Computer Gamer
1st July 1986
International Match Day
International Match Day is an improved and generally revamped version of Match Day, released to take advantage of all the extra facilities offered by the 128K Spectrum.
Naturally the gameplay remains the same with the matches being played on a 3D display. You control one player while the computer moves the others. The player graphics could have been improved; they seem to amble around the pitch. This is obviously due to the heat and altitude of Mexico. One difference though is that, when the ball is passed (by either side), control automatically transfers to your nearest player where the ball will and even if that player is off the screen!
You'll notice the first improvement when you score a goal as the display swaps to a view of the crowd cheering. The next difference is that you'll hear them cheer as well. In fact, they are a particularly noisy crowd as they cheer throughout the game, especially loudly whenever a goal is scored or a good pass is made!
As in most football games you'll find yourself losing your first games so it's nice to see the inclusion of a handicap system by which you can give yourself (or your computer or human opponent) a lead of anything up to 99 goals!Finally, additional options allow you to play out the World Cup from quarter finals as well as define team colours and computer opponent skill levels.
A good enhancement of the original Match Day that shows exactly what the 128K Spectrum is capable of doing - better graphics, added sound and the memory to add features that make the game excellent value for money.
