International Superstar Soccer 64

"Pretty cool arcade game, outdated now"

I'll tell u now, this game is pretty good. The game engine and controls are really good. Although it did not contain any licensed content (ie real names etc.) i still found this far more enjoyable than fifa 99-2002 (they all were let downs). The only reason I say it is outdated at all is because of FIFA 2004 and the Winning Eleven Series(these games are the best). I have had many enjoyable days, no weeks, no months with this game. 2 player games are especially good. The only thing is, get a controller pak with this otherwise u cannot play the full World League or International Cup or Scenarios unless u play for about 17 hours!!! Here is the breakdown of the score

Graphics 8/10
Nothing much to say here, quite good except for the occasional glitch (ie ball going through players,). Crowd doesn't look great, but then all crowds looked like that.

Sounds 7/10
Basic noises, some cool commentary(although it is repetitive after a while) and some crowd cheers. Fairly basic stuff.

Challenge 9/10
This game may not take as long to master as Winning Eleven, but crank up the level and goalie level and a challenge still awaits, even if u are a veteran!

Control: 9/10
Quite simplistic, not awkward at all. Fits in rather nicely. Just one gimmick (if u tackle someone, and keep pressing A then your teamate will pass it off)

Gameplay 9/10
Best in a soccer game yet. Perfect controls, an awfully long (and hard at times!) World League and tough scenarios round it out. Ball however sticks to the player too much, and the passes are far too accurate (but this is an arcade game after all)

Options 7/10
Everything expected from a soccer game. Penalties, Open games etc. Could've had some more options for World League and International Cup. (match lengths etc.) and choice of more fields and teams. Two welcome addition however are the create a player and weather. The weather is quite realistic too, and the ball and players react accordingly, For example, players slip over, the ball moves horribly fast in the rain, but in the snow, the ball moves quite slow and players slip.

Without a controller pak, this game wouldn't be very worthwhile because u couldn't save world leagues scenarios, created players etc.. However with a controller pak, this is one of the best availabe sports games on the good old N64.

Buy Rent. BUY FOR SURE if you're a fan of soccer games or just want a great game. Perhaps rent for those who do not like soccer.

Overall 8
Better than Fifa and its competition at the time. Superior graphics, great controls, and some cool commentary. Still stands today as one of the better soccer sims.

Reviewer's Score: 8/10, Originally Posted: 11/29/03