Developers World Championship: Match Report - Austria v USA (Group C)

AUSTRIA Radio Flare REDUX (Studio Radiolaris)

VS USA Space Miner: Space Ore Bust (Venan)

After meek first round losses, both of these sport-loving nations needed to demonstrate their bouncebackability. And quickly.

It perhaps came as no surprise then that the selections launched at the iStadium today had both been touted in certain sections of the press as ‘out of this world’.

Beamed in from Planet Austria and indie developer Studio Radiolaris came Radio Flare REDUX, a side-scrolling shoot-em-up and sequel to the 2009 IGF Mobile finalist, cunningly entitled Radio Flare.

Meanwhile, blasting down on behalf of the USA, we had Venan’s much acclaimed and punnily named top-down asteroid shooter Space Miner: Space Ore Bust.

‘In space no one can hear you scream’ ran the famous film tagline. Would the football on show give the critics and fans in attendance anything to shout about, though?

Kick Off: 3pm, 18th June

The critical view: Once all of the pre-game shuttle runs had been completed, the match kicked off to rapturous applause and both apps responded with some truly sumptuous gameplay.

The Europeans were first to captivate the assembled hacks with some dazzling visual displays in the final third that tested the US 'keeper and prompted Space Miner to retaliate with its own brand of picturesque RPG storytelling on the break.

The end-to-end action continued as the apps exchanged shots, but it was clearly going to take something special to break the deadlock and it proved. Radio Flare REDUX thought it had netted the opener after playing in its Bronze Award, but an offside flag brought a premature end to Austrian celebrations. Their disappointment turned to despair just moments later when a searching through-pass reached Space Miner’s own front line and was duly drilled into the net underpinning its own Silver Award.

The lead didn't last for long, though, as a doubly determined Austrian side fought back; combinations, multipliers, and rewards linking effortlessly to create an equaliser, a truly stunning multi-touch move starting from its own penalty area.

Undeterred, the Americans simply increased the pressure, launching upgradeable ships into the box, flicking on via Plus+ integration, and using movie quality sonic effects to apply a delightful finishing touch as they retook the lead.

This extraterrestrial contest was being played at warpspeed with shots blazing around both goal-mouths. Could it possibly be maintained?

Half time: Austria 1 – 2 USA The Fans’ 45: 'No' was the simple answer. The sheer distance between space and Earth may have played a part here, for neither set of fans mustered significant support.

Remoteness, separation, satellite delay - call it what you will. Despite Space Miner's 48 sectors and Radio Flare REDUX's 33 planets there were too many empty spaces in the stands and neither nation could muster sufficient following to merit a further goal.

Ultimately then, the American's slender advantage held until the final whistle and the Eagle had landed all three points.

Full time: Austria 1 – 2 USA Latest Group Tables - Fixtures & Voting - Squads

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