CLASSIC MOMENTS
Match Day II
» PLATFORM: ZX SPECTRUM » RELEASED: 1987 » DEVELOPER: JON RITMAN
While other Spectrum football games have their fans, there’s no doubt in Retro Gamer’s mind that Jon Ritman’s sequel is the best, a glorious explosion of tubby footballers and useless goalies. Offering a four-strength Kickometer, three types of kick, plus league and cup options, the ability to control your players sharply gives you a chance to construct actual passing moves, counter-attacks and desperate, last-minute defending. However, as in the real beautiful game, it’s all about the glory, and this doesn’t come better than in the cup final. Imagine the scene: it’s two-all as the final enters extra time, the teams, Ritman Utd and Soccerama, battle-scarred and preparing for the final push. There are no penalties in Match Day II; should the scores remain deadlocked, the teams will have to do it all again in a replay. No one wants that, Brian. But, then, a hero rises, meeting a pin-point cross with a firm header. The keeper shuffles, the crowd holds its breath… and the net bulges, the Ritman Utd fans going berserk. Glory is yours.