FIFA International Soccer

Review

by Scott Alan Marriott

One would think that after 1993's stellar FIFA International Soccer for the Genesis, the 1994 Super Nintendo version would offer even more in terms of graphics and sound. Think again. While certainly not bad by any means, the presentation is noticeably inferior to the earlier Genesis cartridge, which is quite shocking given the system's obvious strengths in this area.

The field is a bright green instead of the subtle, more realistic textured grass of the Sega game. Players also look different--a bit taller, but not as well animated. Another change is the slightly jerky pace; the screen doesn't scroll very smoothly whenever you pass or push up the field. Yet the most puzzling difference is the watered down sound--the crowd does not seem nearly as energetic or involving as the one programmed in the Genesis version! A Genesis game having better sound than a Super Nintendo cartridge? Blasphemy! Perhaps the developers sampled a crowd at a tennis match instead of a soccer game...

On a positive note, the control has been tweaked, offering players an optional power bar to determine the strength of their kicks. A long rectangular bar will change from yellow to red as long as you hold the pass or shot button. Release it when it's in the red for a strong kick; keep it in the yellow for short passes. Using the bar takes away from some of the intensity of the game, however, since you have to wait for the meter to fill up before delivering that scorching rocket toward the net. It is optional, though, so if you don't like it you can turn it off!

The only other concern is that goalies seem to react slower than in the Genesis cartridge, with final scores closer to what you'd see on Monday Night Football than from an international soccer event. This game is more of an arcade-style experience because of the emphasis on offense. While FIFA International Soccer may not be the same game as the Sega version, it is still enjoyable on its own terms. Here's hoping that next year's version closes the gap.