There is really no conceivable way that if you’re male and at least 20 years of age that you haven’t at some stage played Subbuteo. If that isn’t the case, then you have issues – issues that can be resolved immediately by going out and playing the game right now.
For the rest of you, Subbuteo is most likely the source of many a warm childhood memory. And possibly some cuticle damage. Its arrival on DS, then, is certainly no surprise – the game remains massively popular today, so whether you’re targeting the reminiscing old-timer or current active fans, the target market is huge.
“It’s a classic franchise that plenty of people will recognise, so it’s easy to make the transition from board game to videogame – like so many board games have,” 505 Games’ UK product manager Juliette Fielder tells MCV.
“Of course, the Nintendo DS and Subbuteo are a perfect fit because you use the touch screen to flick the players across the pitch. The touch screen gives the player a lot of precision, which is needed in this extremely tactical but fun football title. What’s more, you can have two players taking turns on the same DS instead of laying out the felt pitch before having a quick flick about.”
There is one obvious question when contemplating the title, though – why opt for Subbuteo over a more realistic football title, of which the market is far from short? “Subbuteo offers the same tactical passing and defending that you’d find in other ‘real’ football games,” Fielder adds.
“You’ve still got to ensure that every single pass counts and you’re also trying to be one step ahead of the opposition. All this means is that when you do hit the back of the net, you get a real sense of satisfaction because you’ve worked extremely hard, skillfully passing the ball down the pitch.
“Also, Subbuteo offers a fantastic blend of pitch action and team management – combining two of the most popular types of football games. You can also control the entire game just using the touch screen, which ensures there’s immediacy in the controls and it’s simple to just pick up and play.”
505 will be focusing its marketing efforts across the football media, primarily websites and magazines, though it will also be featured on leading gaming sites such as CVG, Eurogamer, IGN and Gamespot.
“We expect that Subbuteo will offer a breath of fresh air on DS,” Fielder concludes. “There’s nothing quite like Subbuteo on the console and we’re sure that people will love the blend of action and tactics.”
Advertisement
