FIFA 11 came out almost a year ago… and I haven’t stopped playing it. What keeps me so engaged in the world of football (or soccer, if you’re from the U.S.), is simple: It’s my favorite sport. I’ve been playing football and football simulation games since I was a wee lad, and it’s one of few areas of interest that I feel I have some sort of expertise. In the lull that is pre-season, where — aside from a few cup matches and friendly games — there is almost no action besides transfer rumors, it helps to keep yourself engaged.

New Star Soccer 5 will launch on August 11, days before the 2011-2012 football seasons begin, and I have been lucky enough to get my hands on a copy of the game for a preview. Let me go ahead and clue you in: It’s awesome! Fortunately for New Star Games, the fifth entry into a superb indie sports series seriously gets it right — on some levels, even better than triple-A FIFA and Pro Evolution Soccer can ever hope. Of course, it aims for a different experience than the football sims which, quite literally, wish to simulate real-life soccer. NSS5 leaves all the pretentious bullshit behind and instead is a concentrated, focused effort at pure fun.

You see, things in NSS5 aren’t so black and white. You don’t just play games, win or lose, get traded/trade players, and work from season to season. There’s a lot more shit that happens in-between. When you think of a “star” soccer player you think of a celebrity, right? So what do celebrities do? They not only impress in the way they play the sport, but they’re also personalities. NSS5 is all about personality. You’re going to have to choose between hanging out with friends or meeting with your boss, and depending on which one you choose you’ll have to deal with the repercussions (e.g. your boss hates you and therefore you don’t get playing time, or your friends hate you and you’re seen as a social outcast). Likewise, you need to hang with teammates to strengthen bonds with them and — should you wish to — delve into a relationship as well. And let’s not forget that you have to train and acquire higher levels of kickassery in your football skills.

NSS5 doesn’t strive for normalcy and perfection, but rather it prides itself in outrageousness. Most of your actions are based off of the energy you have. You want to be at a healthy energy level before going into a game so you can give a hundred percent. But of course, drinking with friends and training drains this energy, and you’re going to have to plan accordingly before diving headfirst into games. If you’re tired, you can buy NRG drinks, but your NRG drinks will only go so far before your stomach acts up on you. You’re also likely to get injured if you don’t rest properly. Shit, you can even drink beer or ‘roid up if you want to — but be prepared to face the repercussions!

It’s not the most realistic graphics engine, no. You’re not here to out-Messi anybody, no. Your struggle here is mostly against yourself, not other teams. How wisely will you spend your time? Will you choose to strengthen your ties in your social life or your occupational life or will you train? Will you hit the casino and gamble all your money away or spend accordingly? You really are a celebrity football player… and holy shit, is it fun.

Expect a full review of New Star Soccer 5 as its launch date of August 11th gets closer. You can pre-order the game with Premium Access at only $15, saving 5 bucks. A Premium account gives you access to the beta too… so you can play the game before it comes out. Are you ready to be a star?

[New Star Soccer 5]