As the 1994 World Cup has come to a dramatic end we are being bombarded by a plethora of soccer games. A timely release is key to selling a game; as they are aware of this, the folks at Condor Software have just released Planet Soccer for the PC.

	After installing Planet Soccer, you will immediately notice the user friendly interface. You will also notice that it is key disk protected, which in my opinion is a pain in the butt. The game itself is worth the hassle however.

	In starting the game, you are presented with a fair number of options, especially for a soccer game. You can choose between five different languages, a nice touch right from the start. Next you can determine the controls. Keyboard and joystick are available options and you can play against a computer opponent or a friend. The newest available FIFA rules are used in Planet Soccer and to add more flexibility, you can determine the side of field to be played on, adjust the wind and weather conditions, and choose the type and length of game to from different game types such as World Cup play, friendly matches, and training. Yet another option is goalie control. You have the choice of a manual or computer-controlled goalie; I strongly suggest that you let the computer take control!

	Planet Soccer includes twenty-four real 1994 World Cup teams, plus you get six other "high quality" teams. Along with the real teams come real players with five adjustable parameters per player. Players are rated on speed, technique, fitness, aggressiveness and ball skills. From my observations, the goalies in most cases have ninety-nine percent ability in each category. Not only is each player rated in each of five distinguished categories, but the numerical percentage ratings change as game play progresses. 

	One of the only qualms I have with Planet Soccer is the control. The first-person viewpoint is unique, but does make it tricky to control your team, particularly when passing. However, the controls themselves aren't BAD by any measure, and with time can be ironed out and conquered.

	In setting you team's line of attack you will notice that you have several options. You can choose a lineup from 4-3-3, 5-3-2, 5-4-1, 3-4-4 or 4-4-2, plus pick offensive and defensive strategies. The attack and defend options can play a big part in the outcome of a game, a great help when implemented properly. And for those of you that like to mix a little of both, there is an offensive/defensive strategy.

	World Cup play offers a choice or two as well. You can play the real cup, or create or customize your own. The best part is that when and if you win, you win the "World Cup" not some game company cup. 

	Planet Soccer is very realistic; in fact, realism is its strongest suit. Players can head or kick the ball a number of different ways. Free, penalty and corner kicks do occur during game play. Players may receive either red or yellow cards depending on the severity and number of "fouls" or "faults" committed. Most of the basic moves of soccer are used, including slide tackles. To my knowledge, players don't jump to avoid slide tackles, which often occurs in the game of soccer, but the goalies do dive for the ball. The goalie animations were great. At times, my goalie would be diving left and right, trying to prevent a goal. A pleasant sight, yet at the same time a terribly nerve-racking experience.

	All in all, Planet Soccer gets the job done. It is not the easiest game in the world to control, but it does incorporate many realistic features, it covers parts of nearly every aspect of the game, and it looks great while doing it.