Description

"Isto é Zico: Jiko no Kangaeru Soccer" is an interactive movie video game developed for the Sega Saturn console, which allows players to step into the world of soccer guided by none other than the Brazilian soccer legend, Zico. This unique game blends real-time strategy with interactive video sequences, where the football tactics and decisions of the player directly influence the unfolding of the game’s narrative. By utilizing footage of actual soccer matches and integrating them with decision-making scenarios, the game offers an immersive experience that simulates the strategic aspects of managing a soccer team from the perspective of one of the sport's greatest minds. Players make tactical choices that affect the team's performance on the pitch, with outcomes that can vary dramatically based on their decisions.

Released exclusively in Japan in 1995, "Isto é Zico: Jiko no Kangaeru Soccer" was part of a niche genre of sports strategy games that experimented with interactive movie elements during the mid-90s. Unlike typical sports video games that focus on the action and skills of individual players, this game emphasizes strategic planning and real-time decision-making. The inclusion of Zico, a revered figure in the world of soccer, added a significant appeal and authenticity, positioning the game as a unique educational and entertainment tool for fans wanting to understand deeper soccer tactics. Although it did not gain widespread popularity globally, it remains a fascinating piece of video game history that reflects the innovative experiments in blending sports simulation with interactive storytelling during the era.