Premier Soccer, a classic football title released by Konami in 1993, has officially been released in beta for the MiSTer FPGA and Analogue Pocket platforms. Developed by Jotego and his team, this release marks a significant milestone in arcade preservation for the FPGA gaming community.
Arcade Presentation and Atmosphere
The game is characterized by a loud and energetic “attract mode” designed to draw in players in an arcade setting. This mode features high-energy audio and a montage of continuous goal-scoring. The fast-paced presentation is intended to capture the excitement of mid-90s arcade sports titles.
Gameplay Mechanics and Camera Options
The gameplay in Premier Soccer is straightforward, though it features several unique quirks:
- Variable Zoom: One of the game’s standout features is the ability to choose from four different zoom levels. While the maximum zoom offers a close-up look at the action, it significantly limits the player’s field of view. The furthest zoom-out setting is generally considered the optimal way to play for better tactical awareness.
- Referee System: While a referee is not constantly visible on the pitch, one will appear specifically to issue yellow or red cards for fouls.
- Physics and Control: The ball “sticks” to the player’s feet well, though the passing system can be unpredictable, often sending the ball further down the pitch than intended.
- Difficulty: Both the player and the AI can score goals relatively easily, leading to high-scoring matches.
Tournament Structure and Penalties
Players begin by selecting a continent and then choosing a specific match within that region. If a match ends in a draw, the game transitions into a penalty shootout. During penalties, the goalkeeper AI exhibits unique behaviors, such as occasionally jumping out of the way of shots aimed toward the center of the net.
Significance for FPGA Gaming
The porting of Premier Soccer to the MiSTer and Analogue Pocket is highlighted as a win for digital preservation. While it may not be regarded as the greatest football game of its era, it is noted for being a decent and fun arcade experience that is now accessible to a new generation of hardware.
You can support Jotego and his teams FPGA Gaming preservation efforts by signing up for their Patreon, all tiers get access to early beat cores.