Arlasoft Soccer has received its first update, adding tape downloads, easier Commodore 128 loading and a fix for an uneven contest between its two teams. Version 1.01 arrived on 17th October, two days after the Sensible Soccer-inspired football game launched for the Commodore 64 and C128.
The release tackles a bug which gave Team 2 a small advantage in its computer-controlled players. Arlasoft has also added strength settings at both ends of the range. There are now ten levels, with the lowest setting putting every skill at minimum and the highest setting putting them all at maximum.
Sound effects have received attention too. The developer has reworked the effects to sound less harsh and closer to their Amiga counterparts, while adding a separate sound for the ball bouncing.
For players returning to the menu, the Restore key now provides an exit during a match. VICE users reach the same command with Page Up. Quitting during a cup fixture counts as a defeat.
Tape downloads and simpler C128 loading
The updated package combines the C64 and C128 disk versions. It also adds C128 autoboot support, removing the need to enter GO64 for this loading route. Alongside the disk image, the downloads include a tape image with a loading screen and a WAV file for recording to a real cassette.
A standalone PRG remains available for a C64 or a C128 running in C64 mode. The game supports PAL and NTSC, while the release page lists original hardware, VICE, MiSTer, TheC64 and C64 Ultimate among its supported setups.
Arlasoft began considering a C64 take on Sensible Soccer five years ago. Access to the SWOS2020 team’s reverse-engineered C++ code and documentation helped the project progress beyond its prepared pitch graphics and sprites. Reproducing the movement and ball interactions required more than matching the appearance of the Amiga game.
The conversion uses lookup tables and simplified calculations to work within the C64’s memory and processing limits. Some slowdown remains, according to the developer. A C128 speed boost during the screen border gives the game more processing time, although Arlasoft has warned of glitches when using C64 Ultimate turbo modes.
The available modes include friendlies and a 16-team cup, with human and computer matchups, extra time and penalties. Six formations, four match lengths and seven pitch types provide further options. The pitches change ball physics as well as colour. Career play, substitutions and named teams and players sit outside the scope of this release.
On the pitch, tapping fire passes the ball, while holding it produces a shot or longer pass. Directional input after a pass or shot applies aftertouch.
Arlasoft Soccer is available through itch.io on a name-your-own-price basis. Players with the original download should pick up v1.01 for the team balance fix and new loading options.
Pop on over to itch.io for more info.
