International Superstar Soccer 64

Summary

Genre: Sports
Number of players: 1-4
Rumble Pak: No
Controller Pak: Yes
Expansion Pak: Not used

Review

The N64 had been rather neglected when ISS first came out in the way of soccer games. Or should I say football? After FIFA 64, which, let's face it, was not a very good game, ISS looked certain to be a major hit with the N64's football-loving owners.


Gameplay: ISS is a very smooth game to play, even when you have four people at the controls. You won't find any slowdown or stalling, and it's quite a quick game too.

So how well does it play? Very well indeed. All your characters have their skills, and it's possible to humiliate a less-than-gifted opponent by performing "keepy-ups" in the middle of the pitch. Also you can do dummies, flicks, feign one way, and so on. It certainly keeps you entertained, and you'd be hard-pressed to find a football game that comes close to matching it in terms of play.

The goalkeepers are quite smart, and there aren't generally any of those "gimme" goals that you get on other games, where the same shot always scores no matter what; which means you're constantly forced into finding new ways to score.


Challenge: Once you get used to the controls and the moves, the game isn't all that tough. It won't take you long to complete at all, but there is huge replay value, largely because the game is just so fun to play! You'll be back...


Graphics: Adequate. They do the job, but there's nothing really special there to see.


Sounds: Again, not bad, but nothing to get too excited about. There's no music, other than in training mode, but the commentator does say some pretty funny things from time to time.


Multiplayer: Probably the best part of the game. Play with up to 4 players 1vs1, 2vs1, 2 vs2. Excellent fun, and highly competitive. What more could you want? Sometimes, though, the player selection gets a bit confusing, but you'll get used to it...


Summing up: A very good soccer game (it is ISS you know, not ISF) that will have you coming back again and again and again. A top-quality game that's well worth your money.


Gamesmark: 82%


Reviewer: Tangycheese



Maverik's opinion: I'm not a big fan of soccer games, finding them too repetitive and just plain dull; but, then, I'm not a fan of the game itself, so perhaps that explains it. However, ISS 64 is certainly a good simulation of the game, and has a number of features, options and modes to keep you busy and entertained. Just don't ask me to play it.