But is it really not possible to play Sensible Soccer with a simple Joypad / Joystick ?? It is practically impossible to play with the keyboard ... sorry, but without Joypad I don't buy it
Really absurd...

Hi,

I have just downloaded the game, I haven't had chance to play properly yet, but I'm sure you can use a controller.

If you connect a PS4 controller via bluetooth to your PC, there is a program you can download called DS4Windows that is free from here >>> http://ds4windows.com/ you can then configure the controller buttons to press certain keys, save the configuration for that game. Not sure if other brand controllers work with that program, possibly though.

If you have the GOG version you can now get the SWOS 2020 mod for Windows: https://www.sensiblesoccer.de/swos-2020

Solves all those problems!

Im running Linux Mint 21.3 and GazzTheSpaz is 100% right, I got my 8BitDo SN30Pro to work without any problems (with the game running thru Heroic Game Launcher)

Graphic Mode Setup
Direct Draw
hq3x
aspect ratio: No
1920X1200
Full screen
Double Buffering: No

SWOS 96/97 does actually have native joypad/joystick support, but it seems GOG forgot to include a link to the configuration software that's needed to activate it.
There are several ways you can run install.exe from DOSBox, but the easiest way for the GOG is probably this:

1) Open up the game folder (by default "C:\GOG Games\Sensible World of Soccer 96-97")
2) Open the file dosbox_SWOS_single.conf in Notepad.
3) Add the line "install.exe" (without quotes) between "cls" and "english.exe"
4) Open the file dosbox_SWOS.conf in Notepad.
5) Change the line "timed=true" to "timed=false"
6) Save the modified config files and close them.
7) Start the game using the usual link. Don't use the French, German or Italian links in the start menu - you will have the opportunity to change your language).
8) Go to "configure", "control", "joystick and keyboard" to activate. Also change your language from this menu if you're so inclined. You will also need to calibrate your joypad, and DOSBox is a bit sluggish doing this with the default config.
9) Save the settings and exit.
10) Write "english" or "ENGLISH" to start
11) The game will then start automatically with joystick support.

- SET IN FILE dosbox_SWOS THE OPTION fullresolution TO THE RESOLUTION OF THE MONITOR !

- To play with two joypads it is NECESSARY the software Antimicro, set in the game joystick + keyboard (NOT 2 joysticks) and configure them, then start Antimicro with the settings of the joystick
(that the game "see" as a keyboard) and start the game wih Gog!