We’re up to V0.9.0 which is our pre-release beta. What you can expect when the full game releases:
Game
- Top-down match engine: passing (tap) / shooting (hold), aftertouch while the stick is held, headers, slide tackles, standing tackles, keeper dives, catches and parries, set pieces, penalties, shoot-outs, extra time, substitutions, tactics, instant replays.
- Players animated from a 3D rig: 6-frame run cycle with bob, consistent poses for slides, dives, falls.
- Referee on the pitch: follows play, runs over to show yellow and red cards, plays advantage, sends off for professional fouls; lenient / fair / strict temperament announced at kick-off.
- Keepers rated by handling (CO) and agility (SP); saves depend on shot pace and placement.
- All seven player skills distinct and shown in the in-match stats panel.
Modes
- Friendly, DIY league/cup, preset competitions, season, career (manager office, transfers, sackings, job offers).
- Team editor (names, kits, players, positions), tactics editor, load/save to SD card.
Content
- 444 parody clubs in 24 countries plus 36 national teams; ~200 spoof star players at their parody clubs.
BACK OF THE NET! works on all 1MB ZX Spectrum Next machines and emulators on at least Core 3.1.2. It is currently being tested on real hardware alongside CSpect and ZEsarUX. We’re aiming for an end of 2026 release.