PlayStation 1
Released in 1998 by EA Sports
Grade: C-
Despite EA’s knack for free-flowing gameplay and simple controls, this game is a chore to play.
Where it falls in the series
EA released FIFA 98: Road to the World Cup in November 1997, and then this, only four months later, which seems unnecessary. I read that this is only a minor improvement from FIFA 98, but luckily FIFA 99 is a huge step up for the series. The PS1 installments of FIFA go from 96 to 2005.
Praises and gripes
The controls feel sluggish. Players take an extra moment to kick or receive the ball, but not in a way that seems realistic. With graphics and physics this primitive, you may as well make the controls as responsive as possible so the game is easy to play. You can raise the game speed in the options, which improves the overall feel of the game but doesn’t fix the clumsy control.
The AI and soccer logic is fine, combining basic arcade gameplay with some sense of realism. A little yellow cursor shows you which teammate you’re pointing to before you pass, which helps you string together smart, safe passes. Goals come far more often than in real soccer, but they still feel well-earned through good passing and timely shooting.
This game seems like a step in the right direction for the FIFA series, but as a final product, it just feels off.