Fluid Football Versus

Much like its predecessor, Fluid Football, there's nothing particularly wrong with Fluid Football Versus.

It's a fun little distraction with the occasional neat idea. The asynchronous multiplayer on offer here is a welcome addition, and there's a good chunk of single-player content too.

But the game still lacks an identity of its own, and while the football-as-puzzle gameplay is intriguing at first, a lack of any real progression takes the shine off things pretty quickly. It has its moments, especially in multiplayer, but nothing that sparks to life or sticks in the mind for long.

The game is essentially a series of football-related tasks. You're given a set-up, and using some simple controls have to fashion a goal from it. You can move players around, pass the ball, and, when you think you're in a decent enough position, take a shot.

The build-up to your shot takes place from a top-down view. You slide a finger around to move your players, and long-press then swipe to pass. When you've got the ball to a player somewhere near the goal, you tap the 'shoot' button.

Now the game switches to a first-person view and you have to flick the ball into the back of the net. Depending on where you're standing you might have to curl the ball around a number of defenders, past the keeper, and into the back of the net. Once you score you've completed the puzzle.

Each move also gives you bonus points for completing little missions. You might, for example, have to use a specific player in the move, or take your shot from a specific point on the pitch. These stipulations are more important in the multiplayer than they are in the single-player.

Here, you and your opponent have the same goal to score. So you need to fulfil the criteria, score as quickly as you can, and make sure that when it comes time to shoot the pesky goalkeeper doesn't manage to get his groin in the way of your shot.

You can spend the coins you earn in the game to rewind time, either to retake a shot or to make sure your carefully threaded pass isn't intercepted. Or, if you've done really badly, you can spend some more to restart the entire move.

The multiplayer gives the game an extra kick, but in the end it all feels a bit laboured. There's fun to be had - especially when you're challenging your friends - but you can't help but feel Fluid Football Versus doesn't do enough to build on the foundations of the original game.