BREAKING NEWS - Nick Discovers New Star Soccer

It might not look much on the eyes but ‘New Star Soccer’ is an iPad game that has had me addicted in a major way since discovering the little gem on the weekend. 

Hideously addictive and incredibly simple, NSS is part Championship Manager and part Sensible Soccer. Instead of managing or controlling a team though, you’re controlling only yourself on and off the pitch, your quest for personal wealth and happiness is a big part of the game. 

The quite witty 'Lifestyle' part of the game offers you the chance to buy property, cars, Jacuzzis and slick suits among other 'essential' footballer crap. This will increase your 'Happiness' rating making for better performances on the pitch. 'So realistic' I whisper to myself with no irony whatsoever. 

It’s the type of game that my darling wife doesn't take kindly to hearing about. I turn to her in bed of an evening and say interesting things like ‘Hey look, Wrexham want to sign me!’ to which she scowls and turns over.

Sunday night, once the niños were in bed, instead of putting the recycling out or discussing the forthcoming weeks plans with the wife, I was scoring goals for Tenerife in the Spanish segunda. And while my dearest ate her evening meal alone I was negotiating a new boot sponsorship deal and using my wages for half time 'NRG drinks'.

Running the life of a young footballer, you have to make and score goals and use your wages to upgrade your tekkers, buy boots and build your relationship with your teammates and coach. 

The simple swipe controls make gameplay unfussy and arcade-like and as you get better (or worse) on the pitch, clubs will bid for you and you can increase your wages by moving up the ladder.

Complicating matters is the need put aside some of your wages for lifestyle items - mobile phones, cars, even houses. Better houses will help you maintain your fitness, while lifestyle items will help you get a 'girlfriend', which will boost your 'happiness' and help you to play better (Just like real life yeah?).  

You can even visit the casino if you want but be prepared for your reputation to take a knock if you are seen gambling too much.I was even in the press for wearing a cheap tracksuit in public. The heat from this sent my 'happiness' level plummeting. 

The game becomes about managing your resources in a bid to build your skills while keeping everyone happy. It's a classic 'just one more turn' procrastination game that could eat your soul. Forget FIFA, If you've ever played Football Manager, or even Angry Birds, there's a good chance that New Star Soccer will grab you in a headlock. 

NSS - Available on the App store now. 

Go get it & let it eat your life. Don't say I didn't warn you.

Here's me (below) not answering my work phone or email due to an important Spanish cup game on NSS this afternoon - Currently 0-0.