___ ___
| . / \ |
| __ _ | _ __ --|-- _ __ _
|--- \/ \ | / \ | / \ \/ | | / \ \ / | / \
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|___ | | \_/ \___/ \_/| | | \_ \_/ | | \_/|
___
| | | | |
| _ _ --|-- | _ | |
|--- / \ / \ | |__ / \ | |
| | | | | | | \ | | | |
| \_/ \_/ \_ |__/ \_/| | |
____ _ _ _ _ _ ____ _ _ ___ ____
/ __| | | | | / \ | | | | | __| | \ | | / \ | __|
| / | |_| | / _ \ | | | | | |__ | \ | | | /\_\ | |__
| | | _ | | /_\ | | | | | | __| | |\ \| | | | ___ | __|
| | | | | | | _ | | | | | | | | | \ \ | | ||_ | | |
| \__ | | | | | | | | | |__ | |__ | |__ | | \ | | \/ / | |__
\____| |_| |_| |_| |_| |____| |____| |____| |_| |_| \___/ |____|
(a.k.a. World Soccer '94: Road to Glory)
===============================================================================
Table of Contents
===============================================================================
[INTRO] Introduction
[CONTR] Controls
[MODES] Modes of Play
[STRAT] Strategies
[QUEST] Frequently Asked Questions
[VERSN] Version History
[COPYR] Copyright
[CONTC] Contact Information
Navigation tip: Press Ctrl and F to bring down a search bar. Then type in the
name of the section you're looking for - like [VERSN] for the Version History.
===============================================================================
Introduction [INTRO]
===============================================================================
I haven't been quite as active in FAQ-writing the past few weeks, but that
might change if I can convince enough people to join me in starting an
organized Super NES Completion Project. What's more, I'm now the world's 15th
most prolific FAQ writer (measured by complete guides), and I have to keep
writing to stay ahead of the ever-hungry pack of potential challengers!
Is Eric Cantona Football Challenge realistic? No. Frustrating? Occasionally.
But fun and exciting? Absolutely. This is one of numerous soccer games released
for the Super NES in 1993 and 1994, just before the USA World Cup. While FIFA
International Soccer is almost universally acknowledged as the best soccer game
of its time (and its sequels the best soccer games even today), Cantona
provides more of an arcade feel than the FIFA games, and that might be
appealing to many players. The most noticeable feature about this game is its
speed. All the players are extremely fast, and quick reflexes will usually win
out over skill or even real soccer knowledge. The graphics are rather average
for a Super NES soccer game. An an amateur programmer, though, I should note
that the rotation and scaling effects on the opening screen are pretty cool for
1993. Some teams, like England, include players of two different races. The
menu music is bouncy and jubilant, if not downright goofy. I like it and even
used it in one of my "fan games." Really. The play control is a little limited,
but it's pretty easy to learn. Beating the weaker opponents will pose little
difficulty even to inexperienced players, but in later rounds of tournaments,
you'll face lightning-quick players that can strike very quickly. If possible,
I recommend using the French version of the game (known as Eric Cantona
Football Challenge) over the U.S. version, since the European game uses the
names of actual players. It doesn't really matter too much, though, since the
games are basically the same. Plus, you can change the names of players and
even teams, so you can change lineups to those used in the actual 1994 World
Cup (teams are based on early 1993) or even club teams or today's national
teams. The player ratings don't make much sense, but having 64 teams with 16-
man rosters gives you a lot to choose from. One small irritation is there's no
button to back up to the previous screen on the menu screens, and there are
also aren't any club teams. Overall, I think Eric Cantona Football Challenge
succeeds at being a fairly fun game. And even if you don't like the lack of
realism, two-player games make it a real winner.
===============================================================================
Controls [CONTR]
===============================================================================
Control Pad: Move players
Y: Very short pass/diving header
A: Short pass
X: Show team strategy/view kick trajectory on free kicks
B: Long ball/shot with ball, or sliding tackle on defense
L: Change formation (while holding X)
R: Change strategy (while holding X)
START: View replay
SELECT: Pause the game; press B while paused to quit the game
Remember that you can use the Control Pad to "steer" any ball while it's in the
air. Also, the longer you hold a button, the harder the shot will be.
---Replays---
X: Slow forward
A: Slow rewind
L: Frame-by-frame reverse
R: Frame-by-frame forward
B/Y: Pause
ENTER: Resume game
Replay control buttons must be held for them to have any effect. If you don't
push any buttons, the replay will progress at real speed and loop back to the
beginning once it reaches the end.
===============================================================================
Modes of Play [MODES]
===============================================================================
There are quite a few different ways to play this game.
---Friendly Game---
This lets you play a single game using the teams of your choice. You can play
against the computer or a friend, and you have great control over the rules in
which the game is played. You can change the condition of the field and the
weather, and using the "Abilities" menu (found at the bottom of the Options
screen), you can even change the speed and other attributes of the players.
---Super Cup---
This is a World Cup-style tournament. If you keep winning, you'll eventually
receive a trophy and have an opportunity to play some very strong hidden teams
like Atlus and Rage in a group stage, with the Special Cup at stake. In this
and all other series of games, you'll receive a password after each game,
which you can use to resume your progress (select "Enter Password" for the
corresponding mode). Write down each password when you reach one - and record
it carefully!
---World Knockout---
This sets up a straight-elimination tournament using 8, 16, 32, or all 64
teams. On the team selection screen, press B to select the teams participating
in the tournament. Teams marked with "C" are computer-controlled, and "P" means
a human will take control of those teams. You can also choose the "Randomise"
(spelled that way even in the U.S. version) option for a random draw.
---World League---
World League lets you play a round-robin league with anywhere between two and
16 teams. Again, you can decide which teams are human- or computer-controlled.
When you're done selecting the teams, select "Play" at the bottom-right corner
and let the games begin.
---Indoor Football---
Known as "Indoor Soccer" in the U.S. version, this allows you to play any of
the four modes listed above, except you're playing in an indoor stadium. Indoor
games include only five players and a goalkeeper on each team, so you won't be
able to make substitutions or change team strategies. Also, since the playing
field is surrounded by a wall, the ball will never leave play. Otherwise, it's
about like regular soccer.
---Practice---
Shoot Out is a penalty kick shootout against the computer. 2-Player Shoot Out
is a PK tiebreaker involving two human players (assuming two controllers are
connected to the Super NES). Ball Control is a boring mode where you kick the
ball around for practice. It's good for the first time you play Eric Cantona
Football Challenge, though.
---Edit Squads---
This feature allows you to change the names of any of the players and teams in
the game. You can also change a team's uniform design.
---Options---
Hear you can disable or enable the bouncy menu music, change the controller
configuration, and see which teams have won championships, both for outdoor and
indoor play.
===============================================================================
Strategies [STRAT]
===============================================================================
Here are some strategies used in various aspects of this game.
---Object of the Game---
In soccer, you win the game by scoring more goals than the opponent. And you
score goals by kicking the ball into the net. You probably know that.
Remember that you're always aiming for the "north" goal in the first half, and
you change sides after halftime.
Also, remember that while games are short, they will go a few seconds longer
than the specified time due to "injury time," which the referee calls to make
up any time lost because the clock was running during a stoppage, such as when
a player was wasting time on a free kick or being treated for injury.
---Substitutions---
On the "Abilities" screen, select "Change Squad" and press B to highlight the
player who want to take out, and then press B to pick the player you want to
bring in. The substitution controls are kind of confusing at first. Be sure to
put your best 11 men in the lineup; most teams need a few changes. Also, under
the Strategies menu, use Up or Down on the Control Pad to select the system you
want to change, and press B to cycle through the various strategies.
---Formations---
4-4-2 is the most frequently-used system in soccer and features four defenders,
four midfielders, and two forwards. This is the default formation, and it's the
recommended formation for beginners. However, there's often a big gap between
the center and wing backs, and other formations often facilitate better
attacking play.
4-2-4 is another good choice, especially when you're behind and need a goal.
The four forwards make it much easier to score goals off balls that hit the
post or get dropped by the goalkeeper. Years ago, the 4-2-4 was the leading
tactical system in soccer.
5-3-2 isn't that different from the 4-4-3, but the extra defender should
eliminate any problems with holes in the defense.
1-4-3-2 is similar to the 5-3-2, except there's a "sweeper" who always stays
very far back near the center of the defense. The other defenders play a bit
farther forward.
4-3-3 is a fairly balanced approach that works well for those who like wide-
open play.
2-3-5 should only be used in desperate situations, since it leaves you with
just two defenders.
3-5-2 is a good choice if you like long strings of passes in the midfield.
5-4-1 is very defensive and should leave a very solid defense. Having only
forward can make it tough to score goals, but it might work if you like chances
at breakaways.
---Styles of Play---
Normal: A normal strategy.
Breakaway: Not that different from Normal, but I think the central midfielders
tend to go forward more.
Cautious: The midfielders won't get near the box unless there's a good chance
to score.
Defensive: Your players rarely get close to the goal, so use this only when
you're trying to protect a big lead. And personally, I prefer to keep playing
hard even when I'm ahead.
Open Play: A very wide-open style, with most of the players spread quite far
apart. The only problem is that your teammates might be off the screen.
Attack: The midfielders are willing to go quite a bit farther up the field than
usual, which is useful against weaker teams or when you need a goal fast.
---Scoring Goals---
Against weaker teams, the best way to play is this: Have your goalkeeper or one
of your defenders pass the ball to one of your faster players, and dribble
straight up the field. The opponents probably won't try to challenge you, but
if they do, pass to one of your strikers. Then approach either side of the
goal, and aim diagonally for the opposite post. You should score.
In later rounds of tournaments, however, the computer will play much more
aggressively. If you use your old strategies, you'll probably get hit by a
nasty tackle and lose possession of the ball. Instead, you'll have to keep
passing the ball to your teammates in order to advance up the field. You can
also hang out in the box and wait for an opponent to tackle you. If you're
lucky, the referee will call a foul and you'll get a chance for a penalty kick.
That's so Paraguayan.
Another effective way to score goals begins with a very hard shot straight at
the opposing goalkeeper, which will usually be dropped. If a teammate is
nearby, he should be able to dump the ball into the back of the net before the
goalkeeper can get back into position.
Yet another good way to score is by using a B-button cross to a teammate in the
penalty area. Then hold B before the teammate gets the ball. If you aim this
quick shot properly, you'll score a spectacular-looking goal. This is
especially effective when using a 4-2-4 formation.
Long-range goals are nearly impossible in this game.
---Defense---
When you don't have the ball, you have two options: You can approach the
opponent with the ball and steal the ball away, or you can press B to attempt a
sliding tackle. The latter method is useful against faster players on better
teams but can get you called for a foul. The more violent challenges will
result in a yellow card. Players who have received yellow cards will have a
yellow card icon over their number, and if they get another caution, they'll
receive a red card and be ejected from the game.
---The Kickoff---
Press B and move diagonally to get your player in position to take the ball.
---Throw-Ins---
Press B to throw the ball to the nearest player, who can be moved using the
Control Pad.
---Free Kicks---
On a free kick, hold A for a short pass, or press B for a long ball. Use Left
or Right on Control Pad to rotate the shot's target, and Up or Down to change
between a low and high trajectory. Don't forget that you can curl the ball in
midair using the Control Pad. Hold the X button to view all of field and see
where the ball will land - ideally, near a teammate. The same strategies also
apply to goal kicks and corner kicks.
---Penalty Kicks---
To take a penalty kick, press B as the arrow reaches just the right position -
approximately two-thirds away from the center of the goal. Press B lightly to
keep the ball on the ground; hold it a bit for a higher ball. If you're the
goalkeeper, watch the arrow and be prepared to react (and avoid alcohol and
other things that hurt your reaction time and judgment!). You can press B to
dive (if moving) or jump (if stationary). Don't forget that if the ball hits
the post, you may still be able to score off the rebound (except in penalty
kick shootouts, of course).
===============================================================================
Frequently Asked Questions [QUEST]
===============================================================================
Q: What team is best?
A: I can't say objectively, but teams like Brazil, Argentina, and Italy are
stronger than those that were weak in real life, like Albania, Canada, or
Malawi. The best teams, however, are the Rage and Atlus squads, which replace
Albania and Algeria in the team listings if you win a championship. These all-
star teams have such speed, however, they can be difficult to handle.
Q: What do the various options do?
A: I'll explain some of the game options, though not all apply to all modes.
* Match Length is the number of minutes each game will last. Surprise!
* Extra Time determines the length of the extra period played if a game is
tied at the end of regulation.
* Shoot Out decides if there will be a penalty kick shootout if a friendly
game is tied at the end of extra time.
* Pitch Surface changes field conditions in outdoor friendlies; wet surfaces
are slower than drier ones.
* Wind Strength can affect the flight of the ball.
* New FIFA Rules affects whether or not extra time will use the "Golden Goal"
(sudden death) rules - since abolished.
* Auto Keeper will, when turned on, make the goalkeeper kick the ball upfield
automatically after saved shots on target.
Q: What do those silly messages on the scoreboard mean?
A: If one player holds the ball too long, "BORING" appears, and "NICE PLAY"
means you've made several successful passes in a row. "GOOD MOVE" appears if
you take a shot immediately after a long string of passes. "EASY EASY" is
displayed for unassisted goals. "THE REF NEEDS GLASSES" occurs on some (but not
all) tackles where a player falls down but the referee doesn't call a foul or a
yellow card.
Q: What's wrong with the Russian flag?
A: The blue and red stripes are reversed. Stupid. The flags of Argentina and El
Salvador is oversimplified, and the flag of Ecuador looks like Colombia
(Ecuador's yellow stripe should be the same length as the other stripes).
Q: Who is Eric Cantona?
A: Eric Cantona was a star forward for various French clubs in the 1980's,
reaching his peak at Manchester United, where he played from 1992 to 1997. He
was a great player, but he could be difficult to get along with and was often
out of the French national team because of his problems with coaches, including
at the 1998 World Cup. This contributed to his retirement at age 30.
Q: Any other random notes?
A: Only a few this time:
* After saves, the goalie takes control automatically unless "Auto Keeper" is
turned OFF.
* This game includes every CONMEBOL (South American) team.
* Every UEFA (Europe) team of that time appears in the game except for
Yugoslavia, which was banned from international competition for being at war
with itself. FIFA doesn't like civil war and that sort of thing.
* The U.S. version of the game doesn't have a language-select prompt at the
opening screen.
===============================================================================
Version History [VERSN]
===============================================================================
Date | Version | Size |
--------|---------|------|-----------------------------------------------------
6- 8-09 | 0.1 | 1KB | Began guide.
6- 9-09 | 0.5 | 12KB | Completed basic guide framework.
6-11-09 | 1.0 | 22KB | Finished the guide.
8- 7-09 | 1.1 | 22KB | Made a few adjustments and clarifications.
===============================================================================
Copyright [COPYR]
===============================================================================
(c) 2009 Vinny Hamilton. All rights reserved.
All copyrights mentioned in this guide are property of their respective
holders.
* You can print this guide out for your personal use.
* You can download this guide to your computer for your personal use.
* You can post this guide on your Web site as long as you give proper credit
AND you don't change a single letter, number, or symbol (not even an tilde).
* Remember that the latest version will always be available at GameFAQs.com,
but don't count on there being frequent (if any) updates.
* You can translate this guide into a foreign language (British, Southern,
Australian, and New Yorker are not considered foreign languages) as long as you
ask permission first.
* You can't post this guide on your Web site and then say you wrote the guide
yourself.
* You can't post this guide on Web sites that contain (or have links to sites
that contain) explicit depictions of unclothed humans (also known as
pornography), racism, gambling, or flattery of totalitarian regimes.
* You can't post this guide on your Web site if you're going to change
anything in this guide that took me so many hours to write.
If you don't comply with these guidelines, your hard drive will be reformatted
inexplicably and you will suffer from constipation for the rest of your life.
Heed this warning.
===============================================================================
Contact Information [CONTC]
===============================================================================
If you have any questions or comments about this guide, please send an e-mail
to
[email protected]. That's zero-zero-two, by the way. Remember that not
all e-mail messages will be read. Please follow these guidelines:
* Do include "Eric Cantona" in the subject line.
* Do send polite suggestions for ways to make this walkthrough better.
* Do tell me about any errors or omissions you find in this guide.
* Do send information about any glitches, tricks, or codes you discover in
this game.
* Do ask any questions you have about Eric Cantona Football Challenge
gameplay. I will respond eventually if you follow all of these rules.
* Do make a reasonable effort to use decent spelling, grammar, usage,
punctuation, and capitalization so I can understand what you're trying to say.
* Do use patience. I check my e-mail quite sporadically.
* Do not send spam, pornography, chain letters, "flaming," or anything that
contains profanity or vulgarity. Again, violating this rule will result in
deletion of the message and permanent constipation.
And lastly, a public service message: Fight for and affirm the rights of all
humans, regardless of race, age, or creed! And... Avoid the influence of drugs
and drunkenness, especially when driving. No one's likely going to read this,
anyway.
For my brother, even when he irks me
