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Review of Captain Tsubasa: Aratanaru Densetsu Joshou on PlayStation

by Gemma Looksby Gemma Looksby photo Jan 2002
Cover image of Captain Tsubasa: Aratanaru Densetsu Joshou on PlayStation
Gamefings Score: 8.5
Platform: PlayStation PlayStation logo
Released: 01 Jan 2002
Genre: Sports, RPG
Developer: WinkySoft
Publisher: Bandai

Introduction

If you've ever had dreams of bending the ball like David Beckham but only managed to kick your cat instead, then grab your controller and let's dive into the spectacular world of Japanese soccer with "Captain Tsubasa: Aratanaru Densetsu Joshou"! This game captures the spirit of the world-renowned manga series, where schoolboys dribble like gazelles while we fumble through our Sunday league matches. Get ready for a wild ride!

Gameplay

Okay, let's talk about the heart of the game-football (or soccer for you Americans). For those who grew up chasing the elusive butterfly that is 'fun', this game takes the gridiron and turns it into an action-packed drama that even your grandma would want to watch (and she doesn't even know what a red card is). You'll be playing as Tsubasa Oozora and his crew of hyperactive young athletes who spend more time training than I do convincing my mom to let me stay up past midnight. Expect to unleash incredible special moves like the 'Super Shot', because why shoot normally when you can kick the ball into orbit? The controls can feel a bit weird at first, akin to trying to use chopsticks for the very first time while simultaneously juggling, but once you get the hang of it, you'll be passing and shooting like a true soccer star. However, don't expect realistic ball physics. The ball behaves better than most of my past relationships, bouncing unpredictably and often flying off in directions that make you question reality itself. Prepare to laugh as you watch defenders tackle each other in extravagant slow motion-even gravity seems to take a coffee break during these moments. Rivalries heat up, friendships are tested, and you might just score a hat-trick worthy of a Broadway show!

Graphics

Visually, the game is a nostalgic blast from the past. Each character is as stylized as a teenager's selfie on Instagram, and the animations bring a vibrant energy that screams 'anime!' It's colorful, flashy, and somewhat reminiscent of those old Saturday morning cartoons that made you want to run outside with a soccer ball-until you realized you had the coordination of a newborn giraffe. But don't worry if the graphics feel a bit dated; they reflect the early 2000s charm, and the emotional reactions during events are like the best soap opera moments-over the top but oh-so-appealing. Plus, you can appreciate that they took their time to make sure that even non-playable characters (NPCs) have enough flair that you could mistake them for actual stars in their own right. You could probably sell their profiles for magazine covers!

Conclusion

In summary, "Captain Tsubasa: Aratanaru Densetsu Joshou" is an amusing fusion of sports and your favorite anime tropes, all wrapped up in a nostalgic package that will invite old fans back and allow newcomers to jump into the exhilarating world of soccer-without the risk of breaking your window while practicing your goalkeeping skills. So grab your best mate (or tackle your enemies, it's your call), get ready to kick some soccer balls, and remember: when in doubt, use a special move! Who knows, you might just become the next great goal-scorer-or at least not hit your cat this time!

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