Gamma's second entry into the otherwise empty computer sports simulations market, while not a total rave-up, at least shows considerable improvement over their debut program (the inept Hockey). Problems seem to result from novice programmers and a minimum of memory (16K) which, at least, makes it accessible to all Atari computer owners. Sports games, however, especially those played on large fields, such as football and soccer, demand "scrolling", the movement of the screen in a rolling fashion that allows the gamers much greater flexibility in movement, passing and shot selection.

To its credit, Gamma's Soccer can be played by anywhere from two to four players, and the action flows much more smoothly than in their hockey simulation. There is also full access to all areas of the field - no on-screen "dead spots" such as behind the net in Hockey where the puck, but not the players, can travel.

More to the point, however, there simply isn't a lot of choice in this particular area of gaming. Computer sports simulations for the Atari computers are virtually non-existent. Despite its dubious reputation, the VCS has an entire library of excellent compatible sports cartridges, from their own Pelé's Soccer (which scrolls vertically) to the Activision-produced Ice Hockey and Tennis that makes the selection of computer available products seem as anemic as it is. Only when there is a greater selection of available sports programs will evaluation be truly equitable. In the here and now, Soccer is probably the best existing team sport simulation available for the Atari systems and, again, by limiting the program to 16K, Gamma has made it available to all Atari owners instead of those 400 owners with memory-expansion boards only.

In other words, it may not be perfect, but it's the only game in town.