FIFA International Soccer

"I loathe soccer, but I tip my cap to this game"

I'm not a fan of soccer, in fact I hate soccer. I hate almost everything about it. I hate playing soccer especially. But you see, I don't mind soccer games at all, and the FIFA series by EA Sports I like in particular. And in my opinion, this is one of the greatest soccer games on Sega Genesis, and it's so old which makes it even better. Why, you ask? Well, read my review for some answers.

GRAPHICS- 10/10
Absolutely outstanding(Am I using to many big words?)! I mean, the pitch is positioned correctly, that's one sweet thing. Also, although you cannot see the player's faces, you could swear it's in 3D? That's kinda what it looks like anyway. There is a slight slow down in animation, like when the goalie dives for the ball, but you'd have to be a piece of crap to notice(Excluding people like me), and if you don't it won't bother you. Even the pause menu is impressive!! The graphics in FIFA International Soccer are just perfect, you only have to play it for two minutes to find out and agree with me.

I don't think Genesis graphics get more impressive looking than this.

MUSIC/SFX- 8/10
Another wow! Another whoopee! Another near-flawless aspect of this game. I think there are six different menu music pieces, and they are all great. It was a pleasure to into the menu and listen to such fine music. There was no call for music in the thick of a match, so that brings us to the sound effects finally.

The sound effects deserve a twenty! They are plain awesome! You can hear the crowd, and they sound oh-so real. Kicking a ball actually sounds like kicking a ball and not a piece of haddock.

GAMEPLAY- 6/10
There are a good few modes to play in. Tournament mode being my favourite, where you simply beat teams until you get to the top, and you and your team are champions! Unlike a few other Genesis soccer games, this game gives you something sweet- match properties. You can change what weather, clock time, qualifying modes, etc, etc. It's the kind of stuff that is common in your FIFA games today. But you see, this was in 1994, so it was then new and innovative then. Nice touch.

The only downside is that I happen to hate soccer, and on principal I can only give a six.

OVERALL- 7/10
I dub FIFA International Soccer the greatest soccer game on the Genesis. Sure, there are lots more clones, but they were practically the same thing but with crappier music. Or, they were in really crappy over head style. Whatever. This game is just great for 1994. Excellent graphics, music, gameplay... need I say more? I think not.

BUY, RENT, OR BURN?
It's the only soccer game worth buying for your Genesis. You probably won't see this game in the market ever again , so I really suggest finding a ROM and an emulator to play it even for a few minutes. It's worth a few minutes of your time, even if you despise soccer as much as I.

Reviewer's Score: 7/10, Originally Posted: 11/29/03, Updated 03/06/06