Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Stepping onto the pitch in Pelé! feels like taking on the world’s greatest soccer stages. The game puts you in the cleats of Edson Arantes do Nascimento himself, allowing you to recreate his iconic moves and signature playing style. Whether you’re weaving through defenders with a deft dribble or launching a perfectly timed bicycle kick, the intuitive control scheme ensures every action feels responsive and impactful. From simple ground passes to lofted through-balls, the mechanics strike a balance between arcade fun and authentic soccer simulation.

Pelé! offers two distinct single-player modes that cater to both newcomers and seasoned veterans. In Practice mode, you can choose any two international teams, adjust difficulty settings, and drill on key skills like shooting accuracy, dribbling cones, and defensive positioning. This tutorial-style setup is ideal for mastering fundamentals before diving into more competitive play. Season mode transports you into an 18-game campaign where you guide your chosen squad, with Pelé at the helm, through the highs and lows of a full championship pursuit.

Multiplayer in Pelé! takes an unconventional yet compelling approach. Rather than a head-to-head kickabout, both participants embark on parallel single-player brackets, each battling AI opponents until only their two teams remain. This format builds tension and camaraderie, as you compare your progress and stats after each round. Matches are governed by realistic rules—offside calls, corner kicks, free kicks, and even injury stoppages—so you’ll need to think tactically and adapt to the ebb and flow of regulation soccer.

The AI in Pelé! deserves special mention. Each national team plays with a distinctive style: Brazil emphasizes flair and possession, Germany relies on disciplined formations, and Italy locks down the backline with tactical fouling. This variety keeps every match fresh and challenges you to adjust formations, set-pieces, and substitution strategies on the fly. By the season’s climax, you’ll have a true sense of what it takes to lead a squad to victory under Pelé’s legendary influence.

Graphics

Visually, Pelé! captures the essence of late 20th-century soccer games while embracing smoother animations and detailed stadiums. Player models are well-proportioned, with realistic jersey creases and notable facial features—particularly for Pelé himself, whose trademark grin and headband are faithfully represented. The pitch surfaces vary from lush green turf to rain-soaked fields, and the dynamic weather effects introduce additional strategy layers, such as slippery footing and slower ball rolls.

Animations shine brightest during high-impact moments. Bicycle kicks arc gracefully through the air, complete with Pelé’s trademark follow-through fist pump. Headers snap the ball off defenders’ foreheads with believable force, and dive tackles can either win the ball cleanly or result in dramatic, slow-motion falls. Spectators in the stands, though rendered with simpler polygons, react convincingly—jumping to their feet on goals and lighting flares during tense penalty shootouts.

Camera angles in Pelé! offer both a broad tactical overview and tight, immersive close-ups. The default broadcast view highlights passing lanes and positioning, while the “Cinema” angle zooms in on individual player interactions, perfect for replaying spectacular goals or contentious fouls. Though the game doesn’t push modern hardware to its limits, its consistent frame rate and absence of visual glitches make each match fluid and visually pleasing.

Environmental details complete the presentation. Jumbotrons flash team crests and goal replays, sideline benches house animated coaches and substitute players, and national anthems play authentically at the start of Season mode matches. These touches might seem minor, but they collectively reinforce Pelé!’s commitment to bringing the world of international soccer to life.

Story

As a sports title, Pelé! doesn’t follow a traditional narrative arc, but it weaves its own story through the player’s journey. From the first practice session to the season finale, you experience the rise of Pelé as both a superstar athlete and a team leader. Completing tutorial challenges unlocks archival photos and brief anecdotes about Pelé’s career milestones, giving the gameplay a lightly documentary feel.

Season mode is where the drama truly unfolds. Each victory advances your team up the league table, while every draw or loss offers a chance to reflect on tactics and lineup choices. Commentary snippets between matches recount Pelé’s real-life achievements—his 1,000th career goal, World Cup triumphs, and charitable endeavors—infusing your progression with historical significance. This framing gives players a genuine sense of living out Pelé’s storied legacy.

Multiplayer tournaments foster their own mini-narratives. As you and your friend battle through AI opponents, you’ll share stories of epic comebacks, missed penalties, and match-winning headers. The structure implicitly invites trash talk and friendly rivalry, fueling the social dimension of the game. You don’t just compete for a trophy—you craft memorable soccer tales under Pelé’s watchful banner.

While hardcore gamers might wish for a deeper career mode with transfer markets or training camps, Pelé!’s streamlined approach keeps the focus squarely on the beautiful game itself. The result is a narrative woven through player achievements and historical context, rather than cutscenes or branching dialogue, ensuring that every match feels meaningful in the pursuit of Pelé-inspired greatness.

Overall Experience

Pelé! strikes a harmonious balance between accessible arcade action and genuine soccer simulation. The dual single-player modes make it inviting for newcomers, while seasoned players will appreciate the nuanced AI and varied team styles. Multiplayer’s tournament structure, though unconventional, offers a pulse-pounding progression that encourages repeat play and competitive banter.

Graphically, the game holds up well, delivering smooth animations, dynamic weather, and detailed stadium atmospheres. Minor limitations in player model variety and crowd detail are overshadowed by the fluidity of on-field action and the authenticity of soccer-specific animations. Audio design, featuring national anthems, crowd chants, and referee whistles, further immerses you in the global tournament vibe.

Pelé!’s emphasis on realistic rules and team-specific AI ensures that no two matches feel identical. Whether you’re executing precision set-pieces in Season mode or practicing Pelé’s most celebrated moves, the game continually rewards strategic thinking and technical skill. The lack of a deep managerial system might disappoint some, but the focus on on-pitch excellence remains consistently engaging.

For soccer fans and retro gaming enthusiasts alike, Pelé! offers a compelling package. It honors one of the sport’s greatest icons while providing robust modes, polished presentation, and an overall gameplay experience that’s both accessible and richly detailed. If you’ve ever dreamed of stepping into Pelé’s shoes and leading a national team to glory, this game captures that dream with flair and authenticity.

Retro Replay Score

5.6/10