FIFA Soccer 96

Review

by Scott Alan Marriott

If sequels are to be judged solely on the basis of the amount of features offered compared to the original, then this game rates five stars. Comparing this game to 1994's FIFA International Soccer would be like comparing a Cadillac to a taxicab. You want commentary? Done. A practice mode? Done? More teams than you could possibly hope to play as? How does 237 sound? The graphics have also been significantly improved with fluid animation, gorgeous looking fields and realistic looking players. Only one little thing may keep you from running out to the stores and buying it on the spot: the speed. This game moves too slow, as if it were weighed down with all of the fantastic new additions. It is certainly playable, but you just have to prepare yourself for a more relaxed pace.

The biggest problem may be the size of the players--they're too tall. The bigger the player is, the more animation is needed to make him move fluid. This is why the game doesn't move as quickly as it should. Plus, if they had made the players smaller, more of the field would be visible making it easier to pass to teammates and play defense. Otherwise, FIFA Soccer 96 is a winner. Improved control lets you fast dribble by pressing the X button, perform a give and go (passing to a teammate and then quickly passing back), and apply aftertouch on your shots by holding left or right on the control pad. The power bar has been replaced with a power circle, which appears on the ground surrounding the player. As you press and hold the A button for a shot on goal, the circle will fill up, letting you determine how powerful the kick is. This is an improvement over 1994's game since the circle is faster than the long horizontal bar. Now the flow isn't interrrupted as you wait for the meter to build up power.

There are also several moves you can perform while the ball is in the air. These include headers, diving headers, bicycle kicks, and one-timers (passing to your teammate who will shoot as soon as he receives the ball). Each of these moves is a assigned to a specific button on the Super Nintendo control pad, and the amount of power is determined by how long you hold the button. These extra moves are only available in the Pro mode, however, so if they seem too complicated, you can simplify things by playing games in the Semi-Pro mode.

FIFA Soccer 96 also lets you play an exhibition game (Friendly), Tournament (twenty-four team World or eight team Domestic), League (eight teams play members of the league twice), Playoffs (four rounds involving eight teams), and Practice, where you can perfect the various moves in the game. The best thing is that FIFA Soccer 96 includes battery backup to save your progress during the League, Playoff or Tournament games. That's right, no more passwords! If you can live with the uneven pace and slightly restrictive view, then FIFA Soccer 96 will more than satisfy those craving some depth in their sports titles.