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Unlike most football simulation, FA Cup Football
concentrates solely on the prestigious footballing
event of the year: the FA Cup. The game is a very simple
one, rather than choosing the players you want to field
and worrying about transfers and the like, FACF
just asks the player(s) to choose the tactics of their
teams (either attacking, defensive or balanced).
Once
loaded, the number of players (from 1 to 8) and their
initials are typed in. The players can then select the
eight teams they would like to manage from a pool of
124 (the players take turns in choosing). Every league
team and all the good non-league teams are listed in
the program, but if the local side doesn't appear then
the name of one of the listed teams can always be changed.
By the way, don't expect any local team to do amazingly
well -- all the results are calculated on the ability
of the teams in real life, and a changed name team is
automatically given the ratings of a non-league side.
So, when Liverpool do battle with the Ludlow Lethargics,
don't expect miracles!
Once
everyone has chosen their teams, the FA Cup competition
can begin. The players can choose either to start from
the first round (non-league and third and fourth division
sides only), or from the third round (all league and
non-league teams). Either option leads to a cup draw.
When this takes place two numbered balls spin onto the
top of the screen, and the teams with the corresponding
numbers play against each other.
The
computer then goes through the matches one at a time,
quickly flicking through computer vs computer matches,
but stopping when a player's team crops up. Here the
relevant player has to choose the tactics of his/her
team, either attacking (4-2-4), defending (4-4-2) or
balanced (4-3-3). Occasionally a newsflash crops up
and is displayed at the bottom of the screen.
Once
all the team's tactics have been decided then the matches
commence. Eight matches are shown at once, although
the screen display can be cycled during play to show
the other matches. A timer constantly ticks away throughout
this period so the players know exactly how much match
time has elapsed. All the scores constantly update themselves,
so during this part of the program the players just
have to sit and bite their nails.
The
time goes pretty slowly, but it can be speeded up by
holding the space bar down. Once the full ninety minutes
have been played all the scores can be viewed, prior
to the replays, which are played in the same manner
as before.
When
the round has been fully completed the game reverts
to the cup draw screen and the next round is compiled.
As the rounds progress, managerial problems become more
apparent. The tactics chosen for teams can be changed
at half time and at semi-final and final levels at quarter
time. Substitutes are also introduced, and the player
is given the option to field them.
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