Neo-Geo Cup '98: The Road to Victory

"GooooooaaaaaaLLLLL!!!!!!"

I know what you are thinking: hey this game looks exactly like Super Sidekicks 3. Well I don't blame you mainly it is because it is created by the same company. (Super Sidekicks 5?) That's right Neo geo is at it agian with the interest in soccer games. So what makes this one any different from the others.

Info: Unlike Super Sidekicks 3 it is modified for the '98 era (meaning it is more accurate and in style) The players are more realistic in terms of movements and they also grew several inches making the whole game seem very life like. Also if you watch MLS or international soccer you notice several characters in the game that look very similar in real life. For example Dibaggio from Italy. So is it truly accurate? Yes I think so. When you kick the ball the goalie save in a way that is so realistic he also waits until he can kick it to his other teammates. Cool right? Now let's move on to graphics.

Graphics. There are pretty good, it is set up in arcade format. The guys are in detailed uniform and the field is very detailed so much in fact that you see were grass was cut. However, the figures lack a true identity because the player cannot really see their faces. However, the goal show made up for everything. basically everytime one scored a goal in soccer it was a big deal and in this game scoring is quite hard. So when you do score you deserve a nice show. The graphics are very arcadic and are similar to Baseball Stars 2 in terms of graphics. One scene is that the goal lies on the ground and his colleges are cheering him on. (if that happens suck it up and move on.)

Gameplay: The gameplay is excellent like all neo geo soccer games you are always on the edge and you have to be very skilled to win, just like real soccer. It is so fun that you start to lose track of time and when you score a goal you have such a rush that you want to try harder and thus do better. The controls are easy to use and only require three button for both the offensive or defensive side. Hint: don't use the tackle option to much because you are guaranteed an automatic red card if you get caught. Yeah fouls are there and could cause some damages to you, like lights out or heavy damage. But if you get up after being knocked doen you can obtain super psyke up which makes your player move faster and more efficien with the ball. Controls: Controls are easy to use the game uses 3 buttons which is used for both offense and defense. Everything is fine in terms of controlling the player except your player does have trouble running fast enough to get to the enemy but that's not the controller's fault.

Would I play this game again?: Yes because it is a great game, really fun and because of this game I feel like playing soccer again. Although it is not big as Fifa 99 it is a great if you like an arcade slightly chilled format to loosen you up for the real games. It is certainly a game to play with your friends and relatives. The best part of it is that the game offers different campionships other than the famous world cup so practice with the soccer ball and prepare to score and hear "GOOOOOOAAAAAL!!!!!"

Reviewer's Score: 9/10, Originally Posted: 11/01/99, Updated 11/01/99