GENRE
	Sports
	DEVELOPER
	Major A
	PUBLISHER
	Konami
	NUMBER OF PLAYERS
	1-4
	CONTROLLER PAK
	yes
	RUMBLE PAK
	no
	RAM PAK
	no
	BUY NOW AT

It might be hard to find a decent fighting game on the N64, but when it comes to soccer, we're spoiled for choice with the ever improving FIFA series from EA and Konami's Superstar Soccer. FIFA has always been about fancy graphics and superb presentation while ISS has always been about the perfect Soccer simulation. This sequel tries to perfect its gameplay while bringing the presentation up to EA's standard.

visuals

The presentation of ISS 98 is a huge improvement over the previous game. For a start, there's an impressive soccer showcase intro to replace the jerky demo of ISS 64. All the menu's have been improved, especially the tactics and formation screens which now give you a better impression of the changes you're making to your team.There are now 9 stadia to choose from, although 6 of them are fictional. This is highlights ISS 98's biggest drawback: the lack of an official FIFA license. Out of the 64 playable international teams, all of them feature made up players which are slightly different fromtheir official counterparts. Paying the FIFA license would have greatly improved the authenticity of the game and this seemingly small set back is the game's biggest weakness.

audio

The commentary is provided by Tony Gubba, and though he is alot clearer and more mellow than ISS 64's commentator, he lacks his predecessor's enthusiasm. The commentary is surprisingly natural and varied. Even when you've heard it all the commentary doesn't become tiresome. The whacks and thuds of the ball are very authentic even if the players themselves are eerily silent. This is made up for by the cheering of the crowd and the various instrumentals that go on in the background.The music is a class above last year's cheesy tunes but has no other function but to accompany the various menus throughout the game..

gameplay

Superstar Soccer is incredibly easy to pick up. All you need to know is A - pass and B - shoot. You can learn the other functions such as dash, lob, one-two and through ball as you go along. On the surface, the gameplay appears identical to the excellent ISS 64. But on closer inspection, you'll see that every aspect of the game has been improved and refined.The game features 6 modes of Play: Open Game, International Cup, World League, Penalty Shoot Out, Scenarios and Training. Choosing your team from the 64 available, you proceed to the main menu where you can edit your team in every way. There are various formations and tactics to choose from such as all attack, side break etc. Once the game begins, you are shown your stadium and the weather of the match. There's the coin toss and the action begins. The players move very smoothly around the pitch showing off their various motion captured tricks. The computer AI is much improved over ISS64 and the instances of super goalkeeper and useless goal keeper are now gone. Aswell as that, the keeper won't always magically save the ball. Alot of the time he strains to punch it clear, leaving an opportunity for a spectacular rebound. Passing is crisp and precise and headers, bicycle kicks, heel lifts and dribbling as all easily performed. Nothing has been left out as Major A show incredible attention to detail. There are even 3 different referees, each with a different personalty. One is very strict on fouls, while another is over lenient.Another interesting feature is the inclusion of a scenario mode. This involves taking on the role of a team during a game in progress usually facing overwhelming odds or other strange circumstances and you play out the rest of the match. The penalty shootout is the most far that I've seen using a fairly effective box system. The players controls a small box which they use to place their shot into the back of the net. The goalie also has a box and he tries to match his box with the player's box so that when the shot is taken, he will save the ball. You can even annoy your friends in multiplayer by hiding your box, so that he can't see where you're aiming.The 2 player versus is excellent, something you'll never get tired of. The 3 player mode is a little unbalanced at first as whoever has the computer on their side will have the edge. But as you get used to working together, that advantage will lessen. Every combination is accounted for, you can even play 4 players versus the computer..

multiplayer

See Gameplay above.

overall

Even though FIFA '99 is a very impressive title, I feel the ISS '98 still has the edge. It's easy to pick up, yet impossible to put down. It has all the features you could ask for and more and the gameplay has been refined to near perfection. Then it seems, the only reason FIFA is consistently outselling ISS is the fact that EA have the FIFA license and Konami do not. Just don't let that put you off what is possibly the best soccer game on any system.

9.2/10