You heard that right. Instead of the real-time reflexes needed for [FIFA](https://www.mobygames.com/game/230959/fc-25/), you get tactical grids and stat-boosted kicks.
Tthat's the premise for [Ganbare! Super Strikers](https://www.mobygames.com/game/111659/ganbare-super-strikers/) -- a game that takes soccer, spices it up with RPG madness, and somehow keeps the beating heart of the sport alive.
The goal of Ganbare is, well... goooooooooooal!! But here you dribble, pass, and shoot turn-by-turn to crush. Think [Winning 11](https://www.mobygames.com/game/172860/efootball-2022/) meets [Final Fantasy Tactics](https://www.mobygames.com/game/4522/final-fantasy-tactics/) When you're not on the offence, you try to intercept and tackle. But unlike a real-time game of soccer like FIFA, you use the tactical elements of Ganbare to place players on each tile, planning your movements, strategizing how you'll get that ball in the net -- to crush your opponents' hopes and dreams.
And this wouldn't be an RPG without moves that scream "game changer". Certain players have specials. One player might have the ice pass, which makes his pass near-impossible to intercept. Another might have the phantom kick, which means a goalie might have trouble stopping that ball once it's in flight.
Of course, there's a story. Or, in soccer terms: scrappy underdogs, league dreams, trophy lust. Tthat means winning tournaments. You get all the drama and excitement of soccer all packed in an RPG.
Visually, it's a solid play. We're talking cell-shaded isometric graphics with camera angles that shift with the press of a button. The stadiums aren't much to look at, but I feel like the art direction holds up by giving us excellent animations and character models -- capturing that anime spark and energy
In terms of soundtrack, you get music that's straight out of an epic anime showdown. The sound effects are vivid, and conjure the excitement of a match, though the menus sounds are a little too loud for my liking, but that's a minor quibble.
Have you have played any RPG at all. Then you will find Ganbare to be easy to control. If not, all you really need to know is how to select squares and confirm actions. No button-mashing, no obtuse combos, no need to perform finger ballet -- just classic RPG menu magic.
Rese Games developed Ganbare. So far, this is the lone game they've made. I hope they make another.
Ganbare! Super Strikers is highly recommended -- especially if you're looking for a sports game with brains, heart, and a side of RPG chaos. This is a must-try.
