Football Challenge 2009

Pros

• Price - The game is available for free both online and offline. It can be downloaded onto most operating systems and players can sign up for a free online account.
• Competition - The ability to play online against gamers located all over the world is appealing to many players. While the game is rather simplistic, it would still be fun and interesting to test one's skill levels against other players.
• Customization - the ability to customize teams and players has some appeal to gamers.

Cons

• Graphics - Football Challenge 2009 is not much to look at due to simplistic graphics. In this day and age, gamers have come to expect awesome graphics that look realistic.
• Game Controls - The game may feel a bit antiquated for individuals who are not used to using the keyboard to play games.

While Football Challenge 2009 certainly won't rise to the level of FIFA's or PES's series of amazing soccer/football products, it does have its charms. The game has the feel of a Atari classic from the 1980s. The game won't have much appeal for today's savvy gamer, but real soccer enthusiasts will still enjoy investing time playing this fun 3D simulator game. The key to enjoying the game is to approach it without any crazy expectations.

Football Challenge 2009 is available in both online or offline mode. In the online environment, players can actually signup for account that will allow them to play the game head-to-head against players all over the world. The online "tournament" system actually keeps track of each player's win/loss record and tries to automatically pair players of equal skill for optimum competition. In the offline mode, the opponent is controlled by the computer.

The game is very basic with no frills. There are no official team names, official player names, official country jerseys or fancy soccer moves. Part of the fun associated with the game comes from the ability to customize the players. The gamer can design the team's jersey, choose the skin color of the players and even dictate facial hair. The funny little players could best be described as block figures that look like they came straight out of a Lego cartoon.

The 3D graphics are a bit simplistic. The game action is controlled by using the arrow keys for direction and two designated keys for passing and shooting. This old style of play will win the hearts of gamers who love a bit of nostalgia. The game is compatible with most Apple and Microsoft operating systems.

Pros

• Price - The game is available for free both online and offline. It can be downloaded onto most operating systems and players can sign up for a free online account.
• Competition - The ability to play online against gamers located all over the world is appealing to many players. While the game is rather simplistic, it would still be fun and interesting to test one's skill levels against other players.
• Customization - the ability to customize teams and players has some appeal to gamers.

Cons

• Graphics - Football Challenge 2009 is not much to look at due to simplistic graphics. In this day and age, gamers have come to expect awesome graphics that look realistic.
• Game Controls - The game may feel a bit antiquated for individuals who are not used to using the keyboard to play games.