact, it feels more like a bargain bin game from the early ’90s found at Walmart, lacking the quality and depth expected from modern titles.