Good fun but not a patch on ISS (FIFA 99 (N64))

Name: Bones

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Product:	FIFA 99 (N64)
Date:	19/07/02 (267 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Lots of options, Fun multiplayer

Disadvantages: ISS Pro Evolution exists so you'll kick yourself if you buy this instead

Before writing this review I honestly questioned myself whether there was any point, as I thought that next to nobody would be interested in purchasing a football game which is over three years old on an (nearly) extinct system. Besides anyone with any sense with an interest in football would already have hastily bought a Playstation along with the sublime ISS Pro Evolution. However I do now recollect that I never enjoyed Konami's series on the N64 (something about the gameplay just didn't seem right) and I couldn't deny that after having Fifa 99 for this long it was still "a great laugh" to play when friends came round. How many football games have you played where you can nutmeg the last defender, flick the ball with your back foot over the stranded keeper and then do an overhead kick on the spot - which results with you launching into a fit of hysterics at your opponent? This game has more tricks (literally) up it sleeves than Ronaldo.

Considering how successful this incarnation of the Fifa series was, it seems bewildering that Electronic Arts (the developers) discontinued the series on Nintendo's console after this. When I have played the more recent Playstation versions I don't feel particularly impressed. The N64 version seems to be a much neater package altogether, and the analogue stick is an improvement on the standard d-pad.

Many people I know however seem to have serious "issues" with the Fifa games. The problem they have is that EA throw out a new game every year without making any effort to stamp out the obvious flaws in the gameplay, which provoke criticism from football gaming purists. The control system is notoriously sluggish, and little things like being able to punch and push players to the ground without getting cards from the inconsistent referees do indeed distract a player who wants a realistic gaming experience. Also the fact shots no matter what the angle or distance nearly alw

ays find the target is also a noticeable drawback on the gameplay front.

Yes it is true (as with all the Electronic Arts sports games) that it boasts a comprehensive license with all the teams from the top leagues in England, Spain, France e.t.c; as well as more options than you can think of. A transfer system has been included for the first time which seems fine but soon becomes clear that very little thought has been put into it. Money cannot be earned in the game - instead each club has a set bank balance at the start. This is fine if you want to play as Arsenal or Man United as you can use your vast wealth to buy the cream of European talent. To add to the disappointment you are the manager of all the clubs and so all transfers in the game are made by you. Championship manager this aint.

Of course this game does compensate in other areas as anyone who has played Fifa games would know. The create a player option is fun for a while if you want to field a team consisting of 11 people closely resembling Carlos Valderrama (Columbian Afro-man) and Pierluigi Collina (bald Italian referee). The game offers a fun and simplistic view of football that shouldn?t be treated too seriously. John ?Motty? Motson provides the commentary and the game also boasts a rather decent soundtrack (but I always turn the sound off and listen to a CD anyway so I don?t really care about that sort of thing). Another point of criticism is that saving data from this game takes up an entire standard memory card but generally I do recommend this as a decent rental/purchase for any N64 owners who are looking for another game to try out with your friends (if they like football that is).

Summary: