Super Sidekicks (video game)
{{Short description|1992 video game}}
{{Infobox video game
|title = Super Sidekicks
|image = Super Sidekicks arcade flyer.jpg
|developer = SNK
|publisher = SNK
|producer = Eikichi Kawasaki
|designer = Eri Koujitani
J. Mikami
Masato Miyoshi
|composer = Yoko Osaka
Yoshihiko Kitamura
|series = Super Sidekicks
|platforms = Arcade, Microsoft Windows, Neo Geo AES, Neo Geo CD, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation Network, Xbox One
|released = {{vgrelease|WW|14 December 1992}}
|genre = Sports
|modes = Single-player, multiplayer
|arcade system = Neo Geo MVS
}}
Super Sidekicks{{efn|Also known as {{nihongo|Tokuten Ou|得点王|Tokuten Ō|lit. "Goal-Scoring King"|lead=yes}} in Japan.}} is a 1992 soccer arcade video game developed and published by SNK. It is the first installment in the eponymous series and the second soccer game released for Neo Geo MVS, succeeding Soccer Brawl (1991). Featuring an arcade-style approach to soccer compared to other games released at the time, the title allows players to choose any of the available game modes with AI-controlled opponents or other human players with the team of their choosing. Its gameplay uses a simplified two-button configuration.
Headed by Eikichi Kawasaki, Super Sidekicks was developed by most of the same team that worked on several projects for the Neo Geo platforms at SNK. Though first launched for the MVS hardware, the game was later released for both Neo Geo AES and Neo Geo CD, in addition of being re-released through download services for various consoles. The title proved popular among players and garnered positive reception from critics; praise was directed towards the graphic presentation and fast gameplay but criticism was geared towards several aspects. It was followed by various sequels and a remake.
Gameplay
File:NEOGEO Super Sidekicks (Tokuten Ō).png
Super Sidekicks is a soccer game that is played from a top-down perspective in a two-dimensional environment with sprites. Although it follows the same gameplay as with other soccer titles at the time and most of the rules are present as well, the game opts for a more arcade-styled approach of the sport instead of being full simulation, using a simplified control scheme.{{cite magazine|title=Arcadias: Super Sidekicks|magazine=Club Nintendo|issue=199|publisher={{ill|Editorial Televisa|lt=Editorial Televisa|es|Editorial Televisa}}|date=June 2008|pages=66–67|lang=es}} The tile features 12 teams divided into two groups which compete for the "SNK Cup": Group A (Germany, Italy, Spain, England, Mexico, Japan) and Group B (Argentina, Holland, Brazil, France, United States, South Korea).Super Sidekicks user's manual (Neo Geo AES, US)
The player's team gets to play against all five other teams in their group. Should the player's team do well in the group stage, they advance to the elimination stage to play the semifinals, followed by the final to win the cup. There is a hidden mechanic in the game that affects single-player matches. During a free kick for the AI opponent, if the player has tapped button A for player two, the AI performs a short-shot while pressing the button A performs a longer kick. One noted mistake was that Spain's kit resembles Portugal's, which would not be featured until future entries.{{cite web|last=Elias|first=Juan|url=https://www.alfabetajuega.com/analisis/super-sidekicks-alfabetaretro-super-sidekicks-los-magos-del-balon-d-113741|title=AlfaBetaRETRO: Super Sidekicks – Los magos del balón|work=Alfa Beta|publisher=Difoosion|date=October 11, 2017|access-date=2020-11-06|archive-date=2020-11-06|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201106213226/https://www.alfabetajuega.com/analisis/super-sidekicks-alfabetaretro-super-sidekicks-los-magos-del-balon-d-113741|url-status=live}} Another mistake is Mexico's uniform color, which was corrected in the sequels.
Development and release
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| footer = Super Sidekicks served as the second soccer game developed by SNK for the Neo Geo platforms.
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Super Sidekicks was the second soccer game developed for the Neo Geo MVS after Soccer Brawl, being created by most of the same team that worked on multiple projects for the Neo Geo platforms at SNK such as Ghost Pilots and Alpha Mission II.{{cite video game|title=Super Sidekicks|developer=SNK|publisher=SNK|date=1992|platform=Neo Geo MVS|level=Staff roll}} Producer Eikichi Kawasaki headed its creation, with Kenji "Ishimotti" Ishimoto acting as designer. Shinsekai Gakkyoku Zatsugidan members Yoshihiko "Jojouha Kitapy" Kitamura and Yoko Osaka handled the sound design.{{cite web|last=Fuentes|first=Edgar S.|url=https://vandal.elespanol.com/vandalgamemusic/snk-sound-team|title=Vandal Game Music: SNK Sound Team — Realizamos un recorrido por el equipo interno de compositores de SNK desde sus inicios|work=Vandal|publisher=El Español|date=August 31, 2016|access-date=2020-11-06|language=es|archive-date=2020-11-06|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201106181553/https://vandal.elespanol.com/vandalgamemusic/snk-sound-team|url-status=live}} Masato "Mioshi" Miyoshi, "S K", "Younger Face", Eri Koujitani, J. Mikami and Mori-P were responsible for the pixel art. Programmers under the pseudonym "Mabushi", "Narutaki" and "EP82boy" were in charge of coding. Other members collaborated in its development. The SNK staff wanted to translate the spectacle and action of their fighting games into soccer.{{cite magazine|url=https://archive.org/stream/HiTechMagazine/HiTech%2002#page/n66/mode/1up|title=Neo Geo CD: Super Side Kicks 3 - Fútbol-espectáculo en su máxima expresión|magazine=Hobby Hi-Tech|issue=2|publisher=Hobby Press|date=April 1995|page=67|lang=es}}
Super Sidekicks was first released by SNK for the Neo Geo MVS on December 14, 1992, and was then released for Neo Geo AES on February 19, 1993.{{cite magazine|url=https://archive.org/stream/GamesTechMagazine/GamesTech%2011#page/n57/mode/1up|title=Dossier: Neo Geo Y SNK — Deportivos|magazine=GamesTech|issue=11|publisher=Ares Informática|date=July 2003|pages=60|lang=es}}{{cite book|last=Akagi|first=Masumi|chapter-url=https://archive.org/details/ArcadeGameList1971-2005/page/n19/mode/2up|chapter=SNK プレイモア （新日本企画、 プレイモア）SNK; SNK; S|title=アーケードTVゲームリスト 国内•海外編 (1971-2005)|trans-title=Arcade TV Game List: Domestic • Overseas Edition (1971-2005)|edition=1st|publisher={{ill|Amusement News Agency|lt=Amusement News Agency|ja|アミューズメント通信社}}|date=October 13, 2006|pages=18–21, 133–135, 167|isbn=978-4990251215|language=ja}}{{cite web|url=http://neogeomuseum.snk-corp.co.jp/english/catalogue/|title=Title Catalogue - NEOGEO MUSEUM|publisher=SNK Playmore|date=2010|access-date=2020-11-06|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180828035857/http://neogeomuseum.snk-corp.co.jp/english/catalogue/|archive-date=2018-08-28|url-status=live}} It was showcased at the 1993 IMA show in Frankfurt.{{cite magazine|last=Semino|first=Manuel|url=https://archive.org/stream/Amiga_Joker_1993-03_Joker_Verlag_DE#page/n121/mode/2up|title=IMA '93 In Frankfurt - Coin Op Special|magazine={{ill|Amiga Joker|lt=Amiga Joker|de|Amiga Joker}}|issue=35|publisher=Joker-Verlag|date=March 1993|pages=122–123|lang=de}} The game was later re-released for the Neo Geo CD in Japan on March 31, 1995, and later in North America in October 1996.{{cite magazine|url=https://archive.org/stream/GamePro_The_Cutting_Edge_Spring_1996#page/n111/mode/1up|title=Neo•Geo CD: The Arcade In A Box - Quick Hits|magazine=GamePro|issue=Premiere Supplement|publisher=IDG|date=Spring 1996|pages=104–108}} In 2010, a version by M2 for the NEOGEO Station service was published by SNK Playmore on PlayStation Network.{{cite web|url=https://www.siliconera.com/neogeo-games-coming-to-ps3-and-psp-with-modern-emulator-features/|title=NeoGeo Games Coming To PS3 And PSP With Modern Emulator Features [Update]|work=Siliconera|publisher=Enthusiast Gaming|date=December 6, 2010|access-date=2020-11-06|archive-date=2020-08-10|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200810195558/https://www.siliconera.com/neogeo-games-coming-to-ps3-and-psp-with-modern-emulator-features/|url-status=live}} The title is available as one of the 20 pre-loaded games with the Neo Geo X.{{cite web|last=Hatfield|first=Don|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/2464204/neo-geo-x-console-confirmed/|title=Handheld Neo Geo X Console Confirmed For Q2 Release!|work=MTV|publisher=Viacom|date=March 19, 2012|access-date=2020-11-06|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181021035649/http://www.mtv.com/news/2464204/neo-geo-x-console-confirmed/|archive-date=2018-10-21|url-status=dead}} Hamster Corporation re-released the game for the Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4 and Xbox One in July 2017 under their Arcade Archives series.{{cite web|author=Brian|url=https://nintendoeverything.com/super-sidekicks-is-next-weeks-neogeo-game-on-switch/|title=Super Sidekicks is next week's NeoGeo game on Switch|work=nintendoeverything.com|publisher=Nintendo Everything|date=July 20, 2017|access-date=2020-11-06|archive-date=2017-09-29|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170929155818/http://nintendoeverything.com/super-sidekicks-is-next-weeks-neogeo-game-on-switch/|url-status=live}} The title was also recently included in the international version of the Neo Geo mini, the Neo Geo Arcade Stick Pro plug and play game device and the Neo Geo MVSX table top.{{cite web|last=S. Good|first=Owen|url=https://www.polygon.com/2018/6/10/17446056/neo-geo-mini-console-launch-date-game-lineup|title=SNK announces the 40-game lineup for the Neo Geo mini-console|work=Polygon|publisher=Vox Media|date=June 10, 2018|access-date=2020-11-06|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180610185425/https://www.polygon.com/2018/6/10/17446056/neo-geo-mini-console-launch-date-game-lineup|archive-date=2018-06-10|url-status=live}}{{cite web|last=Paget|first=Mat|url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/this-neo-geo-arcade-stick-pro-bundle-is-hugely-dis/1100-6477482/|title=This Neo Geo Arcade Stick Pro Bundle Is Hugely Discounted, Works With PS4 And Switch - The Neo Geo Arcade Stick Pro is an awesome device that contains more than 20 classic SNK games and works as an arcade stick for PS4, PC, and Switch|work=GameSpot|publisher=CBS Interactive|date=May 19, 2020|access-date=2020-11-06|archive-date=2020-06-05|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200605215615/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/this-neo-geo-arcade-stick-pro-bundle-is-hugely-dis/1100-6477482/|url-status=live}}{{cite web|last=Varela|first=Ramón|url=https://vandal.elespanol.com/noticia/1350736939/anunciada-la-cabina-arcade-neogeo-mvsx-con-50-juegos-por-500-dolares/|title=Anunciada la cabina arcade NeoGeo MVSX con 50 juegos por 500 dólares - Se pondrá a la venta en octubre y recoge las sagas de lucha de la compañía, desde The King of Fighters a Samurai Shodown, Fatal Fury o los 'shooter' Metal Slug|work=Vandal|publisher=El Español|date=August 12, 2020|access-date=2020-11-06|language=es|archive-date=2020-08-12|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200812180908/https://vandal.elespanol.com/noticia/1350736939/anunciada-la-cabina-arcade-neogeo-mvsx-con-50-juegos-por-500-dolares/|url-status=live}}
Reception
{{Video game reviews
|title = Contemporary reception
|GR = 75%{{cite web|url=https://www.gamerankings.com/-/565651-/index.html|title=Super Sidekicks for NeoGeo|work=GameRankings|publisher=CBS Interactive|date=2019|access-date=2020-11-05|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190826105550/https://www.gamerankings.com/-/565651-/index.html|archive-date=2019-08-26|url-status=live}}
|Allgame = {{Rating|2.5|5}}{{cite web|last=Knight|first=Kyle|url=http://www.allgame.com/game.php?id=17077&tab=review|title=Super Sidekicks (Neo Geo Advanced Entertainment System) – Review|work=AllGame|publisher=All Media Network|date=1998|access-date=2020-11-05|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141115224409/http://www.allgame.com/game.php?id=17077&tab=review|archive-date=2014-11-15|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}
|EGM = 6.5/10{{cite magazine|last1=Harris|first1=Steve|last2=Semrad|first2=Ed|last3=Alessi|first3=Martin|last4=Williams|first4=Ken|url=https://archive.org/stream/Electronic_Gaming_Monthly_46#page/n33/mode/1up|title=Review Crew – Neo•Geo / SNK: Super Side Kicks|magazine=Electronic Gaming Monthly|issue=46|publisher=Sendai Publishing|date=May 1993|page=32}}
|GameFan = 317/400{{cite magazine|last1=Halverson|first1=Dave|author-link1=Dave Halverson|author2=Sgt. Gamer|last3=Stratton|first3=Tom|last4=Cockburn|first4=Andrew|url=https://archive.org/stream/Gamefan_Vol_1_Issue_06#page/n18/mode/1up|title=Viewpoint (Neo Geo) – Super Sidekicks|magazine=GameFan|volume=1|issue=6|publisher=DieHard Gamers Club|date=May 1993|page=21}}
|rev1 = {{ill|Computer+Videogiochi|lt=Computer+Videogiochi|it|Computer+Videogiochi}}
|rev2 = {{ill|Consolemania|lt=Consolemania|it|Consolemania}}
|rev3 = Hobby Consolas
|rev3Score = 93/100{{cite magazine|last=García|first=Marcos|url=https://archive.org/stream/HobbyConsolas019#page/n55/mode/2up|title=Lo Más Nuevo – Neo Geo: Super Sidekicks – ¡¡GOOL!!|magazine=Hobby Consolas|issue=19|publisher=Hobby Press|date=April 1993|pages=56–59|lang=es}}
|rev4 = {{ill|Joypad (magazine)|lt=Joypad|fr|Joypad (magazine)}}
|rev5 = Megablast
|rev6 = {{ill|Mega Fun|lt=Mega Fun|de|Mega Fun}}
|rev6Score = 85%{{cite magazine|last1=Kraft|first1=Uwe|last2=Schneider|first2=Ulf|url=https://retrocdn.net/index.php?title=File:MegaFun_DE_1993-02.pdf&page=50|title=Spieletest: Super Sidekicks (Neo Geo) – Fußall-Cracks Können jetzt auch auf dem Neo Geo einen Hat Trick vollziehen|magazine={{ill|Mega Fun|lt=Mega Fun|de|Mega Fun}}|issue=7|publisher=Computec|date=February 1993|page=50|lang=de}}{{cite magazine|last1=Kraft|first1=Uwe|last2=Schneider|first2=Ulf|url=https://retrocdn.net/index.php?title=File%3AMegaFun_DE_1993-05.pdf&page=91|title=Test Neo Geo – Super Sidekicks|magazine={{ill|Mega Fun|lt=Mega Fun|de|Mega Fun}}|issue=8|publisher=Computec|date=May 1993|page=107|lang=de|access-date=2020-11-06|archive-date=2020-11-06|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201106025436/https://retrocdn.net/index.php?title=File%3AMegaFun_DE_1993-05.pdf&page=91|url-status=live}}{{cite magazine|last1=Noak|first1=Philipp|last2=Hellert|first2=Stefan|url=http://www.kultboy.com/index.php?site=t&id=8807&s=3|title=Special – Neo Geo – Super Sidekicks|magazine={{ill|Mega Fun|lt=Mega Fun|de|Mega Fun}}|issue=11|publisher=Computec|date=August 1993|pages=28–30|lang=de|access-date=2020-11-05|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181021232116/http://www.kultboy.com/index.php?site=t&id=8807&s=3|archive-date=2018-10-21|url-status=live}}
|rev7 = {{ill|Play Time (magazine)|lt=Play Time|de|Play Time}}
|rev7Score = 81%{{cite magazine|last=S.|first=G.|url=https://archive.org/stream/playtime199304#page/n126/mode/1up|title=Neo Geo: Super Side Kicks|magazine={{ill|Play Time (magazine)|lt=Play Time|de|Play Time}}|issue=22|publisher=Computec|date=April 1993|page=127|lang=de}}
|rev8 = {{ill|Player One (magazine)|lt=Player One|fr|Player One (magazine)}}
|rev9 = {{ill|Video Games (magazine)|lt=Video Games|de|Video Games}}
|rev9Score = 71%{{cite magazine|last=Knauf|first=Andreas|url=https://archive.org/stream/Video_Games_1993-03_Markt_Technik_DE#page/n32/mode/1up|title=Warpzone – Neo Geo: Super Sidekicks|magazine={{ill|Video Games (magazine)|lt=Video Games|de|Video Games}}|issue=16|publisher=Markt & Technik|date=March 1993|page=34|lang=de}}
}}
Super Sidekicks garnered positive reception from players and critics.{{cite magazine|last=Davila|first=Mike|url=https://retrocdn.net/index.php?title=File:VG%26CE_US_51.pdf&page=42|title=Video-Game Reviews – Super Sidekicks (SNK) For the Neo•Geo|magazine=VideoGames & Computer Entertainment|issue=51|publisher=Larry Flynt Publications|date=April 1993|page=42}}{{cite magazine|title=Reviews – Neo Geo – Super Sidekicks|magazine=GamesMaster|issue=7|publisher=Future Publishing|date=July 1993|page=25}}{{cite magazine|title=NEO GEO GAMES CROSS REVIEW: 得点王|magazine=Famitsu|issue=332|publisher=ASCII Corporation|date=April 28, 1995|page=26|lang=ja}}{{cite magazine|author=Setsu|url=http://download.abandonware.org/magazines/Hardcore%20Gamers/hardcoregamers_numero14/Hardcore%20Gamers%20n14%20p06-07.jpg|title=Dossier - SNK Neo Geo: 1992|magazine={{ill|HardCore Gamers (magazine)|lt=HardCore Gamers|fr|FJM#Publications}}|issue=14|publisher={{ill|FJM Publications|lt=FJM Publications|fr|FJM}}|date=October 2003|page=6|lang=fr}} In Japan, {{ill|Game Machine|lt=Game Machine|ja|ゲームマシン}} listed Super Sidekicks on their March 1, 1993 issue as being the fourth most-popular arcade game at the time.{{cite magazine|title=Game Machine's Best Hit Games 25 – テーブル型TVゲーム機 (Table Videos)|magazine={{ill|Game Machine|lt=Game Machine|ja|ゲームマシン}}|issue=444|publisher={{ill|Amusement Press, Inc.|lt=Amusement Press, Inc.|ja|アミューズメント通信社}}|date=March 1, 1993|page=33|lang=ja}} RePlay reported Super Sidekicks to be the tenth most-popular arcade game at the time.{{cite magazine|title=The Player's Choice - Top Games Now in Operation, Based on Earnings-Opinion Poll of Operators: Best Video Software|magazine=RePlay|volume=18|issue=8|publisher=RePlay Publishing, Inc.|date=May 1993|page=4}} Marc Menier and Robert Barbe of {{ill|Consoles +|lt=Consoles +|fr|Consoles +}} criticized the presentation but praised the graphics, animations, sound design, playability and longevity, also stating that Super Sidekicks recreates the frenzied atmosphere of football matches. Christophe Delpierre of {{ill|Player One (magazine)|lt=Player One|fr|Player One (magazine)}} gave very high remarks to the visual presentation, sound design, playability, difficulty and longevity. Andreas Knauf of {{ill|Video Games (magazine)|lt=Video Games|de|Video Games}} complemented the detailed graphics and playability, regarding the game to be better than Soccer Brawl. Paolo Cardillo of {{ill|Computer+Videogiochi|lt=Computer+Videogiochi|it|Computer+Videogiochi}} praised the visuals, audio, playability and longevity, stating that Super Sidekicks is "undoubtedly fun, but much more was expected from the Neo Geo". Likewise, Piemarco Rosa of {{ill|Consolemania|lt=Consolemania|it|Consolemania}} commended the visuals, sprite animations and arcade-perfect gameplay but criticized the sound design for being inappropriate.
Megablast{{'}}s Michael Schnelle commended the visuals but felt mixed about other aspects. Hobby Consolas{{'}}s Marcos García gave high remarks to the visuals, sound design and playability, but criticized the small team roster and the lack of certain gameplay aspects. Jean-François Morisse and Nourdine Nini of {{ill|Joypad (magazine)|lt=Joypad|fr|Joypad (magazine)}} praised the graphics, animations, controls and sound design but criticized the slowdown that occurs when too many sprites are present in penalty areas. G. S. of {{ill|Play Time (magazine)|lt=Play Time|de|Play Time}} criticized the sound but praised both visuals and gameplay. Electronic Gaming Monthly{{'}}s four reviewers commented positively in regards to the visuals, sound design and gameplay. German magazine {{ill|Mega Fun|lt=Mega Fun|de|Mega Fun}} reviewed and praised the title several times, with both Uwe Kraft and Ulf Schneider commending the visuals and sound. Similarly, GameFan{{'}}s four reviewers gave positive remarks to the visual department and fast gameplay.
Javier Iturrioz of {{ill|Superjuegos|lt=Superjuegos|es|Superjuegos}} commended the visual presentation, simple controls and gameplay, but noted that the gameplay options do not vary much.{{cite magazine|last=Iturrioz|first=Javier|url=https://archive.org/stream/Superjuegos_040#page/n79/mode/1up|title=A Pie de Pista: Neo Geo – Super Sidekicks|magazine={{ill|Superjuegos|lt=Superjuegos|es|Superjuegos}}|issue=40|publisher=Grupo Zeta|date=August 1995|page=80|lang=es}} AllGame{{'}}s Kyle Knight gave positive remarks to the visuals and gameplay but criticized the sound design and controls. He called the game as equally enjoyable and frustrating.
= Retrospective reviews =
{{Video game reviews
|title = Retrospective assessments
|GR = (NS) 45%{{cite web|url=https://www.gamerankings.com/switch/214117-aca-neogeo-super-sidekicks/index.html|title=ACA NeoGeo: Super Sidekicks for Nintendo Switch|work=GameRankings|publisher=CBS Interactive|date=2019|access-date=2020-11-05|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191205224959/https://www.gamerankings.com/switch/214117-aca-neogeo-super-sidekicks/index.html|archive-date=2019-12-05|url-status=live}}
|NLife = (NS) {{Rating|5|10}}{{cite web|last=Frear|first=Dave|url=http://www.nintendolife.com/reviews/switch-eshop/super_sidekicks_neogeo|title=Super Sidekicks Review (Switch eShop / Neo Geo) – International so-so Soccer|work=Nintendo Life|publisher=Nlife Media|date=August 30, 2017|access-date=2020-11-05|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200128172132/http://www.nintendolife.com/reviews/switch-eshop/super_sidekicks_neogeo|archive-date=2020-01-28|url-status=live}}
|VB = (PSN) 77/100{{cite web|last=Valentaten|first=Daav|url=https://venturebeat.com/community/2011/04/29/super-sidekicks-neo-geo-station-review-gooooooooal/|title=SUPER SIDEKICKS – Neo Geo Station Review | Gooooooooal!|publisher=VentureBeat|date=April 29, 2011|access-date=2020-11-06|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201106181631/https://venturebeat.com/community/2011/04/29/super-sidekicks-neo-geo-station-review-gooooooooal/|archive-date=2020-11-06|url-status=live}}
|rev1 = Bonus Stage
|rev2 = Pure Nintendo Magazine
|rev2Score = (NS) 6.5/10{{cite web|last=Gould|first=Trevor|url=https://purenintendo.com/review-aca-neogeo-super-sidekicks-nintendo-switch/|title=Review: ACA NEOGEO Super Sidekicks (Nintendo Switch)|work=Pure Nintendo Magazine|publisher=Pure Media, LLC|date=August 25, 2017|access-date=2020-11-05|archive-date=2019-08-19|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190819100448/https://purenintendo.com/review-aca-neogeo-super-sidekicks-nintendo-switch/|url-status=live}}
}}
Super Sidekicks has been met with mixed reception from retrospective reviewers in recent years. VentureBeat{{'}}s Daav Valentaten noted its colorful graphics, fast action, simple controls but criticized the inability to choose players, precision to steal the ball from opponents and framerate in the PlayStation Network version. In 2014, HobbyConsolas identified it as one of the twenty best games for the Neo Geo AES.{{cite web|last=Alonso|first=Álvaro|url=https://www.hobbyconsolas.com/reportajes/20-mejores-juegos-neo-geo-aes-63205|title=Reportaje: Los 20 mejores juegos de Neo Geo (AES)|work=HobbyConsolas|publisher=Axel Springer SE|date=February 12, 2014|access-date=2023-02-06|language=es|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140302075308/https://www.hobbyconsolas.com/reportajes/20-mejores-juegos-neo-geo-aes-63205|archive-date=2014-03-02|url-status=live}} Elliott Osange of Bonus Stage stated that "Super Sidekicks will appeal to fans from the NEO GEO era and diehard football fans who need something to fill the void in their lives. For casual sports players and non-sport entities, however, this is going to be a hard pass".
A staff member of German magazine {{ill|M! Games|lt=MAN!AC|de|M! Games}} reviewed the PlayStation Network version via PlayStation Portable, noting the difficulty level of AI-controlled opponents and praised the visual presentation, regarding the game to be quite entertaining but recommended playing its sequels. Pure Nintendo Magazine{{'}}s Trevor Gould commended the large sprites, gameplay speed, sound design and visual presentation.
Nintendo Life{{'}}s Dave Frear praised its fast gameplay and visual presentation but criticized the lack of additional replay value, options and teams. Nintendo World Report{{'}}s J.P. Cobran criticized the controls, the disjointed gameplay for being choppy and the zoomed perspective.
Legacy
Super Sidekicks spawned a series of three sequels and a remake; Super Sidekicks 2: The World Championship (1994), Super Sidekicks 3: The Next Glory (1995), The Ultimate 11: SNK Football Championship (1996) and Neo Geo Cup '98: The Road to the Victory (1998). The Ultimate 11 proved to be less popular than its predecessors, while Neo Geo Cup '98 served as the final game in the series. Mexican magazine Club Nintendo regarded the Super Sidekicks franchise as one of the best soccer sagas in video games, touting it to be better than Sega's Virtua Striker series.
Notes
{{notelist}}
References
{{reflist}}
External links
{{Portal|1990s|Japan|Video games}}
- [https://gamefaqs.gamespot.com/arcade/565650-super-sidekicks Super Sidekicks] at GameFAQs
- [https://www.giantbomb.com/super-sidekicks/3030-23825/ Super Sidekicks] at Giant Bomb
- [https://www.arcade-museum.com/game_detail.php?game_id=9939 Super Sidekicks] at Killer List of Videogames
- [https://www.mobygames.com/game/super-sidekicks Super Sidekicks] at MobyGames
{{Super Sidekicks}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Super Sidekicks (video game)}}
Category:Association football video games
Category:Hamster Corporation games
Category:Multiplayer and single-player video games
Category:Nintendo Switch games
Category:PlayStation Network games