Review: Pocket League Story

Known for their ‘Story’ series of mobile games, Kairosoft continues to impress as it hits the soccer pitch with this little sim that’s as deep as it is fun.

Pocket League Story puts you in control of your own personal soccer team. You can pick the uniforms, set the formations, and scout for the best players. The wonderful 8-bit graphics and character design are beautiful to look at, but don’t be fooled, this is a true football sim.

Each player has his own position and skill set, and where you place them in the formation will affect how well they play. The training system allows you to assign regimens for the individual player or for the entire team. For example, you can make the team play a practice match while sending the keeper to individual training, giving his stats an extra boost.

At first your team will only qualify to play in small-time local games. You don’t actually control the players during games, but you’ll find yourself in the manager’s shoes. You’ll be rooting for the team you’ve put together from nothing, as they run around jostling for the ball and trying to score. At halftime you can sub players out, or change the formation.

As the team wins more games they’ll qualify for more prestigious tournaments against tougher competition. Winning will get you prize money that you can use to buy upgrades for your stadium, hire new training staff, and sign better talent. If you’re good enough you might even be able to sign a lucrative sponsorship deal with a local business.

Anyone who’s played a Kairosoft tile knows how ingenious, fun, and charming their games are, PL Story is no exception.  This game is definitely worth a purchase and is one of the finest gems in the app store.