Kick Off (series)
| Industry | Video games |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1989 |
| Founder | Dino Dini |
| Products | Football simulation video games |
The Kick Off series is a football simulation video game franchise developed by Dino Dini. Initially published by Anil Gupta's Anco Software for the Atari ST and Commodore Amiga, the original Kick Off was released in 1989 to widespread critical praise and numerous awards.
Building on this achievement, multiple sequels were launched. The 1990 title Player Manager broke new ground by merging football management elements—such as tactics, league competition, transfers, and player statistics—with the core gameplay engine of the original. Later that same year, Kick Off 2 brought additional enhancements and new features.
In 1992, Dino Dini left Anco to join Virgin Games, where he launched Goal! in 1993. Meanwhile, Anco continued to produce further entries in the Kick Off line between 1994 and 1997, though these later releases deviated notably from the initial gameplay style. From 2001 to 2003, KOA collaborated with Anco developer Steve Screech to revive the franchise, resulting in Kick Off 2002 and a beta version of Kick Off 2004, but these initiatives ceased following Anco’s closure in 2003.
History
The first Kick Off game appeared in 1989, originally created for the Atari ST before being adapted for the Amiga. Several expansion disks were released to support Kick Off 2. After Dino Dini's departure to Virgin Games in 1992, which led to the release of Goal! in 1993, Anco introduced Kick Off 3 in 1994. This installment adopted a side-view perspective and differed significantly from its predecessors despite retaining the series name. Early versions were published by Anco Software on both Amiga and Atari ST platforms.
Gameplay
A defining feature of Kick Off was its realistic ball physics: instead of the ball sticking to players’ feet, it was propelled ahead when kicked—reminiscent of Nintendo’s 1985 NES title Soccer. This mechanic increased the challenge and demanded greater player skill. The game also incorporated action replays, players with unique attributes, diverse tactical options, fouls, cards, injuries, injury time, and referees exhibiting varying temperaments.
Reception
- ST Action – Awarded top honors.
- Amiga User Int – Declared "Best computer game ever" with a score of 97%
- The One – Titled "Ultimate soccer simulation" scoring 96%
- ACE – Praised as "Brilliant, BUY BUY BUY" with a rating of 92%
- Amiga Format – Called "Best footy game on any machine" at 94%
- ST Format – Described as "What a game! Gem to play. Magic" earning 90%
- C&VG – Labeled "Championship winning material" with a 95% score
- The Games Machine – Considered "Probably the best sports game ever" scoring 92%
- Commodore User – Stated "No other footy game can touch it" at 90%
- Amiga Action – Said to "Surpass all other football games" with a rating of 93%
- PCW – Described as "Nothing short of brilliant"
- New Comp Express – Named "Computer football event of the year"
- Zzap!64 – Praised as "So realistic, so fun, and soooo addictive" with a score of 96%
Awards
- UK: Winner of the 1989 INDIN Best 16 Bit Product
- UK: Secured second place for INDIN Best Programmer in 1989 (the award went to Bullfrog’s Populous)
- Recipient of the 1989 EMAP Images Golden Joystick Award for Best 16 Bit Product
- Ranked as the seventh greatest game ever by Amiga Power
Kick Off 2
Anco launched Kick Off 2 in 1990, preserving the original's speed and precision with a full-scale, multidirectional scrolling pitch and accurately sized players and field markings. Both squads adhere strictly to tactical plans, with players moving intelligently to intercept passes and control the ball. The ball's movement leads the player just as in actual football.
The game includes league and cup competitions, featuring sudden death penalty shootouts. Teams are balanced but differ in playing styles and abilities. Players have the option to import their squad and strategies from Player Manager for individual matches or tournaments.
Additional elements comprise loading data disks through a special events menu, customizable kit colors, improved sound effects on expanded Atari ST systems (1 MB+), and an "Action Replay" feature that allows goals to be viewed in normal or slow motion with saving capabilities. There are 24 referees, each exhibiting unique personalities.
Super Kick Off
Following Kick Off and Kick Off 2, Super Kick Off was released on platforms such as the Master System, Game Boy, Mega Drive, and Super Nintendo Entertainment System. This installment featured a slower pace compared to its predecessors. The Mega Drive edition achieved top chart positions, even overtaking PGA Tour Golf II. MegaTech awarded it a 94% score along with a Hyper Game Award, commending its unparalleled feel and playability despite its steep £45 price tag.
Goal!
In 1992, Dino Dini left Anco during the production of Kick Off 3 to join Virgin Games, where he released Goal! in 1993. This title preserved the fundamental gameplay of Kick Off 2 while adding one-touch passing, player acceleration, and improved menu systems. Although it received positive reviews, Goal! did not replicate the lasting success of Kick Off 2.
Kick Off 3
Anco introduced Kick Off 3 in 1994, developed by Steve Screech as a completely new game unrelated to Kick Off 2. It garnered less favorable reviews and failed to achieve the earlier titles' popularity. A version for the Atari Jaguar was planned but never released.
Kick Off 96, 97 & 98
In 1996, Toka Nono developed Kick Off 96 for Amiga and Windows, which received mixed reviews. The following year saw the release of Kick Off 97 for Windows, which was better received critically but did not gain significant popularity. Later in 1997, Anco published Kick Off 98 for PC, which was met with poor reception. In 1998, Toka developed Kick Off World for the original PlayStation, published by Funsoft.
Kick Off 2002
Steve Screech began work on Ultimate Kick Off in 2001 with support from the Kick Off Association. Utilizing the Gamebryo engine, Anco released it in 2002 for PC and Mac under the title Kick Off 2002. The game was poorly received by critics and sold only around 5,000 copies. A sequel titled Kick Off 2004 reached beta testing but was never launched due to Anco's closure in 2003.
Kick Off Revival
Launched in June 2016 for the PlayStation 4, Kick Off Revival featured a control scheme tailored for the analog stick, yet it garnered unfavorable critiques from leading gaming reviewers. The PlayStation Vita edition was released nine months afterward in 2017 and similarly faced negative reception. Additionally, a PC version is accessible via Steam.
Kick Off Online
Kick Off 2 Online (KOOL) represents a Windows-based online soccer game inspired by the series’ second installment. This title was created by Steve Camber with authorization from Dino Dini.
Series Titles
The Kick Off collection comprises:
Titles by Dino Dini:
- Kick Off (1989)
- Kick Off 2 (1990)
- Kick Off 2 1MB (1990)
- Kick Off Revival (2016)
Titles by Steve Screech:
- Kick Off 3 (1994)
- Kick Off 97 (1997)
- Kick Off 2002 (2002)
Expansion packs:
- Kick Off Extra Time (1989)
- Kick Off 2: Giants of Europe (1990)
- Kick Off 2: The Final Whistle (1991)
- Kick Off 2: Return To Europe (1991)
- Kick Off 2: Winning Tactics (1991)
- Kick Off 2: Super League (1991)
Other related games:
- Franco Baresi World Cup Kick Off (1990)
- Player Manager (1990)
- Kick Off 2 World Cup 90 (1990)
- Kick Off 2: Maths Disk (1991)
- Super Kick-Off (1991)
- Kick Off 98 (1997)
Ports
- World League Soccer (Super NES)