Subbuteo set to kick off on DS

The DS is pretty well catered for when it comes to realistic football games, thanks to the likes of Pro Evolution Soccer and FIFA 08. But realism isn't always what you want - and that's why the just-announced Subbuteo for DS should fill a bit of a hole for gamers who would rather be flicking footballers around a pitch instead of having them pull off loads of fancy tricks.

505 Games will be publishing the game across Europe, while it's being developed by Italian studio Artematica. The game promises to recreate the original table top football game complete with its 'Weebles' style players, letting you defend, attack, pass with a simple finger flick.

This is done using the stylus and touch screen, with a finger-flick icon appearing along with the option of the angle and power of each kick. The DS upper screen meanwhile displays all the match action, with fouls, goals and those all-important aerobatic shots.
Tournaments and Leagues will be customisable by the player and there's a game editor included too, which will let you create new teams and change player names, colours and team logos. You'll also be able to challenge other players to a match over wi-fi.

Fancy a game that transports you back to your misspent youth on the Subbuteo pitch? You'll be pleased to hear then that Subbuteo on DS is due for release in September.