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It seems that every year, our kids want the newest soccer game. To me, the new $60 FIFA title looks exactly the same as last year’s version. Even my husband, an avid football fan, often says that we don’t need to buy it. Usually we give in, shelling out too much money for what seems like the same game. This year, I might’ve found the perfect solution: a soccer video game that doesn’t cost any money!
Heads Arena: Euro Soccer is a kid-friendly, easy-to-play browser game. It works in Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, Internet Explorer, Safari, Firefox, etc. Because it is on Poki, there’s nothing to download—no apps, special permissions, or payment information required. All of these factors are what initially turned me on to the title. Can a free Internet game be as good as a best-selling console series? After playing, I really think so.
I must admit that I’m not a hardcore gamer. Even so, I was able to compete against the computer in Heads Arena: Euro Soccer within a minute. The menu is simple to navigate, with big buttons that let you choose between Tournament mode (more on that later), Party mode, and one- or two-player matchups. I opted for a solo game in Party mode, which is also called Normal mode. Then, it was time to choose teams and players. There are 12 teams in the game, all of which have two different athletes. The players look pretty silly, with funny expressions and exaggerated facial features. To me, each player looks like a cartoon. My husband insists that they’re based on real athletes, and I’m inclined to believe him. As the name of the game suggests, every team hails from Europe. There are pairs of caricatured superstars from Germany, Italy, Sweden, and the UK.
The controls in Heads Arena: Euro Soccer are simple enough for me, a casual adult gamer, as well as my youngest child. When playing a single-player match, the arrow keys guide your athlete left, right, and upwards. One other key is used for kicking the ball, although it’s not always necessary. In every game I played, goals were scored in all sorts of different ways. Yes, you can execute a perfectly aimed kick to score. However, many goals were actually caused by running or jumping into the ball. I experienced many goals worthy of the highlight reel, such as an accidental header from my defensive zone into the opposing team’s net.
Tournament mode offers a 3-round playoff series. This extra-competitive mode is available in solo and co-op variations, allowing you to team up with a friend. During the tournament, each round is harder than the last. You’ll have to keep improving to beat each team and eventually win the gold trophy.
Whether you’re looking for a quick sports game or want to win the World Cup, kick into Heads Arena: Euro Soccer. It’s accessible to just about everyone; young kids, teens, and adult gamers can glean great fun from my new favorite sports title.
Free games are wonderful. This one looks like fun.
I will have to check this out with my son. He would love to play this free game! Thanks for sharing it sounds incredible.