I don't like football, but I do like platformers, so Kick is a pretty little bridge that closes that gap

I’ve never been a football person. The Global Mug thing? About as important to me as eyelids for a fish. But platformers? Now that’s my jam. And somehow, Kick manages to blend the world of football with platforming in a way that even I can’t help but appreciate.

In Kick, you play as your average teenage boy, eternally tethered to a football. It's like that moment in high school where you realize you’re the only one not in on the latest trend. You’ve got a few tricks up your sleeve: gently guiding the ball, lobbing it into the air, or even pulling off a sick windmill kick. And of course, you can jump—because what’s a platformer without jumping? It’s the universal language of gaming.

The game is structured in levels, each presenting a variety of challenges. Picture this: you're racing toward the finish line while dodging delivery drivers, umbrella-wielding teens, and the occasional random sign. Hit one of those barriers, and you’re looking at a foul and a yellow card. Collect too many yellow cards, and it’s game over—back to the start. It’s a dance of skill, timing, and a bit of luck. You'll be kicking that ball at just the right moment, hoping it doesn’t veer off course like my last Tinder date.

The aesthetic is vibrant and colorful, with animations that are surprisingly charming. It’s like a Saturday morning cartoon but with a football twist. You might think it’s all fun and games, but don’t let the visuals fool you; the challenge ramps up quickly. Timing your kicks isn’t as easy as it sounds, especially when you’re trying to snag coins to upgrade your football selection. It’s a satisfying struggle, like trying to eat spaghetti with chopsticks—frustrating yet oddly rewarding.

“I think this might be what actual football feels like—except I’ll stick to video games, thanks.”

Kick is slated for release in November, though it doesn’t have an exact date yet. You can wishlist it on Steam and try out the demo. It’s a solid way to gauge whether you want to dive deeper into this quirky blend of platforming and football.

In the end, Kick might just convert the football skeptics. It’s light-hearted, engaging, and, most importantly, fun. If nothing else, it proves that you can enjoy a game about football without actually caring about football. That's a win in my book.