Not FIFA '09, but SUBBUTEO! (Subbuteo)

Member Name: JJJJ

Product:	Subbuteo
Date:	27/10/08 (94 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Alternative to computer games

Disadvantages: Difficult to master

Flick to Win

'Subbuteo' is a table top football simulation which was first made available in 1947. According to Wikipedia, it's named after Falco subbuteo - the latin name of the Eurasian Hobby which is a bird of prey. This was done as a trademark was not granted to to simply call the game 'Hobby' as creator Peter Adolph originally wanted.

To play the popular football 'board game', you must flick the playing pieces (which represent footballers) towards the plastic ball, with the end aim in scoring a goal. A players turn ends when either the ball is missed, or the ball strikes an opposing player, or goes out of play. It's fairly easy to understand after a couple of goes.

Subbuteo was a game which I played intermittantly in my childhood, but never fully mastered. When I was around 12 I was bought a set and used to have the pitch rolled out on the kitchen table. Those were the days when the players were moulded from plastic, rather than being of the card variety which they are today. I had two teams, England and Leeds United, the latter were decorated splendidly in their white and gold outfit.

Subbuteo is an excellent game, and a great alternative to computer games in todays digital age. It's fun to play, but difficult to master, and worth a go if you've never played. The newest incarnation of the game seems to be the 'Dream Team Stadium' version, which is available from Amazon for £22.49.

Summary: A Novel Football Sim