REDCARD

In all of life's sectors, things can escalate to fever pitch. There are so many football games around and it was only a matter of time until a game such as this sees the light of day. While you have 50 international teams with all the players and real stadiums like Yokohama and Saituma, the main thing setting this game apart lies in its title. Redcard gives you the option of getting real nasty on the pitch. In stead of playing the game like you should, you can take out your opponents with a super tackle, shoulder barge or just plain whack him off his feet (red cards flashed according to the strictness level of the ref). While you can unlock hidden characters and stadiums, it's safe to say that the temptation will just be too great not to utilize these dirty play features. But hey, let's be honest, it's not like this doesn't go on in real life, even in full view of multiple camera angles, so, why not make it a part of the gameplay - just like sliding and tyre wear are realistically integrated elements of racing games. With this option, however, how much of a real, clean rulebook game will be played if you know you don't need to? Still, some football purists will feel this may put "the beautiful game" in disrepute - but it's all just a bit of fun, innit mate?

3 / A
- PB