If you've had enough of the intricacies of FIFA, then Active Soccer 2023 might just be the breath of fresh air you need. This retro arcade football game takes you back to the good old days of 32-bit gaming, with fast-paced action, pixelated graphics, and awesome sound effects.

But don't let the old-school vibe fool you, there's plenty of depth here too. With a complete career mode that lets you manage your own team, purchase players, create tactics, and compete in international leagues and championships, there's always something to keep you engaged.

Speaking of old-school graphics, indie developer Fox Software, has done a wonderful job with Active Soccer 2023. The retro look is charming and detailed, with a bright, colorful palette that adds to the fun, reminiscent of Winning 11 on the original PlayStation.

Despite its good looks and solid gameplay, there are a few downsides to the game as well. For one, the players can feel a bit floaty at times, making it hard to accurately control their movements and kicks. Additionally, the AI, especially that of the goalies, can be lackluster, leaving some goals feeling like cheap scores.

However, Active Soccer 2023 is a good reminder of how much fun the simpler days of gaming were. I've only put in about an hour with the game, but it's showing great potential so far. Keep in mind that that the game is still in Early Access, so I'm sure the developers are hard at work polishing things up.

Overall, if you're looking for a soccer game that doesn't take itself too seriously and provides plenty of arcade action, this one is worth a deep look. And at just under $15, it won't break your wallet, either. Just be prepared for a few head-scratching moments as you get used to the floaty controls and the somewhat underwhelming, but slowly improving AI.

We'll have our review up soon in the next few weeks.