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 Name Of Product:
Pocket Monsters - Soccer Game
Features:
Monochrome LCD
Single player
Built-in rotor Rumble
Requires 2 "AAA" batteries
Marketed Or Distributed By:
Unknown.
Cost Of Product:
$11 U.S. Dollars.
Available:
Currently available in some shops but in limited quantities.
Previewed By:
Eric.
Caveat:
Unlicensed product.
Introduction
From a distance, and aside from the extra buttons and slightly smaller dimensions, this monochrome LCD game is
a dead-ringer for the Classic GameBoy. Available in limited quantities at selected toy shops in the touristy areas
here in Singapore, the Pocket Monsters LCD game is available in several iMac colors and versions. The one I managed
to snag for myself, is the "Soccer Game" version. Unfortunately, I can't tell you what the other versions
are since they were all sold out. According to the shop keepers, there are four versions of the game (they couldn't
tell me what they were as well), and that they are selling very well, especially to the Western and European tourist
who get a kick out of weird Pokemon knock-offs such as these.
Features & Gameplay
Like I've said, the Pocket Monsters LCD Game is basically a simple soccer game, but because of the Pocket Monsters
theme, however, your team is made up entirely of Pikachus (see picture below). It is a single player game, and
you play against the computer whose Pikachus are in the black jerseys. You will be attacking up field where your
opponent's goal is, and defending down field, where your goal is. This configuration remains the same through out
the game so there is little chance of getting confused.
Pikachus and cheer leaders!
Each side has three players, and the playing field is divided into three sections
i.e. the goal-area, the back-field and the mid-field. The game starts at mid-field, and whether attacking or defending,
you will have to make your way first from the mid-field, then the back-field and finally the goal-area where you
can attempt a shot at goal. An icon will appear at the top-right of the screen telling you where you're at during
the game, so you don't have to worry about getting lost or mistakenly attacking your own goal. Each game last for
4 minutes, and if you can stand it, you get to play the game to the accompaniment of "Pop Goes The Weasel".
Don't ask me why, but that's the only music in the whole game. Thankfully, you can turn off the sound if you want.
 
Front and back in cool iMac.
Soccer is a team and passing game, and in Pocket Monsters Soccer, this is exactly
what you will need to do if you want to win. Passing is done laterally (left to right, right to left), while moving
up vertically towards the opponent's goal. You pass the ball by pressing the "B" button and indicating
the direction with the directional pad. "A" button is used to toggle between players with the ball, or
when in the opponent's area, it is used for shooting at goal. Yes, this sounds confusing at first, but after a
while, you will get the hang of it.
You can also control your goal-keeper, by moving him left or right when any attempt at goal is made. The best part
of the game is the Rumble feature, and each time either you or your opponent scores, the game will rumble like
crazy. When you're scoring lots of goals, the built-in Rumble is ultra-cool, but when you're loosing, I must say
it feels terrible!
Built-in rotor Rumble!
To conserve batteries, the Pocket Monsters LCD game has an auto-shut off. When the
game is over, and if no buttons are pressed, the game will convert to demo mode within 3 minutes and then shut
off completely after five minutes.
Final Comments
Pocket Monsters Soccer is nothing more than a simple soccer game. If you take away everything related to Pocket
Monsters from it, you will be left with a repetitive and mediocre LCD game with an annoying soundtrack and a passable
rumble feature. Worse still, it isn't even licensed, and buying it means no money for the coffers of Gamefreak
and Nintendo, and a guilt trip that could haunt your for years to come.
If you really want good Nintendo made LCD games, then I suggest that you go for the Mini-Classics. If, however, you are a die-hard Pokemon
fan with no conscience, and who love weird Pokemon knock-offs, then Pocket Monsters Soccer is something you'd definitely
want. But, hey, don't say I didn't warn you!
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