International Superstar Soccer

"The best handheld soccer game ever."

I just bought this game and it kicks ass.

There's full voice commentary right throughout the game, (british voice) and it's not just the same 4 or 5 sound bytes either. I just played a full match between england and mexico and I didnt hear it repeat anything hardly at all. It also says the player numbers and makes references to the team name frequently (''England has the throw in'' etc)

The sprites are full sized and really good looking. Of fifa snes quality. Isometric view with full player numbers on their backs etc.

The button system is great, with pass, kick, sprint and change player focus being the main buttons you use. The buttons change function to header and volley while the ball is in the air, and when you dont have the ball there's slide tackle and regular ball challenge.

To overcome the small screen they have done a few great things. Firsof all at the bottom of the screen there's a small minimap which shows small dots for the position of your players, and different colored dots for the opposing team. This way you know where your men are at all times. Additionally when the ball is in the air and off the screen, a black X appears on the ground where the ball will land so you can run to that place for a header or volley etc.

The strategy and formation options are overwhelming, with full substitutions available, and many different attack and defence strategies (side crush, centre attack) as well as your usual numbering formations (4-4-2 etc). You can change game strageties during the game simply by hitting select which will scroll through them.

There's a full set of world teams to choose from, with all the famous player names available etc. And yes, becks is on the english team :) You can play a friendly match, or play through a full international cup with your match scores saved in between games. There's also a penalty shootout option where you can practice your best penalty shots.

There's also a multiplayer option (2 paks required) so you can have a few matches with your mates which is even more fun. (Although not when they get pissed because they're and unplug the cord ><)

Overall this game looks, plays and sounds like a dream, the crowd cheers are authentic and the commentary is great. If I had to choose one bad thing it would be the lack of a slow motion goal replay option, but that's only a small thing.

If you're a fan of great football games, get this one now!

9/10

Reviewer's Score: 9/10, Originally Posted: 11/16/01, Updated 11/16/01