PixlBit

Soccer video games aren't exactly the most abundant titles on the Wii, but those that have been released have been quite good. The latest in the FIFA series offers a solid experience, Pro Evolution Soccer revolutionized soccer video game controls, and Mario Strikers Charged brought arcade-style soccer to a new level. Unlike each of these titles, Academy of Champions, the latest Wii soccer title, is devoid of any unique attributes, bringing nothing new to the table. It features simplified controls and arcade-style gameplay, however it is much less crazy than Mario Strikers Charged. Nothing else distinguishes the game aside from its Hogwarts-like setting.

This setting is the only element that truly defines the game and its structure. At the beginning of the title, players are falsely accepted into Pele/Mia Hamm's soccer academy (depending on gender choice). Upon arriving for the school year, players learn the bad news, but manage to prove themselves to the all star and are officially invited to stay.

In order for players to improve their soccer skills, the academy provides a strict schedule comprised of specific activities that are blocked out for certain parts of each day. The activities are split into three categories: practice, team building, and games. Both practice and games work as one would expect, with practice allowing players to work on particular skills until they are mastered, and the game being a one period match-up in a scrimmage or against an official team. During team building, players can either enhance the skills of their teammates or scout out other players at their school. Just like Hogwarts, the entire academy is split into sections, in this case teams, which are in constant competition with each other.

During a typical exhibition match players will find that most of the match will consist of continuous ball passing up the field until they have the opportunity to shoot for the goal. After this sequence of events, the player will then steal the ball from the opposing team via a slide tackle, and continue the process ad nauseum. On occasion, this monotony is broken up by quick time events, which players will need to perform successfully in order to claim the ball when they and an opponent simultaneously approach it.

Of course, every player on each team has their own strengths and weaknesses, as well as their own special moves, giving the otherwise bland game some life. As players make their way through the school year they'll find that the games become slightly better thanks to upgraded skills and unique abilities.

However everything outside of the actual exhibition games is pretty boring, feeling more like a means of extending the play experience rather than something that should be enjoyable. Although the exhibition games are more enjoyable than the other sections, they are far from thrilling.

While Academy of Champions is arcade-style, it isn't particularly fast-paced. Wii gamers who have cut their teeth on Mario Strikers Charged will find that the game is slow moving, both in overall pacing and actual character movement. Those accustomed to FIFA and Pro Evolution Soccer will be sorely disappointed with the game's lack of depth.

By far, Academy of Champions' biggest downfall is its extremely slow pacing. The single player mode is not particularly interesting, and building up a team of any worth takes entirely too long. By the time you could start enjoying the gameplay due to your team's enhanced stats, you'll easily be sick of the game.

If it wasn't made clear enough at this point, Academy of Champions feels unbelievably average. While the matches aren't bad, there isn't anything to shake them up and make them more interesting. Given the other options on Wii, players will most likely want to avoid this title.