Like a David Beckham free kick, Fluid Football Versus aims for the target and scores with precision. An instantly addictive slice of the beautiful game, this IOS game is a well-crafted title that hits the back of the net.

The game quite intelligently revolves around the attacking prospect of football, ensuring that at any given point there are only a few more moments before the holy grail of soccer arrives: the-all important goal.

A tightly tuned set of basic inputs are on hand to ensure there is enough flexibility to ensure proceedings feel rewarding, whilst retaining a level of accessibility so as not to intimidate the broad audience such a title appeals to. Several attacking players are present for each match, with AI assisted defenders acting as opposition. A drag across screen from any player to a new position will ensure that the highlighted player moves to said position, whilst a drag after holding over the player will pass the ball to said position. These two actions ensure that players can be manipulated simultaneously to create the perfect attack, a liberty that many football games fail to offer.

 

Once into position, shooting is controlled with a tap of the screen and a swipe towards goal. The level of precision in the shooting is where any system such as this lives or dies and fortunately for Fluid Football Versus, the translation from input to shot is near perfect. After hitting the back of the net a thunderous roar erupts and ‘GOAL!’ smears across the screen, which is exactly the kind of primitive reward that this title needed – it’s a risk and reward system that always ask for just one more.

Additionally, a coin system is on hand to give a few added bonuses, just to spice things up. If a move has a key point at which it all capitulates, a rewind function is available at a price so that things can be started again. This function eventually proves vital for those planning to tackle the harder sections, or indeed if you’re James Milner.

All of this footballing fun is tied together very nicely with a well-implemented usage of social media to provide instant interconnectivity and competition. The option to upload your Facebook details into the app allows the ability to play against friends, on the proviso you have them, therefore adding longevity to the life of the game through endless score topping and contest.

 

Authenticity is a key point by which this title sets itself apart. A slick menu system that’s easy to navigate helps the game fizz on with the kind of instantaneous fun that is an imperative component of any successful IOS title. Whilst the addition of Richard Keys and Andy Gray on commentary adds a level of believability to Fluid Football Versus that really grounds an arcade concept in the reality of the sport.

Ultimately, an IOS title such as this is only as strong as the support of its community; therefore, only time will tell as to if this is a game that will hold the relevancy and appeal of the great IOS titles. The nature of iPhone/iPad games is fleeting, but this addictive piece of bite-size gaming has all the right tools to hold its own in a busy market.

Fluid Football Versus is the perfect accompaniment for a new footballing season. It’s a thoroughly fun and beautifully simplistic take on the most enjoyable aspects of football. And whilst it is simplistic, it’s not through a lack of ambition. So for those who can’t say no to an away day, to Sunday’s spent watching the match, or the endless fun of Chris Kamara’s blunders – this one is worth grabbing.

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