FIFA Soccer 96

"A good game for its time"

Soccer is not my cup of tea, and I barely play any soccer video games. However, some 6 years after this game was released, I popped it into my Saturn, and guess what, its still a fun game

Graphically, I remember my jaw dropping to the floor the first time I played it. That doesn't happen anymore. The characters do seem a bit small. But, the incorporation of live action and animated bits on the scoreboard are still a nice touch, even today. Even though you can not see facial expressions and the like on the players, the players celebrations after a goal pull you into the game. Graphically, I give this game a 7. The statium is nice, the animations and live action is nice, but the in game graphics, though stunning for the time, just does not hold a candle to the games of today (which just makes you wonder if in 5-6 years, will the current PS2 Madden's be considered ugly compared to the new thing? How great will those games look?)

Control is solid. Once you get the hang of it, the control seems good, even by today's standards. Headers, dives, bicycle kicks, etc are all very easy to pull off. The field is very large and spacious, giving you ample room to set up your plays. Control gets an 8.5, since sometimes I still pass to people that I do not mean to, though this is a very small flaw.

The sound is nice. Even with some repeating, it is better than a lot of games today (especially the terrible announcing in Smackdown, Know Your Role). You can really feel it when you just miss a shot, and the announcer goes oohhhhhh. It just hits you. The fans chanting also add to the soccer experience. This single feature does more to make you feel like your at an international soccer even than any other, and is a feat that games to this day struggle to equal. The sound on this game is a very strong 9, with the only points being deducted for the somewhat repetitious announcer.

Overall, this game has held up very well for a sports game, and for a few bucks, even non soccer fans (who enjoy other sports) might enjoy a few tournaments of Fifa 96. For soccer fans looking for an inexpensive soccer game that accurately represents the game (and there will be more than a few looking for one now that the World Cup is finishing up), you really can't go wrong with the Fifa series. It was great on the genesis, and it's even better on the Saturn.

(note: In all fairness, I have not played another soccer game since this one was released, so great improvements probably have been made. But, I still think that this is a fun romp).

Reviewer's Score: 8/10, Originally Posted: 06/25/02, Updated 06/25/02