RedCard 20-03 (Xbox)

GameSpot editors' review

• CNET editors' rating: 3.5 stars Very good
  Detailed editors' rating
  Overall score: 7.5 (3.5 stars)

• Reviewed by:
  Jeff Gerstmann
• Reviewed on: 06/28/2002
• Updated on: 05/17/2006
• Released on: 06/24/2002
• Originally published on GameSpot: RedCard 20-03 (Xbox) Review

While Midway has been known for making solid action-oriented sports games, it's easy to see the formula that has run throughout most of its games. From the big-head mode to "catching on fire," Midway's sports games, from NBA Jam to NHL Hitz, all have striking similarities that unify them. With Midway expanding its line to include more types of sports, you'd think that the company would just stick to this formula and keep cranking out the games. It would be easy, for example, to imagine a three-on-three soccer game that essentially played identically to NHL Hitz, only with grass replacing ice and a ball replacing the puck. RedCard Soccer 2003, however, strays from the mold that most of Midway's sports games have used. It still takes the same exciting type of "no rules" approach that the previous games have taken, but RedCard resembles the actual sport of soccer far more than, say, a two-on-two basketball game represents actual NBA play.

Up front, RedCard is a very simple game. You can jump into friendly exhibition matches, set up multiplayer tournaments, or jump into the game's "beat every team" conquest mode. Conquest mode pits you against all the other teams, one nation at a time. Playing through conquest mode unlocks new fantasy teams--including dolphins, a swat team, and samurai--and new arenas. Completing conquest mode also unlocks a world finals mode. Teams are broken up by nation, and a handful of the game's teams contain actual players.

While RedCard may look like a fairly ordinary soccer game up front, its stripped-down, relaxed-rules nature makes it incredibly easy to pick up and play. On offense, you have three types of passes, the ability to shoot, and the ability to hop over and juke around defenders. On defense, you have a few different types of attacks that will get the ball away from the opposition. Like in all of Midway's sports games, you have a turbo meter to help you run a little faster and add a little oomph to your offensive and defensive maneuvers. RedCard also has a separate boost meter that can be used for special moves. When it's full, you can use your entire meter to unleash a super goal kick, which comes complete with a slow-motion panning view of the move. Portions of your boost can also be used to pump up your slide tackles and punches. A player hit hard with one of these moves usually stays on the ground for a lot longer than normal. And while you can knock the referee around with your defensive moves, the goalie is, for the most part, totally off-limits. The game doesn't let you just run in, knock the goalie down with a head butt, and score at will.

Continue reading

Compare prices for RedCard 20-03

This product is currently not in stock at any of our online merchants.

Email me when this product is available