PlayStation 1
Released in 1995 by Konami
Grade: C
There’s something charming about Goal Storm’s simple gameplay and arcade speed. Too bad the stupid thing gives me a headache.
Where it falls in the series
Konami set a high water mark for realistic soccer on SNES (See International Superstar Soccer Deluxe), and this is the first of five installments on PS1. The series name changed to Pro Evolution Soccer and it’s still going today. (See Pro Evolution Soccer 2016.)
Praises and gripes
Like many 32-bit sports games, especially the early ones, this game tries too hard to impress you with its 3D graphics. The camera shakes constantly, and it even zooms way in when you’re on certain parts of the field, which is quite annoying. The top-heavy players look ridiculous up close, but at least they’re clear when the camera is pulled back.
The gameplay is unnatural and overly straightforward. The players run in zig-zags, with only marginal momentum. Passing isn’t nearly the artform it became later on in soccer games, limited to the standard on-the-ground pass and the lofted aerial pass. There’s no through pass or speed burst, which there was on SNES! What gives?
Defenders are equipped with a very long, very quick slide tackle, which is rarely penalized. This gives the game a repetitive, chaotic feel where every slide tackle is like a shark attack, and you’d be a fool not to abuse the hell out of it. Any moment not slide tackling is a moment wasted. On offense, you’re constantly avoiding slide tackles while dealing with some inconsistent controls.
Even so, contests usually become offense-focused and high-scoring. It can take just a few seconds to generate a scoring chance, and back-line defenders often blow their assignments.
On the periphery of the gameplay is cheap presentation and bare-bones options. You’ll either find it pathetic or charming when you arrive at the main menu and see the bright green words “Mode Select.” The loading screen is blank except for the big “Please Wait…” at the bottom.
It seems like all the effort was put into the new 3D engine, while the soccer logic, lifelike physics, fine-tuned controls, complete strategies, and presentation options would have all have to wait for another day.
The game is still sort of fun, at least more fun than other early 32-bit soccer games. If you want to fire up an old game that’s simple to play, Goal Storm isn’t so bad.
Published August 23, 2022