Football games come in two types. Simulation or Arcade. The ISS series is definitely the former, whilst FIFA and Virtua Striker are the latter. Anyone that takes Virtua Striker as a simulation is going to be sorely disappointed and no mistake.

The game is absolutely arcade perfect and has had a few home console friendly modes thrown in for longevity, but while graphically, arcade perfect is good, playability wise, arcade perfect is a shame.

You see, the arcade game of VS2 was riddled with fundamental gameplay flaws such as shoddy teammate AI and a control system that left most people confused. I mean, who WOULDN’T be confused when they are holding the joystick left to make their player run onto a superb pass and the player decides to stop, spin through 180 degrees and then run in the opposite direction for a while before returning to his normal path?

If you can handle the control PAD rather than the analogue stick, VS2 is a nice, carefree game. Those who prefer stick play will be disappointed though, as amazingly, VS2 doesn’t support the stick.

One to rent, I believe.