Collection essentials #179: Dolucky’s A-League Soccer (SNES)

Here’s a really fun non-traditional sports-game, and I’m not sure why this one never left Japan. Dolucky’s A-League Soccer is a super fun take on the popular sport featuring four teams (plus one hidden) of different animals. 

The action is pretty fast-paced, and obviously there’s stuff here you wouldn’t see in a real soccer match, like the players jumping super high. And most notably, there’s a “super meter” that fills as you play, and once it’s full you can activate it to temporarily power-up the player you’re controlling, letting you move super fast, and it’ll be way easier to score. You see, if a goalie blocks your shot when you’re powered up, they’ll get knocked over briefly, so you have a chance to get the ball back and shoot it uncontested. I like this, because the power-up is still very meaningful, but it takes a little skill and precision to pull off rather than just give you a freebie.

In multiplayer, there are a variety of gimmicks you can add to the match, such as mines or conveyor belts, depending on what level of crazy (or not crazy) you’re aiming for. It’s a terrific two-player experience. The upbeat and catchy music and the stylish presentation are icing on the cake. 

I should note that there are two other Dolucky games on the Super Famicom, one being a baseball game and one being a puzzle game. Both are good, but not quite THIS good, so they just missed making the list.

This is another one of those games that I wish I could have experienced in my childhood, as I would have loved it. But it’s still great in adulthood. Another wonderful imported essential