The following is taken from the pre-release v1.3 Release Notes from December 1997. It provides a good overview of the entire functionality of the game and how it was played. It also gives an indication into the state of the software at that time.
We typically sent pre-release versions of the game out to our volunteer beta testers, as well as to stakeholders and selected press.
Hopefully it goes without saying that website links, email addresses and phone numbers included probably no longer work, and even if they do, they are not connected with Soccer Nation in any way any more - so please don’t try them!
As one of the first online sports games, the idea was that the game would not need a paper manual, instead the CD included an offline manual (like a ‘wiki’) but that would link to an online equivalent, so that it would always be up to date with the latest upgrade options for users. This doesn’t seem revolutionary these days, but back then, it was! The following is a pre-release version of that online manual.
Welcome to Soccer Nation Release Notes
Pre-release V1.3
This document and its contents are considered CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION and may not be copied or distributed in any manner without the express written consent of Crush! Holdings Ltd.
For the purposes of copyright and other rights Crush! Holdings Ltd are the Authors and owners of this work. Copyright ©1997,1998 Crush Holdings Limited. All Rights Reserved
Overview
A Few Words About This Release
This is a pre-release version of "Soccer Nation", which is currently completing development at Crush!.
The 3D matches are available in this version but are still undergoing changes. However, the main difference for this version is the inclusion of the on-line option. This will allow you to register with the Crush! server, to name your own team and manager, and to log on via the net for regular fixtures against the other testers. For the purposes of this build registering users will be allotted teams in the fourth division in a league tree with vacant spaces. For full details of how to register and the online features now available, please refer to the Online section of this document.
The on-line code is still undergoing internal testing, but is now also available for external download over the web. To download new patch files (including release notes) as they become available, please check the testing section of the Nationsports website regularly.
The 3D matches you will see in this release are still being updated for:
smoother cameras
reduced frame dropping
bugs in player AI fixes
the in-game text finalised (currently test art/text implemented)
improved texture mapping on high-end graphic cards
joystick control (disabled in this release)
various bug fixes
general optimisation of display and functionality
In addition, there is one additional information 'feedback' feature to be added to the management element of the game, whereby the player will receive game-time feedback from the press, fans, the board etc. in response to decisions being made by the player.
Among the bugs that we are aware of in this release you may notice the following - please be assured these are all being addressed, and you do not need to report them to us:
the text boxes in the 3D display aren't tidy and take up a lot of space (these are for testing, and will be replaced with cleaner images)
sometimes the 3D match display is black when the text display appears (this is a bug with some video cards, and does not occur consistently. It will be fixed)
the action doesn't look smooth (certain animations are being re-drawn and the cameras are being modified)
occasionally the speech is incorrect compared to the in-game events (again, to be fixed)
you cannot play the 3D game by joystick (we have disabled it in this version while the 3D is being completed)
a few options (mostly relating to transfers) on the dialog boxes perform no function - these are currently being coded and will be added for the next build
finally, the pitch markings have been removed from the practice pitch whilst they are enhanced and will reappear in the next version
Crush!
December 1997
PS - This release is security coded for you personally, and time-bombed
"Soccer Nation" Objectives
"Soccer Nation" provides you with a comprehensive simulation of soccer management. The ultimate football fantasy: your own unique team and players, a stadium, an opening cash balance, and thereafter it's up to you. Go out there and win! Win league fixtures, gain promotion and eventually be crowned league champion. From there, cups and international tournaments.
You can play in leagues constructed in the style of the leading soccer nations, or you can construct your own custom league - choose the number of divisions, teams, the promotion/relegation rules etc.
And best of all, the chance to pit your wits against other soccer managers, just like yourself, using the Crush! On-Line League system.
In this release of "Soccer Nation" you can do almost everything that you will be able to in the final game. Select a team, buy and sell players, develop your stadia, play on the pitch if you want... you're the boss.
Contents
See Playing for the following:
Quick Start
Installing This Release
If You Have Previously Installed Soccer Nation
If You Have Not Previously Installed Soccer Nation
How To Run Soccer Nation
Changing Screen Resolution
What To Expect When The Game Starts
Game Modes
Icons And Navigation
Selecting Game Mode
Custom League Editor
New League
Edit League
Play League
Number Of Divisions
Custom League Main Menu
Number Divisions
Inter League Nations
League Rules
Nationality
Cup
Play Offs
Load
Save
Help
Play
Divisional Options
Promotion And Relegation
See Team Management for the following:
Game Options
Selecting A Division
Select A Team
The Navig Football (Main Menu)
How To Use The Navig Football
Time Passing
Current Fixtures
Classified Check
Pre Match
The Match!
Substitutions
Changing Formation During The Match
Changing Playing Styles During The Match
Changing Strategy During The Match
Reviewing Player Information During A Match
Statistics About The Current Match
Additional In-Match Options
Camera Options And Special Features
Replays
Notes On Rules Used In Soccer Nation
Offside
Goals
Corners
Throw Ins
Kick Off
Goal Kicks
Match Length
Cup Matches
Notes On Footballer (Player-Manager) Controls
Match Information
Team Screen
Selecting Your Team's Formations For The Next Fixture
Selecting Your Team's Playing Styles For The Next Fixture
Selecting Your Team's Strategy For The Next Fixture
Selecting Your Role In The Next Fixture
Team Attributes
Putting Players In Or Out Of The First Team For Next Match
Displaying Different Footballer Attributes
Player Attributes/Player Info
Manager Options
Offer New Contract To Footballer
Put On Transfer List
Put On Loan
Release On Free Transfer
View Contract
View Hobbies
Change Coaching
Player History
Inspect Teams
Club Finances
Income
Expenditure
The Bottom Line
Establishing A Youth Team
View Stadium
League Table
Inspect League
League Attendance
League Form
Manager Info
Manager Rankings
Competition Fixtures
Club Fixtures
Club History
Club Records
Player Records
Competition History
Replays
Video Wall
Annual Awards
Player Awards
Manager Awards
Kit Editor
Team Practice
Corner
Free Kick
Penalty
Match Editor
Management Editor
Set Pieces
Playing Style Editor
Altering A Playing Position Instruction
Formation Editor
The Ball
Footballers
Attack Icon
Defence Icon
Movement Trace Icon
Copy Icon
Corner Icons
Kick Off Icon
Goal Kick Icon
Free Kick Icon
Load
Save
Zoom
Undo/Redo
Player Standings
Scout Search
Scout Search Criteria
Scout Search Results
Short List
Configuration
Quit
Load/Save
See Tournaments for the following:
** still working on getting this prepared! **
See The League Tree and Competition Fixtures for the following:
** still working on getting this prepared! **
See Commentary and Commentators for the following:
** still working on getting this prepared! **
See Online Game for the following:
** still working on getting this prepared! **
See Troubleshooting for the following:
** still working on getting this prepared! **
About This Document
This document is designed to provide helpful notes on using the features provided in "Soccer Nation" release v1.3
If you have any problems please check the FAQ and then give us a call if it doesn't answer your question
Be Prepared To Tell Us:
Your Hardware Configuration
The Version Number Of The Game You Are Using
Specific Details Of Your Problem
Contact:
For any testing enquiries: Nick Rooke (01635) 868323 x.213
For other enquiries: Paul Chapman (01635) 868323 x.214