FIFA International Soccer

Review

by Jonathan Sutyak

FIFA International Soccer is really not too far off from its Genesis counterpart. The graphics and sound are obviously not as good as the Genesis version. Also, your moves are more randomized depending on location because of the lack of buttons, but otherwise the two games basically look and play the same.

Soccer is a fairly basic game so it translates well on to a portable screen. Move players around the field, pass, shoot, and score. Everything is very basic and simplified for the Game Gear.

With so many teams and modes of play available this game should provide plenty of replay value. The stronger teams do play much better and make the game easier. With weak teams a sufficient challenge is provided. Though some goalies really need to be better as scoring can become too easy at times.

The different modes of play are similar and are included to allow you to choose how long you want to play. In order of the real World Cup the progress is league, tournament, and or playoffs. Each one is just a shorter version of the previous mode. Game stats are kept during each game for scoring and fouls. A password is given after every game so the ability to stop whenever you want is included.

There are a few problems that do occur as a result of being on a small screen. One is occassional blur as the ball moves much faster than the scrolling of the field. The slower scrolling also results in the ball leaving the screen for a second or two.

Overall the graphics look good for the Game Gear. Players are clearly marked by their team colors and their movements are as close as they can probably come to be true to life on the Game Gear. Sounds are during the game match the action but the music is rather irritating.

If you like soccer then you should enjoy FIFA International Soccer. Even if you don't care for soccer, this is an above average portable game with plenty of replay value. Though one thing that is noticably missing is link compatibility.