The Untold Saga of Football Video Games: A Captivating Journey Through the Decades

Football, or soccer as it's known in some parts of the world, has long been a beloved sport that has captured the hearts and imaginations of fans across the globe. It's no surprise, then, that the world of video games has embraced this sport with open arms, offering countless interpretations and iterations over the years. However, the current landscape of football video games is a far cry from the vibrant and diverse offerings of the past, with a few dominant franchises now dominating the market. Bitmap Books' "A Tale of Two Halves: The History Of Football Video Games" aims to uncover this rich heritage, delving into the fascinating history of the genre and shedding light on the lesser-known gems that have graced our screens.

Uncovering the Untold Treasures of Football Gaming

The Humble Beginnings of Football Video Games

The journey of football video games began in the 1980s, where early hits like Kick Off, Match Day, and Sensible Soccer captivated audiences with their innovative gameplay and visuals. These titles laid the foundation for the genre, paving the way for the rise of the two dominant franchises that would come to define the sport in the digital realm: FIFA and Pro Evolution Soccer (PES).

As the decades progressed, the football video game landscape evolved, with each era bringing its own unique challenges and innovations. The 1990s saw the influx of Japanese football games, a byproduct of the establishment of the J-League, which introduced a wealth of new titles that ranged from the sublime to the questionable in quality. Gems like J-League Perfect Striker, released as ISS 64 in the West, stood out as some of the best football games of the era, showcasing the depth and creativity that the genre could offer.

The 2000s and 2010s witnessed the rise of FIFA and PES as the undisputed kings of the football video game world, with the two franchises engaging in a fierce battle for dominance. While these titans captured the attention of the mainstream audience, the book also shines a light on the lesser-known titles that offered unique and innovative takes on the sport, such as Hat Trick Hero, Victory Goal, This is Football, Sega Worldwide Soccer, Three Lions, Fever Pitch Soccer, and LiberoGrande – the latter of which stood out for its unconventional approach of giving players control of a single player rather than the entire team.

The Enduring Appeal of Football Management Simulations

Alongside the evolution of football video games, the book also delves into the world of football management simulations, which have captivated millions of players over the years. Titles like Championship Manager, Premier Manager, and Football Manager (both the old and new versions) have proven to be addictive experiences, offering a deep and immersive dive into the strategic and tactical aspects of the sport.

The book features interviews with key figures behind these management simulations, including Jim Bagley (Striker), Kevin Toms (Football Manager), and Simon Prytherch (LMA Manager), providing a unique behind-the-scenes perspective on the development process and the impact these games have had on the industry and the players themselves.

The book's attention to detail and the love poured into its creation is evident in the bespoke sprite work by 8-Bit Football, as well as the inclusion of examples from James Reynolds' 'Unlicensed FC' project, which showcases the amusing semi-fictional player names that were a hallmark of the PES series before it could secure the rights to use real player names.

A Treasure Trove of Football Gaming History

"A Tale of Two Halves: The History Of Football Video Games" is a comprehensive and captivating exploration of the rich history of football video games. Spanning four decades and covering a staggering 628 pages, the book leaves no stone unturned, unearthing the forgotten gems and shedding light on the pivotal moments that have shaped the genre.

Author Richard Moss's accessible and often amusing prose brings this history to life, transporting readers back to the golden age of football video games, where each week seemed to bring a new and innovative take on the sport. The book's attention to detail and the level of research involved is truly impressive, making it a must-read for any fan of football video games, whether they're seasoned veterans or newcomers to the genre.

In a time when the football video game landscape has become increasingly homogenized, "A Tale of Two Halves" serves as a poignant reminder of the vibrant and diverse past of the genre. It's a celebration of the creativity, passion, and innovation that once defined the world of football video games, and a call to arms for the industry to recapture the magic of those bygone eras.