March 4, 2005 - Soccer simulations, while not as popular as more arcade-style titles like Winning Eleven and FIFA, command big numbers in Japan, and Banpresto is about to get in on this year's action. The company has just announced Soccer Life 2 for the PS2, a sequel to last year's debut title in the series.

Developed by Cavia, Soccer Life 2 is set in the European soccer world and, like the original, lets players play as either an original player of their creation or as a famous player. Once you've selected a player, or created your own in the game's player-creation room, you build up your player through training sessions, eventually taking part in real games. Over 3000 real players are featured in this FIFPro and JFA licensed product.

Cavia has a number of new features in the works for the sequel, along with improvements to the original's gameplay systems. In addition to an improved interface, players now have more control over their player's soccer career, selecting whether or not to have surgery following an injury, for instance. You can now graphically designate the area in which a player plays, with a larger area making the player more easily tired. It's even possible to set up specific rivalries during games.

As with the original, you also take full control over your player's private life off the field. You can date girls, get married and have children. Soccer Life 2 adds the ability to manage restaurants, select apparel brands and even purchase race horses as a side businesses.

The actual soccer gameplay to be had in Soccer Life 2 involves mostly watching your player play. However, as you can give general commands to your player, it's important that you pay attention and watch.

This lack of full control during matches tends to keep this type of game from seeing release in America, but importers who want a simulation-style soccer game will be able to pick up Soccer Life 2 this Spring. The game is currently 70% complete.

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