FIFA 99

FIFA 99

FIFA 99 is strong on presentation. Both sides march onto the field in unison prior to the match and the captains shake hands with the referee. Teammates console one another when trailing at halftime and celebrate enthusiastically after goals.

The player models look fairly blocky when viewed up close, but animate very realistically. The uniforms look great and the players are unique in terms of height, weight, face, skin and hair color, designed to resemble their real-life counterparts.

The stadiums and pitches look smashing. The barriers that ring the sidelines are adorned with all manner of advertising, and the variety of textures and color used on the field give it a freshly manicured look. Portions of the pitch are blanketed in shadow during games played in the early evening and are indicative of the attention to detail that EA have given the graphics.

The game moves very smoothly during games played in fair weather, but there is some nasty slowdown when playing in the rain. The rain effect is so pronounced that there's just too much activity on the screen for the engine to keep pace. The game remains playable, but just barely. It definitely takes some time to adjust. On the plus side, the rain will subside and resume throughout the course of the game. A neat touch if only the rain didn't interfere with playability.

REVIEW FROM NEEOSEEKER

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FIFA 98

FIFA 98

We're all familiar with the EA formula by now: a stunning opening credits sequence (which in this game reaches no less than music video level); an unbelievable variety of fully licensed international, professional, and club teams; beautifully rendered stadiums complete with roaring, chanting crowds; and John Motson's dry, humorous commentary. But with the official license to World Cup Paris 98 on this year's resume (as EA makes abundantly clear with the numerous references to "the beautiful city of Paris"), I think we've all been expecting a little something special from FIFA 98. Happily, mes cheries, this tour de force does not disappoint.

As beautiful as a walk along the Seine, the first things that hit you in FIFA 98 are the expansive stadiums, ever-changing skies, and perfectly rendered 3D characters. Complete with facial features and hairdos, your players are able to perform more feats of aerial derring-do (or is that Depar-dieu?) than the legendary Cirque du Soleil performers. Bicycle kicks, slide tackles, diving headers... all of these are actually possible in the game, and advanced moves such as jumping over a slide tackle or flipping the ball over your opponents' heads can be mastered with a slight bit of practice.

While EA is famous for its wealth of options, FIFA 98 offers more options than there are types of Brie at the lovely cheese shops along the historic Champs Elysees. There are hundreds of teams, three difficulty levels, and five different play options, including friendly, league, penalty shots, and the road to the World Cup. Most impressive, though, are the actual team management options in the game, allowing you to choose from multiple formations, player positions, and strategies. More amazingly, you can also adjust each individual player's attack bias and aggression level, choose who takes free and corner kicks, and create or purchase new players to add to your club.

:-REVIEW FROM GAMESPOT

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