Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

It’s a Funny Old Game offers a refreshingly lighthearted approach to the soccer sim genre by blending straightforward management mechanics with over-the-top cartoon flair. From the opening match, you’ll find yourself drafting quirky characters with playful aliases—each “player” feels like a caricature plucked straight from a Saturday morning cartoon. The fundamental systems—drafting, trading, formations and budgeting—will be instantly familiar to veterans of sports sims, yet the goofy animations and whimsical commentary prevent things from ever feeling stale.

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The drafting and trading interface is intuitive. You can easily cycle through potential recruits, each accompanied by a statistical snapshot and a short flavor text hinting at their on-field personality. Want a speedster nicknamed “Flash Boots”? No problem. Prefer a defensive wall aptly called “Brick”? That’s in the roster too. Balancing team strengths, making savvy trades, and keeping your finances afloat add layers of strategy without overwhelming newcomers. Match outcomes hinge as much on shrewd roster moves as on tactical maneuvers during play.

On the pitch, you control formations, instructing your squad to press, hold positions or attempt long passes with a simple menu-based command system. While matches unfold in real time, you can pause to adjust tactics on the fly. This keeps the pace brisk and the tension genuine. The AI opponents adapt reasonably well to your strategy changes, offering a satisfying challenge for those who enjoy fine-tuning every pass and positioning cue. For players who want a more laid-back experience, an “auto-skip” feature simulates matches with just the essential highlights.

Graphics

Visually, It’s a Funny Old Game leans hard into its cartoon style. Players are rendered as “cartoon like figures” with exaggerated limbs, oversized heads and expressive faces that stretch into comical grins or dramatic frowns. This choice creates a distinctive aesthetic that stands out among hyper-realistic sports titles. Instead of sweating athletes and detailed stadium crowds, you get bright color palettes, simple shading and fluid, almost slapstick animations.

Stadiums and menus follow suit with bold outlines and cheerful backdrops. Bleachers pop with stylized fans waving flags that animate in unison, adding a sense of scale and atmosphere despite the minimalist detail. UI elements remain clean and colorful: drafting screens use easy-to-read icons, trade offers slide in with playful sound effects, and formation boards highlight player positions with bright tokens. Even the financial dashboard employs animated coins and budget bars that jiggle when you make big purchases.

One of the most delightful touches is the in-game replay system. Key moments like goals, spectacular tackles or even goalpost bounces trigger replays that zoom in on your cartoon squad in exaggerated slow motion. Comical camera angles—complete with swooping perspectives—emphasize the humorous spirit of the game. These replays not only break up the action but also showcase just how much personality the simple graphics convey.

Story

While It’s a Funny Old Game isn’t built around a deep narrative campaign, it does weave light storytelling elements into its manager and career modes. As you progress through seasons, you’ll encounter off-the-pitch events delivered via animated cut-ins: a star player asking for a raise, a rival coach issuing a humorous challenge, or a comical press conference where your responses influence team morale. These vignettes inject character-driven moments that keep you invested in more than just wins and losses.

The game’s dialogue is snappy and self-aware, poking fun at the tropes of professional soccer management. Expect tongue-in-cheek references to late goals, dramatic trophy celebrations, and overdramatic press reporters who ask absurd questions. Though there’s no overarching “hero’s journey,” the episodic nature of these events builds a loose narrative arc that encourages you to see your team as a motley crew of lovable rogues rather than mere stat lines.

For players who appreciate a coherent storyline, there’s also a challenge mode with themed scenarios. Whether you’re rescuing a struggling underdog squad from relegation or managing a team starring in a globally televised charity match, each scenario has its own light plot beats and objectives. These bite-sized stories enhance replay value and give context to your strategic decisions, making every victory feel part of a mini-arc.

Overall Experience

It’s a Funny Old Game strikes an impressive balance between accessibility and depth. If you’re new to sports sims, the cartoon presentation and friendly UI reduce the intimidation factor. Meanwhile, veterans will appreciate the solid drafting, trading and financial mechanics that reward careful planning and tactical flexibility. The friendly learning curve ensures you’re never left scratching your head, yet the strategic elements remain robust enough to satisfy hardcore managers.

The game’s humor is its greatest asset. From cheeky player nicknames to slapstick replays, the comedic tone permeates every aspect of the experience. It never tries to be a serious simulation, and that whimsical attitude becomes infectious. You’ll find yourself chuckling at your squad’s over-the-top celebrations and groaning good-naturedly at the odd missed penalty that zooms in like a theatrical pratfall.

Replayability is high thanks to the randomized player pool, scenario challenges and adjustable difficulty levels. Whether you’re looking for a quick five-minute match or a marathon season-long campaign, the flexible options cater to your preferred playstyle. If you’re in search of a sports sim that pairs strategic depth with unrelenting charm, It’s a Funny Old Game is a delightful kick in the shin—in the best possible way.

Retro Replay Score

null/10