Playing without a sidekick

By Russell Baillie

Libero Grande

PlayStation

Sony

Being the most popular game in the world and all, soccer isn't short of PlayStation titles. There are probably about a dozen available, with many released in the wake of last year's World Cup.

But Libero Grande is a different sort of soccer sim. Instead of controlling whichever player who happens to have the ball at the time, in this Euro-oriented title you control one player in the team for the whole game.

So instead of playing God, you're playing the world's most ground-covering striker (and sometimes coach as you can encourage your team-mates to pass, clear, shoot or tackle).

It's obviously a better simulation of the tactic and pace of the real game than its predecessors but the question remains: is it a better game? That depends very much on your own point of view.

The first impression of this is, because you're only controlling one player, it's a case of individual flair and star power versus the team game of the other titles. So if you're a selfish glory-seeker, here's the one for you.

But it soon becomes clear that Libero Grande doesn't quite work that way.

You can't do everything yourself, and trying to simply runs you ragged and leads to an inevitable loss. So it proves to be quite a little coaching tool if nothing else.

It does take some adjusting to the three-tier control patterns - on attack with ball, on attack without ball, on defence - and the player steering might have been helped by a joystick compatibility rather than directional buttons.

Also, the graphics and camera angles are not quite up to the soccer sims of recent months, nor does it have the merchandise factor - the players are knock-offs of stars, coming with names like "Raimundo," while the teams are national sides lacking much characteristic of their respective country's playing style.

But it's got some bonuses. There's a split screen two-player mode, or two of you can take a player each against the console's team. You get the chance to play some pretty fancy shots with the right button combos.

And there are a range of competition styles from arcade one-offs to extended leagues.

But its faults aside, its innovative approach makes for a highly involving and fast-paced sports title.

One to make you wonder how the rugged individual approach may apply to other team sports sims: You are Jeff Wilson and it's high time someone passed you the ball ...

Pictured: Simulating the tactics and pace of a real game.