FIFA '98 ROAD TO THE WORLD CUP

I have been a fan of FIFA soccer games from their inception on the
nintendo. I have watched this series grow and develope, yet I always
kept thinking....no matter how good this is...there is always room for
improvement. Well, not anymore!!! I don't EVER say that a game is
perfect....but this game comes pretty darn close.

From the second I popped my this cd into the playstation I was met with
one of the BEST introductions for a sports game yet. I don't know about
you, but I am tired of the same old thing. People showing footage of
REAL games...and disappointing myself by thinking that the experience
will be anything close. FIFA '98 takes rendered footage of actual
gameplay...showing you the things that you can actually do during the
course of a game...along with some real action tape of cities from
around the world and stadiums in which you can play. To support all of
that...a kickin alternative soundtrack to get the adrenaline pumping.

Now....you get to the nitty-gritty....the GAME!!! This has to be the
best soccer game that I have played...and I played everyone to hit the
playstation. The interface to start a game is very simple. You can
choose to train in several in game situations, or go straight to your
quest for the cup. FIFA has several teams to choose from.....every major
conference in the World Cup qualifying is represented....as well as
individual leagues. FIFA has been given an official FIFA and WORLD CUP
license...which means that every team and player is represented to the
fullest....even our own US team...which has been suspiciously absent
until now!!!

Now for the most important aspect...the gameplay. In the FIFA
series....EA has had major problems with this area...at least until now.
From the second you press the start button I was hooked. This game is
miles above the rest in control. There is never a time where you feel
like the controls are too sluggish...or your passes don't go where they
are supposed to. The interface is extremely intuitive...and if a mistake
is made...look at your fingers...not the game! Along with the classical
soccer moves, this time they have include all new moves...including new
jukes that can shake the pants out of the defenders or put the goalie to
shame in a one on one situation. You have 360 spins...cross-over
dribbles....fake shots....rainbow kicks....volleys...and of course
diving headers...all at the timed press of a button. This year they have
also added a new feature for aiming free kicks, goal kicks, and
corners...allowing you perfect control for the perfect banana kick!!!
This just goes to show that the people at EA have finally begun to work
out the kinks.

The graphics of this game are another area where the game shines. FIFA
'98 has some newly polished polygonal players that are motion captured
to perfection. The players move as if you were watching telecast or
something. Little nuances such as bending to place a ball...getting in
the refs face after a card....or even celebrating after a goal have been
captured wonderfully. To add to this, the stadiums are pure works of
art. Almost seamless in there appearance. During the gameplay, they have
added several little grapical touches, including lense flares from the
sun...and even splash effects during the rain games....as if you are
looking through a wet lense!!! But, you will have to see it to believe
it!!!

Finally, there is the sound. As soon as you enter a game you are met by
two separate heavy English accents that give you that distinct feel of
an international soccer game. They comment just enough to get you
entranced into the experience...and not so much that you wanna kill
them. The sound on the field is also quite good....the crowd responds
accurately to your play...getting softer or louder as the action
demands. There is even an option to control crowd noise after a score! 

FIFA '98 Road to the World Cup is simply the best soccer title to grace
the playstation thus far. Not only has EA gone back to the drawing board
and come back strong. They have totally re-designed this game and
focused on a more well rounded gameplay experience. The graphics are
flawless...the gameplay is simple....and most of all it is pure,
unadultrated FUN!!! So, no matter whether you are an arm chair US team
member, a dedicated soccer fan, or just a sports fan in general, FIFA
'98 will give you a sports experience to remember.