This game is also available on PS1.
Retro Game Walkthroughs for Actua Soccer 3 (PC Games)
Submitted By: Dharav
Actua Soccer 3 Walkthrough.
By Mr. Utkarsh Patel
Submitted by Dharav (Dharav Solanki)
for complaints/questions/compliments please e-mail [email protected]
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>>>>The Competitions<<<<
(1) FRIENDLY
Start a friendly match between any two teams. Before starting a friendly match, you will be presented with the team database that can be used to select the two competing teams. Use the upper left/right arrow icons to toggle through the available leagues, then use the lower left/right icons to view all of the teams in this league. As you select each team, they can be assigned to one of the control methods, either human control or CPU:
At least one team must be set to human control. To toggle through the available control methods, highlight and select the team name. Once you are satisfied with the team selection, highlight and select the OK icon to continue.
Before starting a match featuring a human player, the Next Match screen will be presented. Refer to the Pre-Match Set-Up & Information section, later in the walkthrough, for further details. Once the match has finished, you will be given the option of either returning to the front-end or playing again using the same teams.
(2) CUP
There are three options for starting a Cup competition: Mini Leagues, Knockout and Custom. The Mini Leagues and Knockout options will start preset competitions, but the Custom option will allow you to define each individual stage.
Mini Leagues
Compete in a Mini Leagues contest, where each league consists of no more than eight teams. Selecting this option will present the Team Select screen, showing a full listing of the competing teams. This screen will allow you to select the teams that are to be controlled by human players. Highlight and select the team name to toggle between human and CPU control.
At least one team must be set to human control before you can continue. Once you start the Mini League, you will be?6 presented with the fixtures and tables. Use the left/right arrows icons to toggle through the Mini Leagues.
This tournament information will be presented throughout the competition, allowing you to keep up to date with all of the latest results. Before starting any match featuring a human player, the Next Match screen will be presented. For further details, refer to the Next Match section later in the walkthrough.
Knockout
Compete in a Knockout as part of a 4-64 team competition. Once you have chosen the number of competing teams, you can choose which international teams are to take part. You can either select all of the competing teams yourself, or allow the CPU to make a random selection. To choose your own teams, highlight and select each one in turn, assigning them to either human or CPU control. You can then use the OK icon to start the competition. If you do not select enough teams, you can still use the OK icon to start, but the remaining teams in the competition will be selected at random by the CPU. At least one team must be set to human control. Once you are satisfied with the team selection, highlight and select the OK icon to continue.
As you proceed through the competition, you will be presented with details about each round. The fixtures and results will be displayed throughout the tournament allowing you to view the progress of every team. Before starting a match featuring a human player, the Next Match screen will be presented. For further details, refer to the Next Match section later in the walkthrough.
Custom
The Custom Cup option allows you to create and compete in your own Cup competition. You can define each stage of the competition as either a Knockout or Mini League. The exact options presented will vary depending on the settings in previous stages, and whether this is to be a Knockout or Mini League.
-->The Knockout options:
No. Of Teams - Select the number of competing teams. This option can only be set for Stage 1. The following stages will be played using the number of remaining teams.
No. Of Legs - Set the number of games to be played against each team.
Away Heats - Set the number of away heats to be played by each team.
Extra Time - Set up extra time as an extra 30 minutes or golden goal (GG). This can also be switched off for a straight 90-minute match.
Penalties - Allow the match to end with a penalty shoot-out, should no winner be determined after full time or extra time.
Rounds - Define the type of round to finish this stage (e.g. SF - Semi Final, QF - Quarter Final). This option will be limited by the number of competing teams in this stage.
Teams Remaining - The number of teams who will remain at the end of the stage. If only one team remains, then the competition winner will be declared and no further stages will be necessary.
-->The Mini League options:
No. Of Leagues - Set the number of leagues featured in this stage. A maximum of eight leagues can be created for the competition.
Teams Per League - This will set the number of teams in each league. The CPU will divide the teams into a number of equally sized leagues.
Play Each Team - Set the number of times each team will play every other during the stage.
Points For Win - The number of points awarded for winning a match.
Points For Draw - The number of points awarded for drawing a match.
Points For Loss - The number of points awarded for losing a match.
Teams To Progress - The number of qualifying teams from each mini league.
Teams Remaining - The number of remaining teams at the end of the stage. If only one team remains, then the competition winner will be declared and no further stages will be necessary.
To build a competition, work through each stage in turn, defining each of the available options. Use the left/right arrow icons to toggle through each stage of the competition. If a stage ends with only one team remaining, then this team will be declared as the competition winner!
Once you have defined each stage of the competition, you can highlight and select the OK icon and choose the competing teams. The Team Select screen will display two columns: The Catalogue (showing all of the teams from the highlighted league) and the Cup Teams (showing which teams are currently entered). Use the upper left/right arrow icons to toggle through the leagues and present the different team lists. You can then use the lower left/right arrow icons to toggle through the selected team list. If you highlight and select a team in the Catalogue, their name will appear in the Cup Teams list. If you wish to remove a team from the competition, highlight and select their name in the Cup Teams list.
You can also toggle through all of the teams in the Cup Teams list by using the second set of left/right arrow icons. If you would prefer to use a random selection of teams, highlight and select the Random option. This can be helpful for quickly creating a custom game. If you would like to remove all of the teams from the Cup Teams list and start again, then highlight and select the Reset option. Once you have selected enough teams, highlight and select OK. You can then select which of these teams are to be controlled by human players. Use the left/right arrow icons to move through the entire team list, then highlight and select a team name to toggle between CPU and human control.
Throughout the competition, you will be kept up to date with details about each round. The League Tables, Fixtures and Results will be presented allowing you to view the progress of every team during the competition. Before starting a match controlled by a human player, the Next Match screen will be presented. Refer to the Pre-Match Set-Up & Information section later in the walkthrough for further details.?9
(3) SEASON
There are two types of Season competition available: Default and Custom. The Default option will allow you to start a preset competition, but the Custom option will allow you to define all of the league settings.
Default Season
When you enter a Default Season, you will be presented with the selection screen, where you can choose which teams are to be controlled by human players. Use the upper left/right arrow icons to toggle through the different leagues, then highlight and select the team name to toggle between human and CPU control. At least one team must be set to human control before you can continue. Once all of the human controlled teams have been selected, click on OK. The fixtures, results and league tables will be presented throughout the season, allowing you to view the progress of every team. Use the upper left/right arrow icons to toggle through the league tables and use the lower left/right arrow icons to scroll through the currently selected table.
Before any match controlled by a human player will start, you will be presented with the Next Match screen. During a full Season, you can not only manage the team’s tactics, but you can also look after their long-term future by dealing with the player transfers.
Refer to the Pre-Match Set-Up & Information section later in the walkthrough, for further details about these options.?10
Custom Season
If you choose to start a Custom Season, you will be able to define several options:
No. Of Teams - Select the number of competing teams.
Play Each Other - Set the number of times each team will play every other during the season.
Points For Win - The number of points awarded for winning a match.
Points For Draw - The number of points awarded for drawing a match.
Points For Loss - The number of points awarded for losing a match.
Once you have defined the season, you can highlight and select OK, then choose the competing teams. The selection screen will display two columns: The Catalogue (showing all of the teams from the highlighted league) and the League Teams (showing which teams are currently entered). Use the upper left/right arrow icons to toggle through the leagues and present the different team lists.
You can then use the lower left/right arrow icons to toggle through all of the players in this list. If you highlight and select a team in the Catalogue, their name will appear in the League Teams list. If you wish to remove a team from the competition, highlight and select their name in the League Teams list. You can also toggle through all of the teams in the League Teams list by using the second set of lower left/right arrow icons. Once you have selected enough teams, highlight and select the OK icon to start the competition.
Before starting a match controlled by a human, you will be presented with the Next Match screen. Refer to the Pre-Match Set-Up & Information section later in the walkthrough for further details about these options. Throughout the competition, you will be kept up to date with details about each week of the league. The League Tables, Fixtures and Results will be presented allowing you to view the progress of every team in the competition.?11
(4) PRACTICE
To perfect your performance and skill, you’ll probably need to visit the training centre. The Practice option will allow you to train in several different skills: Penalty Kicks Practice your penalty skills, as both a striker and a goalkeeper. Your control will switch between the striker and goalkeeper after every shot, allowing you to practice both of the necessary skills! Two human players can practice penalties against each other. Match Practice as a full team against the opposition’s goalkeeper. All human players must practice on the same team, as only one full team will be on the pitch.
Set Pieces Take your team onto the pitch to practice those special ‘set pieces’ that can produce truly stunning goal opportunities! This is the same as Match practice mode, except that you can order a foul and initiate a set piece. Press the One-Two/Step Over button to call a foul in the position of your current player. This will allow you to take a free kick from any point on the pitch! Refer to the In-Game Controls section later in the walkthrough for further details about the available controllers.
Once you have selected a style of practice, you will be presented with the team database. This allows you to select two teams: your home team and an opposition goalkeeper. Along the top of the screen, you can select one of the available leagues using the upper left/right arrow icons. Highlight and select the team name to select the control method, either human or CPU. A human player must control at least one team.
The Practice modes will allow you to play for an unlimited time. When you have finished and wish to exit, enter the In-Game Options menu and use the Exit Game option. Refer to the In-Game Options section later in the walkthrough for further details.
(5) MULTIPLAYER
The Multiplayer option will allow up to eight human players to compete in a single match, each using their own computer. If you only have one copy of Actua Soccer 3, then it is still possible for several people to connect and play a Multiplayer game.
(6) EDITOR
The Editor allows you to create and customise your own teams and players. Editor Help text can also be presented to guide you through the process of creating a custom team. To proceed with the next step of the instructions, click the right mouse button or press RETURN. Once you are familiar with the Editor, you can disable the Editor Help text in the Options menu.
As you enter the Editor, you will be presented with several options and the custom team list, showing teams that were created using the Editor. New Selecting the New option will open the editor with every option set to the default configuration, ready for you to create a new team. Load If you wish to reload and edit a previously created team, highlight and select a team from the Custom team list, then click the Load option. Save Once you have finished creating your own team, you can return to this screen and use the Save option to store your new team. Highlight and select the Save option to store the data into the next free position in the custom team list. Alternatively, if you wish to overwrite a previously saved team, highlight a team name in the list, then click Save to overwrite. If you attempt to leave the Editor without saving your data, then you will be warned that all of your changes may be lost.
Once you enter the Editor, you can switch between the different menus using the options labelled: Teams, Players and Kits. Clicking OK in these menus will allow you to cycle through each screen in turn: Team Editor, Player Editor and then to the Kit Editor.?15
Team Editor
The Edit Team menu will adjust several team settings:
1. Tactics & Formation - Define your team’s default line-up, formation and tactics. These can also be adjusted for each individual match.
2. Team Name - This name will identify the team during the game and throughout the menus. Use the keyboard to type a new name, then press RETURN to confirm.
3. Flags - Pick a flag to represent your team’s nationality. Use the left/right arrow icons to toggle through the list of flags, then highlight and select the flag of your choice. Your current flag will be displayed at the top of the screen. Player Editor
The Player Editor will allow you to redefine each player in your squad. The list on the left side of the screen will show the names of the players on your team.
1. Players List - Use the left/right arrow icons to toggle through the player lists for your team. The default names presented will actually describe the players’ current positions. Highlighting and selecting a player’s name from the list will present their personal details and statistics. If you double click the player’s name, you will be able to change it to one of your own choice. Enter a new name using the keyboard, then press RETURN to confirm.
2. Pitch Display - The pitch display will show the position of every player, including the currently highlighted player. Highlight and select a new position on the display to change the player’s ideal position.
3. Physical Attributes - These three options will define the physical attributes for the player, including their skin tone, gender, features and hair style.
4. Meter Bars - The personal statistics of the highlighted player will be presented as a series of meter bars, each one representing a different skill or physical attribute: Control, Passing, Tackling, Shooting, Heading, Speed, Weight (in Kg) and Height (in Cm). To adjust one of these levels, click and drag the relevant meter bar to a new setting. A number will also be displayed, showing the exact setting of the meter bar. You can only edit these providing you have enough funds available. Refer to the Value & Funds section for further details about the financial limitations.
5. Buy - The Buy option allows you to buy complete player profiles from the main database, instead of defining every individual option. Refer to the Buying Players section for further details.
6. Value & Funds - This section displays the cash value of the highlighted player and the funds available for creating your team. While defining the personal statistics for your players, you are limited to a specific team fund. As you adjust the skill levels of a player, the Funds display will also change. This limited fund allows you to create a realistic team, meaning that it is impossible to create a team full of star players, who are perfect in every skill!
Buying Players
The Buy option will allow you to copy players from the main database, so they can be used in your own team. This allows you to create a dream team based on real players rather than fictional ones!
1. Select League - Use the left/right arrow icons to toggle through the available leagues and present the different team lists.
2. Teams - Use the lower left/right arrow icons to toggle through all of the teams in the selected list, then highlight and select the team of your choice.
3. Players - The Players list features every player in the selected team, showing their cash value, position and statistics. Use the second set of lower left/right arrow icons to toggle through this player list.
4. Acquired Players - This area displays a list of players who have just been bought. Use the left/right arrows to toggle through the entire list.
5. Spent & Funds - This displays the amount of cash currently spent on buying players, and your funds remaining. To purchase a player, highlight and select a player’s name from the Player list. As you do this, their name will then appear in the Acquired Players list. The Spent & Funds section will also change to show the amount of cash spent. If you wish to cancel the purchase, highlight and select the player’s name in the Acquired Players list. This will remove their name and return any spent cash to your current funds. Once you are satisfied with the purchase, highlight and select the OK icon to return to the Player Editor. The purchased players will then appear in the player list, replacing the old player data. The costs will be reflected in the Value & Funds display, and you will be refunded the value of any players who have now been replaced.
Kit Editor
The Edit Kit menu presents you with several options for defining your team’s kit:
1. Part of the Kit - Select a specific part of the kit to be edited: Shirt, Kit, Shorts or Socks.
2. Colour Meters - Your kit can feature one or two different colours. The exact number of colours available will be determined by the current kit design. To adjust the two colours, click and drag each pointer to the required colour. As you do this, the kit worn by the player will change to show your adjustments.
3. Pattern - Use the left/right arrows to toggle through the available pattern designs for the kit.
4. Home/Away - Choose which of your two team kits are to be edited, either the Home or Away kit.
5. Reset - Reset all of the kit options to the default settings.
6. Grab - This option will allow you to take the settings from an existing team, to use as your own kit. Refer to the Grabbing Kits section for further details.
Grabbing Kits
This menu allows you to Grab a kit from any team featured in the main database.
1. League List - A full list of the available leagues. Use the left set of lower left/right arrow icons to toggle through the entire listing.
2. Team List - A full listing of the available teams in the currently selected league. Use the right set of lower left/right arrow icons to toggle through the complete team list.
3. Home/Away - Use the Home and Away options to toggle between the available kits for each team.
To grab a kit, select a league from the League List, then select a team name. Use the Home and Away options to toggle between the home and away kits for this team. The currently selected team kit will be displayed in the centre of the screen. To grab this kit for your custom team and return to the Kit Editor, highlight and select OK. You cannot edit a grabbed kit once you return to the Kit Editor.
(7) OPTIONS & SETTINGS
Trophy Room
The Trophy Room allows you to view the most recent competition winners. Use the upper left/right arrow icons to toggle through the different leagues. If you win a competition, the Trophy Room will display the prize cups and a Bonus Code. If you return to the Main Menu and type the Bonus Code, new teams will appear in the CHT 1 and CHT 2 team lists. You can then use these new teams in various competitions.
Skill
This menu allows you to adjust several settings, which can assist with your performance during the match. Before a match can start, you will need to select one of the four skill levels: Amateur, Semi Pro, International or Custom.
This menu will allow you to redefine each skill level to suit your own skills and playing style. This allows you to create your own personal set of skill levels, ideal for improving your skills and playing against friends of different abilities! Highlight and select a skill level to view the current settings in the options list. You can then highlight and select each option to toggle through the available settings: After Touch Alter the amount of spin and curl that can be applied to a shot. This can be set to Low, Medium or High, or it can be turned off.
Assisted Shooting Assists with your aim when shooting the ball. Assisted Passing Assists with your aim when passing to another player. Auto Defence Players who are not under your immediate control will automatically move into defence and attempt to tackle opposition players.
Use Footedness This option will define whether the players can use one foot better than the other.
Auto First Time This will help you to perform a good first time move, should you need a little practice with your timing!
Help Arrows Arrows will appear near your player’s feet, to show the aim of a pass or shot while using the Modify action; refer to the In-Game Controls section for further details.
Keeper At Penalties Take control of your own goalkeeper during a penalty. Fitness Allow players to become tired and injured during a match. Sticky Ball This will provide extra ball control for some truly slick manoeuvres.
If you wish to cancel the changes and return a skill level to the original settings, use the Default option.
Options
The Game Options menu will present several options for adjusting the game set-up and operation. Once you start a competition, some of these options may be disabled. The main options on this screen will allow you to define the overall match settings:
Game Speed Set the overall speed of the game play to suit your own style.
Match Length Set the real time match length.
Extra Time If there is no winner after 90 minutes, you can define if extra time is to be played. Choose a full 30 minutes, the ‘golden goal’ rule, or no extra time.
Referee Specify a certain referee to watch over the match, or allow a random selection.
Transfers This will allow you to switch the transfer system on or off, or limit its effect to only the human players (User).
Wind Define the wind conditions for the match. Remember, even the best players can struggle in a gale!
Credits View the game credits.
The options list covers many specific rules or events that can occur during the match:
Free Kicks Set whether the referee can call free kicks. Switching Free Kicks off will also disable Bookings.
Injuries Switching this on will allow players to be injured during a match.
Bookings Allow the referee to give out the red and yellow cards. If you disable Free Kicks, then Bookings will be unavailable.
Replays Switching this on will start automatic TV style replays after every goal.
Substitutions Enable teams to make substitutions for tired, injured or unwanted players!
Offside Allow the Offside rule to be called by the match officials. Penalties Allow the match to end in a penalty shoot-out should no winner be determined.
Equalise Stats Force both teams to have equal skill and ability during a match. This allows you to play in a match where only your personal skill and control can result in a win!
Player Names Display the name of any player currently controlling the ball. Stats Cams Switching this option on will allow the cut-scenes to be played during the match, providing specific statistics.
Scanner Display the in-game scanner, showing the positions of all your players on the pitch.
Editor Help With this option switched on, help text will be displayed while you are using the Editor.
Default Reset all of these options to their default settings.
Control Options
Human players can adjust the controls to suit their own personal preferences. As you highlight and select one of the control devices, a list showing the exact controls will be displayed. To change a specific control key or button, click on a game action in the list, then press a new key or button on your controller. The list of controls will then show the new control key or button alongside the action name. Repeat this process for each individual game action.
AV Options
The AV Options menu provides several options for changing the audio and video settings in the game. The list on the left side of the screen allows you to set the screen display to suit your system. This list features several options that will allow you to select a specific rendering device and screen resolution.
The sound menu bars will allow you to adjust the volume levels of the game:
Commentary, Music, Crowd Noise and Pitch Effects.
Each one is represented by an indicator bar showing their current volume. If you wish to change a volume level, click on the arrow icons to adjust the indicator bar and change the current volume.
Load Save
The Load Save menu will allow you to save, load or delete your current game data. This includes a running competition, the game options and settings, and the custom teams. If you do not save your data, it will be lost once the game is turned off or reset. A list of saved game files will be presented along with several options: Delete, Load and Save.
Saving Data - During a competition, you can save your current progress, ready to return at a later date. You can either create a new save game file to store this data, or you can overwrite an existing save game file in the list. To store the game data, click on a slot in the file list. This can be either an empty position in the list, or it can be an old, unwanted position that can be over-written. By then clicking the Save option, you can type a name for this file. Make it something memorable, as this is for your own reference in the future! When you press RETURN to confirm the filename, the data will be stored into the file list.
Loading Data - If you would like to return to a previously saved competition, highlight and select a filename in the list, then click on the Load option. Loading a competition from this menu will cancel any current games, and continue from the previously saved position.
Deleting Data - You may find that you have old save game files that are redundant and unnecessary. The Delete option allows you to permanently remove these unwanted files from the file list. Highlight and select the file you wish to remove, then click on the Delete option. This will delete the file, leaving a free position in the file list.
Exit
The Exit icon will exit the current menu and return to the Main Menu. Before this can be completed, you must confirm the request. This will quit any running competitions, so remember to use the Load Save menu if you wish to?23 return to this game at a later date. Once you are back to the Main Menu, click on the Exit icon to quit the game and return to Windows.
PRE-MATCH SET-UP & INFORMATION
Before starting a match, you will be presented with details about each team, and the opportunity to make changes to your team’s line-up, formation and tactics. Next Match
The Next Match screen introduces the next match to be played by a human player. The top area of the screen displays the current match conditions, including the weather and the venue. To toggle though the available settings for these options, highlight and select the left/right arrow icons alongside each option. These can either be set to specific settings or to Random (indicated by a ‘?’ for the Weather option). A Random setting will allow the CPU to make a random selection for each match.
Several meter bars will display the statistics for each team, each one representing a different skill: Control (CO), Passing (PA), Tackling (TA), Shooting (SH), Speed (SP), and Heading (HE). By selecting the Setup icon under each team’s stats, you can enter the Tactics screen and adjust the set-up of human controlled teams. Refer to the Tactics section for further details. When you are ready to start the match, highlight and select the OK icon.
Tactics
This menu will allow you to adjust your team formation, playing style and line-up. You can view the Tactics screen for CPU controlled teams, but you will only be able to observe their tactics. You can only make any changes to human controlled teams. There are three options for adjusting the general tactics of your team: Attacking Style Define how the ball should be passed between team members.?24
Playing Style Set how the team should emphasise their playing strategy. Defensive Style Select the most suitable method of defence. Formation Select one of the available team formations. As you adjust this setting, the pitch diagram will also change to show the new formation.
Depending on the style of game you are playing, several other screens may also be available: Squad, Shortlist, Call Up, Buy and Sell. Once you are satisfied with all of the changes, highlight and select OK to return to the Next Match screen. Squad
The Squad menu allows you to view and adjust your team line-up, ready for the next match. The team list displays a full listing of your players, including the substitutes and reserves.
Use the left/right arrow icons to toggle through the entire player list. As you highlight a player in the list, their position will be highlighted on the pitch diagram and their personal statistics will be displayed as a series of meter bars. Each one of these represents a different skill: Control (CONT), Passing (PASS), Tackling (TACK), Shooting (SHOOT), Heading (HEAD) and Speed (SPEED). To re-arrange the team line-up, highlight and select the first player to be moved. This player’s name will remain highlighted to show that he has been selected. If you wish to deselect a player rather than making the move, select their name a second time to remove the highlight.
As you now highlight a second player’s name, you will see the two sets of meter bars. The red set displays the first player’s statistics and the blue set show the second player’s statistics. This allows you to easily compare the details of the two players. If you now select the second player, he will swap positions with the first player in the team line-up. Repeat this process until you are completely satisfied with the line-up.
By Mr. Utkarsh Patel
Submitted by Dharav (Dharav Solanki)
for complaints/questions/compliments please e-mail [email protected]
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>>>>The Competitions<<<<
(1) FRIENDLY
Start a friendly match between any two teams. Before starting a friendly match, you will be presented with the team database that can be used to select the two competing teams. Use the upper left/right arrow icons to toggle through the available leagues, then use the lower left/right icons to view all of the teams in this league. As you select each team, they can be assigned to one of the control methods, either human control or CPU:
At least one team must be set to human control. To toggle through the available control methods, highlight and select the team name. Once you are satisfied with the team selection, highlight and select the OK icon to continue.
Before starting a match featuring a human player, the Next Match screen will be presented. Refer to the Pre-Match Set-Up & Information section, later in the walkthrough, for further details. Once the match has finished, you will be given the option of either returning to the front-end or playing again using the same teams.
(2) CUP
There are three options for starting a Cup competition: Mini Leagues, Knockout and Custom. The Mini Leagues and Knockout options will start preset competitions, but the Custom option will allow you to define each individual stage.
Mini Leagues
Compete in a Mini Leagues contest, where each league consists of no more than eight teams. Selecting this option will present the Team Select screen, showing a full listing of the competing teams. This screen will allow you to select the teams that are to be controlled by human players. Highlight and select the team name to toggle between human and CPU control.
At least one team must be set to human control before you can continue. Once you start the Mini League, you will be?6 presented with the fixtures and tables. Use the left/right arrows icons to toggle through the Mini Leagues.
This tournament information will be presented throughout the competition, allowing you to keep up to date with all of the latest results. Before starting any match featuring a human player, the Next Match screen will be presented. For further details, refer to the Next Match section later in the walkthrough.
Knockout
Compete in a Knockout as part of a 4-64 team competition. Once you have chosen the number of competing teams, you can choose which international teams are to take part. You can either select all of the competing teams yourself, or allow the CPU to make a random selection. To choose your own teams, highlight and select each one in turn, assigning them to either human or CPU control. You can then use the OK icon to start the competition. If you do not select enough teams, you can still use the OK icon to start, but the remaining teams in the competition will be selected at random by the CPU. At least one team must be set to human control. Once you are satisfied with the team selection, highlight and select the OK icon to continue.
As you proceed through the competition, you will be presented with details about each round. The fixtures and results will be displayed throughout the tournament allowing you to view the progress of every team. Before starting a match featuring a human player, the Next Match screen will be presented. For further details, refer to the Next Match section later in the walkthrough.
Custom
The Custom Cup option allows you to create and compete in your own Cup competition. You can define each stage of the competition as either a Knockout or Mini League. The exact options presented will vary depending on the settings in previous stages, and whether this is to be a Knockout or Mini League.
-->The Knockout options:
No. Of Teams - Select the number of competing teams. This option can only be set for Stage 1. The following stages will be played using the number of remaining teams.
No. Of Legs - Set the number of games to be played against each team.
Away Heats - Set the number of away heats to be played by each team.
Extra Time - Set up extra time as an extra 30 minutes or golden goal (GG). This can also be switched off for a straight 90-minute match.
Penalties - Allow the match to end with a penalty shoot-out, should no winner be determined after full time or extra time.
Rounds - Define the type of round to finish this stage (e.g. SF - Semi Final, QF - Quarter Final). This option will be limited by the number of competing teams in this stage.
Teams Remaining - The number of teams who will remain at the end of the stage. If only one team remains, then the competition winner will be declared and no further stages will be necessary.
-->The Mini League options:
No. Of Leagues - Set the number of leagues featured in this stage. A maximum of eight leagues can be created for the competition.
Teams Per League - This will set the number of teams in each league. The CPU will divide the teams into a number of equally sized leagues.
Play Each Team - Set the number of times each team will play every other during the stage.
Points For Win - The number of points awarded for winning a match.
Points For Draw - The number of points awarded for drawing a match.
Points For Loss - The number of points awarded for losing a match.
Teams To Progress - The number of qualifying teams from each mini league.
Teams Remaining - The number of remaining teams at the end of the stage. If only one team remains, then the competition winner will be declared and no further stages will be necessary.
To build a competition, work through each stage in turn, defining each of the available options. Use the left/right arrow icons to toggle through each stage of the competition. If a stage ends with only one team remaining, then this team will be declared as the competition winner!
Once you have defined each stage of the competition, you can highlight and select the OK icon and choose the competing teams. The Team Select screen will display two columns: The Catalogue (showing all of the teams from the highlighted league) and the Cup Teams (showing which teams are currently entered). Use the upper left/right arrow icons to toggle through the leagues and present the different team lists. You can then use the lower left/right arrow icons to toggle through the selected team list. If you highlight and select a team in the Catalogue, their name will appear in the Cup Teams list. If you wish to remove a team from the competition, highlight and select their name in the Cup Teams list.
You can also toggle through all of the teams in the Cup Teams list by using the second set of left/right arrow icons. If you would prefer to use a random selection of teams, highlight and select the Random option. This can be helpful for quickly creating a custom game. If you would like to remove all of the teams from the Cup Teams list and start again, then highlight and select the Reset option. Once you have selected enough teams, highlight and select OK. You can then select which of these teams are to be controlled by human players. Use the left/right arrow icons to move through the entire team list, then highlight and select a team name to toggle between CPU and human control.
Throughout the competition, you will be kept up to date with details about each round. The League Tables, Fixtures and Results will be presented allowing you to view the progress of every team during the competition. Before starting a match controlled by a human player, the Next Match screen will be presented. Refer to the Pre-Match Set-Up & Information section later in the walkthrough for further details.?9
(3) SEASON
There are two types of Season competition available: Default and Custom. The Default option will allow you to start a preset competition, but the Custom option will allow you to define all of the league settings.
Default Season
When you enter a Default Season, you will be presented with the selection screen, where you can choose which teams are to be controlled by human players. Use the upper left/right arrow icons to toggle through the different leagues, then highlight and select the team name to toggle between human and CPU control. At least one team must be set to human control before you can continue. Once all of the human controlled teams have been selected, click on OK. The fixtures, results and league tables will be presented throughout the season, allowing you to view the progress of every team. Use the upper left/right arrow icons to toggle through the league tables and use the lower left/right arrow icons to scroll through the currently selected table.
Before any match controlled by a human player will start, you will be presented with the Next Match screen. During a full Season, you can not only manage the team’s tactics, but you can also look after their long-term future by dealing with the player transfers.
Refer to the Pre-Match Set-Up & Information section later in the walkthrough, for further details about these options.?10
Custom Season
If you choose to start a Custom Season, you will be able to define several options:
No. Of Teams - Select the number of competing teams.
Play Each Other - Set the number of times each team will play every other during the season.
Points For Win - The number of points awarded for winning a match.
Points For Draw - The number of points awarded for drawing a match.
Points For Loss - The number of points awarded for losing a match.
Once you have defined the season, you can highlight and select OK, then choose the competing teams. The selection screen will display two columns: The Catalogue (showing all of the teams from the highlighted league) and the League Teams (showing which teams are currently entered). Use the upper left/right arrow icons to toggle through the leagues and present the different team lists.
You can then use the lower left/right arrow icons to toggle through all of the players in this list. If you highlight and select a team in the Catalogue, their name will appear in the League Teams list. If you wish to remove a team from the competition, highlight and select their name in the League Teams list. You can also toggle through all of the teams in the League Teams list by using the second set of lower left/right arrow icons. Once you have selected enough teams, highlight and select the OK icon to start the competition.
Before starting a match controlled by a human, you will be presented with the Next Match screen. Refer to the Pre-Match Set-Up & Information section later in the walkthrough for further details about these options. Throughout the competition, you will be kept up to date with details about each week of the league. The League Tables, Fixtures and Results will be presented allowing you to view the progress of every team in the competition.?11
(4) PRACTICE
To perfect your performance and skill, you’ll probably need to visit the training centre. The Practice option will allow you to train in several different skills: Penalty Kicks Practice your penalty skills, as both a striker and a goalkeeper. Your control will switch between the striker and goalkeeper after every shot, allowing you to practice both of the necessary skills! Two human players can practice penalties against each other. Match Practice as a full team against the opposition’s goalkeeper. All human players must practice on the same team, as only one full team will be on the pitch.
Set Pieces Take your team onto the pitch to practice those special ‘set pieces’ that can produce truly stunning goal opportunities! This is the same as Match practice mode, except that you can order a foul and initiate a set piece. Press the One-Two/Step Over button to call a foul in the position of your current player. This will allow you to take a free kick from any point on the pitch! Refer to the In-Game Controls section later in the walkthrough for further details about the available controllers.
Once you have selected a style of practice, you will be presented with the team database. This allows you to select two teams: your home team and an opposition goalkeeper. Along the top of the screen, you can select one of the available leagues using the upper left/right arrow icons. Highlight and select the team name to select the control method, either human or CPU. A human player must control at least one team.
The Practice modes will allow you to play for an unlimited time. When you have finished and wish to exit, enter the In-Game Options menu and use the Exit Game option. Refer to the In-Game Options section later in the walkthrough for further details.
(5) MULTIPLAYER
The Multiplayer option will allow up to eight human players to compete in a single match, each using their own computer. If you only have one copy of Actua Soccer 3, then it is still possible for several people to connect and play a Multiplayer game.
(6) EDITOR
The Editor allows you to create and customise your own teams and players. Editor Help text can also be presented to guide you through the process of creating a custom team. To proceed with the next step of the instructions, click the right mouse button or press RETURN. Once you are familiar with the Editor, you can disable the Editor Help text in the Options menu.
As you enter the Editor, you will be presented with several options and the custom team list, showing teams that were created using the Editor. New Selecting the New option will open the editor with every option set to the default configuration, ready for you to create a new team. Load If you wish to reload and edit a previously created team, highlight and select a team from the Custom team list, then click the Load option. Save Once you have finished creating your own team, you can return to this screen and use the Save option to store your new team. Highlight and select the Save option to store the data into the next free position in the custom team list. Alternatively, if you wish to overwrite a previously saved team, highlight a team name in the list, then click Save to overwrite. If you attempt to leave the Editor without saving your data, then you will be warned that all of your changes may be lost.
Once you enter the Editor, you can switch between the different menus using the options labelled: Teams, Players and Kits. Clicking OK in these menus will allow you to cycle through each screen in turn: Team Editor, Player Editor and then to the Kit Editor.?15
Team Editor
The Edit Team menu will adjust several team settings:
1. Tactics & Formation - Define your team’s default line-up, formation and tactics. These can also be adjusted for each individual match.
2. Team Name - This name will identify the team during the game and throughout the menus. Use the keyboard to type a new name, then press RETURN to confirm.
3. Flags - Pick a flag to represent your team’s nationality. Use the left/right arrow icons to toggle through the list of flags, then highlight and select the flag of your choice. Your current flag will be displayed at the top of the screen. Player Editor
The Player Editor will allow you to redefine each player in your squad. The list on the left side of the screen will show the names of the players on your team.
1. Players List - Use the left/right arrow icons to toggle through the player lists for your team. The default names presented will actually describe the players’ current positions. Highlighting and selecting a player’s name from the list will present their personal details and statistics. If you double click the player’s name, you will be able to change it to one of your own choice. Enter a new name using the keyboard, then press RETURN to confirm.
2. Pitch Display - The pitch display will show the position of every player, including the currently highlighted player. Highlight and select a new position on the display to change the player’s ideal position.
3. Physical Attributes - These three options will define the physical attributes for the player, including their skin tone, gender, features and hair style.
4. Meter Bars - The personal statistics of the highlighted player will be presented as a series of meter bars, each one representing a different skill or physical attribute: Control, Passing, Tackling, Shooting, Heading, Speed, Weight (in Kg) and Height (in Cm). To adjust one of these levels, click and drag the relevant meter bar to a new setting. A number will also be displayed, showing the exact setting of the meter bar. You can only edit these providing you have enough funds available. Refer to the Value & Funds section for further details about the financial limitations.
5. Buy - The Buy option allows you to buy complete player profiles from the main database, instead of defining every individual option. Refer to the Buying Players section for further details.
6. Value & Funds - This section displays the cash value of the highlighted player and the funds available for creating your team. While defining the personal statistics for your players, you are limited to a specific team fund. As you adjust the skill levels of a player, the Funds display will also change. This limited fund allows you to create a realistic team, meaning that it is impossible to create a team full of star players, who are perfect in every skill!
Buying Players
The Buy option will allow you to copy players from the main database, so they can be used in your own team. This allows you to create a dream team based on real players rather than fictional ones!
1. Select League - Use the left/right arrow icons to toggle through the available leagues and present the different team lists.
2. Teams - Use the lower left/right arrow icons to toggle through all of the teams in the selected list, then highlight and select the team of your choice.
3. Players - The Players list features every player in the selected team, showing their cash value, position and statistics. Use the second set of lower left/right arrow icons to toggle through this player list.
4. Acquired Players - This area displays a list of players who have just been bought. Use the left/right arrows to toggle through the entire list.
5. Spent & Funds - This displays the amount of cash currently spent on buying players, and your funds remaining. To purchase a player, highlight and select a player’s name from the Player list. As you do this, their name will then appear in the Acquired Players list. The Spent & Funds section will also change to show the amount of cash spent. If you wish to cancel the purchase, highlight and select the player’s name in the Acquired Players list. This will remove their name and return any spent cash to your current funds. Once you are satisfied with the purchase, highlight and select the OK icon to return to the Player Editor. The purchased players will then appear in the player list, replacing the old player data. The costs will be reflected in the Value & Funds display, and you will be refunded the value of any players who have now been replaced.
Kit Editor
The Edit Kit menu presents you with several options for defining your team’s kit:
1. Part of the Kit - Select a specific part of the kit to be edited: Shirt, Kit, Shorts or Socks.
2. Colour Meters - Your kit can feature one or two different colours. The exact number of colours available will be determined by the current kit design. To adjust the two colours, click and drag each pointer to the required colour. As you do this, the kit worn by the player will change to show your adjustments.
3. Pattern - Use the left/right arrows to toggle through the available pattern designs for the kit.
4. Home/Away - Choose which of your two team kits are to be edited, either the Home or Away kit.
5. Reset - Reset all of the kit options to the default settings.
6. Grab - This option will allow you to take the settings from an existing team, to use as your own kit. Refer to the Grabbing Kits section for further details.
Grabbing Kits
This menu allows you to Grab a kit from any team featured in the main database.
1. League List - A full list of the available leagues. Use the left set of lower left/right arrow icons to toggle through the entire listing.
2. Team List - A full listing of the available teams in the currently selected league. Use the right set of lower left/right arrow icons to toggle through the complete team list.
3. Home/Away - Use the Home and Away options to toggle between the available kits for each team.
To grab a kit, select a league from the League List, then select a team name. Use the Home and Away options to toggle between the home and away kits for this team. The currently selected team kit will be displayed in the centre of the screen. To grab this kit for your custom team and return to the Kit Editor, highlight and select OK. You cannot edit a grabbed kit once you return to the Kit Editor.
(7) OPTIONS & SETTINGS
Trophy Room
The Trophy Room allows you to view the most recent competition winners. Use the upper left/right arrow icons to toggle through the different leagues. If you win a competition, the Trophy Room will display the prize cups and a Bonus Code. If you return to the Main Menu and type the Bonus Code, new teams will appear in the CHT 1 and CHT 2 team lists. You can then use these new teams in various competitions.
Skill
This menu allows you to adjust several settings, which can assist with your performance during the match. Before a match can start, you will need to select one of the four skill levels: Amateur, Semi Pro, International or Custom.
This menu will allow you to redefine each skill level to suit your own skills and playing style. This allows you to create your own personal set of skill levels, ideal for improving your skills and playing against friends of different abilities! Highlight and select a skill level to view the current settings in the options list. You can then highlight and select each option to toggle through the available settings: After Touch Alter the amount of spin and curl that can be applied to a shot. This can be set to Low, Medium or High, or it can be turned off.
Assisted Shooting Assists with your aim when shooting the ball. Assisted Passing Assists with your aim when passing to another player. Auto Defence Players who are not under your immediate control will automatically move into defence and attempt to tackle opposition players.
Use Footedness This option will define whether the players can use one foot better than the other.
Auto First Time This will help you to perform a good first time move, should you need a little practice with your timing!
Help Arrows Arrows will appear near your player’s feet, to show the aim of a pass or shot while using the Modify action; refer to the In-Game Controls section for further details.
Keeper At Penalties Take control of your own goalkeeper during a penalty. Fitness Allow players to become tired and injured during a match. Sticky Ball This will provide extra ball control for some truly slick manoeuvres.
If you wish to cancel the changes and return a skill level to the original settings, use the Default option.
Options
The Game Options menu will present several options for adjusting the game set-up and operation. Once you start a competition, some of these options may be disabled. The main options on this screen will allow you to define the overall match settings:
Game Speed Set the overall speed of the game play to suit your own style.
Match Length Set the real time match length.
Extra Time If there is no winner after 90 minutes, you can define if extra time is to be played. Choose a full 30 minutes, the ‘golden goal’ rule, or no extra time.
Referee Specify a certain referee to watch over the match, or allow a random selection.
Transfers This will allow you to switch the transfer system on or off, or limit its effect to only the human players (User).
Wind Define the wind conditions for the match. Remember, even the best players can struggle in a gale!
Credits View the game credits.
The options list covers many specific rules or events that can occur during the match:
Free Kicks Set whether the referee can call free kicks. Switching Free Kicks off will also disable Bookings.
Injuries Switching this on will allow players to be injured during a match.
Bookings Allow the referee to give out the red and yellow cards. If you disable Free Kicks, then Bookings will be unavailable.
Replays Switching this on will start automatic TV style replays after every goal.
Substitutions Enable teams to make substitutions for tired, injured or unwanted players!
Offside Allow the Offside rule to be called by the match officials. Penalties Allow the match to end in a penalty shoot-out should no winner be determined.
Equalise Stats Force both teams to have equal skill and ability during a match. This allows you to play in a match where only your personal skill and control can result in a win!
Player Names Display the name of any player currently controlling the ball. Stats Cams Switching this option on will allow the cut-scenes to be played during the match, providing specific statistics.
Scanner Display the in-game scanner, showing the positions of all your players on the pitch.
Editor Help With this option switched on, help text will be displayed while you are using the Editor.
Default Reset all of these options to their default settings.
Control Options
Human players can adjust the controls to suit their own personal preferences. As you highlight and select one of the control devices, a list showing the exact controls will be displayed. To change a specific control key or button, click on a game action in the list, then press a new key or button on your controller. The list of controls will then show the new control key or button alongside the action name. Repeat this process for each individual game action.
AV Options
The AV Options menu provides several options for changing the audio and video settings in the game. The list on the left side of the screen allows you to set the screen display to suit your system. This list features several options that will allow you to select a specific rendering device and screen resolution.
The sound menu bars will allow you to adjust the volume levels of the game:
Commentary, Music, Crowd Noise and Pitch Effects.
Each one is represented by an indicator bar showing their current volume. If you wish to change a volume level, click on the arrow icons to adjust the indicator bar and change the current volume.
Load Save
The Load Save menu will allow you to save, load or delete your current game data. This includes a running competition, the game options and settings, and the custom teams. If you do not save your data, it will be lost once the game is turned off or reset. A list of saved game files will be presented along with several options: Delete, Load and Save.
Saving Data - During a competition, you can save your current progress, ready to return at a later date. You can either create a new save game file to store this data, or you can overwrite an existing save game file in the list. To store the game data, click on a slot in the file list. This can be either an empty position in the list, or it can be an old, unwanted position that can be over-written. By then clicking the Save option, you can type a name for this file. Make it something memorable, as this is for your own reference in the future! When you press RETURN to confirm the filename, the data will be stored into the file list.
Loading Data - If you would like to return to a previously saved competition, highlight and select a filename in the list, then click on the Load option. Loading a competition from this menu will cancel any current games, and continue from the previously saved position.
Deleting Data - You may find that you have old save game files that are redundant and unnecessary. The Delete option allows you to permanently remove these unwanted files from the file list. Highlight and select the file you wish to remove, then click on the Delete option. This will delete the file, leaving a free position in the file list.
Exit
The Exit icon will exit the current menu and return to the Main Menu. Before this can be completed, you must confirm the request. This will quit any running competitions, so remember to use the Load Save menu if you wish to?23 return to this game at a later date. Once you are back to the Main Menu, click on the Exit icon to quit the game and return to Windows.
PRE-MATCH SET-UP & INFORMATION
Before starting a match, you will be presented with details about each team, and the opportunity to make changes to your team’s line-up, formation and tactics. Next Match
The Next Match screen introduces the next match to be played by a human player. The top area of the screen displays the current match conditions, including the weather and the venue. To toggle though the available settings for these options, highlight and select the left/right arrow icons alongside each option. These can either be set to specific settings or to Random (indicated by a ‘?’ for the Weather option). A Random setting will allow the CPU to make a random selection for each match.
Several meter bars will display the statistics for each team, each one representing a different skill: Control (CO), Passing (PA), Tackling (TA), Shooting (SH), Speed (SP), and Heading (HE). By selecting the Setup icon under each team’s stats, you can enter the Tactics screen and adjust the set-up of human controlled teams. Refer to the Tactics section for further details. When you are ready to start the match, highlight and select the OK icon.
Tactics
This menu will allow you to adjust your team formation, playing style and line-up. You can view the Tactics screen for CPU controlled teams, but you will only be able to observe their tactics. You can only make any changes to human controlled teams. There are three options for adjusting the general tactics of your team: Attacking Style Define how the ball should be passed between team members.?24
Playing Style Set how the team should emphasise their playing strategy. Defensive Style Select the most suitable method of defence. Formation Select one of the available team formations. As you adjust this setting, the pitch diagram will also change to show the new formation.
Depending on the style of game you are playing, several other screens may also be available: Squad, Shortlist, Call Up, Buy and Sell. Once you are satisfied with all of the changes, highlight and select OK to return to the Next Match screen. Squad
The Squad menu allows you to view and adjust your team line-up, ready for the next match. The team list displays a full listing of your players, including the substitutes and reserves.
Use the left/right arrow icons to toggle through the entire player list. As you highlight a player in the list, their position will be highlighted on the pitch diagram and their personal statistics will be displayed as a series of meter bars. Each one of these represents a different skill: Control (CONT), Passing (PASS), Tackling (TACK), Shooting (SHOOT), Heading (HEAD) and Speed (SPEED). To re-arrange the team line-up, highlight and select the first player to be moved. This player’s name will remain highlighted to show that he has been selected. If you wish to deselect a player rather than making the move, select their name a second time to remove the highlight.
As you now highlight a second player’s name, you will see the two sets of meter bars. The red set displays the first player’s statistics and the blue set show the second player’s statistics. This allows you to easily compare the details of the two players. If you now select the second player, he will swap positions with the first player in the team line-up. Repeat this process until you are completely satisfied with the line-up.