More World Cup finals on the way and another FIFA game appears on the shelves. Soccer, soccer, soccer! Where will it all end? However, at least in this latest sim from EA Sports, you can bring the Republic of Ireland or Northern Ireland to a virtual World Cup final. And, to be honest, the competition in single player mode - even against the likes of Germany - will see you pull of the impossible a lot sooner than one would expect.
EA Sports has packed all the usual features into this package. There are 16 accurately represented stadiums, the 1997/98 season line-ups for all of the 172 international teams and 189 national club sides. You can choose from any of the world federations (UEFA, CONCACAF, AFC, CAF, CONMEBOL, OFC) and take part in the domestic leagues of some of the major soccer-playing nations. This impressive line-up means the game contains more than 6,000 individual players, all of which can be edited to your own requirements.
The domestic leagues do not, however, include Ireland so you won't be able to experience the thrill of a wet Friday night game at Tolka Park. You can, though, mimic the weather conditions - you can make it rain, sleet, snow, or be sunny, night or day, or even have a five-a-side indoor kickaround.
Statistics aside, FIFA '98 is more about playing the great game than anything else and EA Sports appear to have learned a great deal from the mistakes made with FIFA '64. The control in FIFA '98 is by way of the analogue stick, which gives you far more freedom of movement with your players. The graphics are among the best ever seen in a soccer game but, unfortunately, the resulting framerate can suffer; hence, gameplay can be slow.
The unlikely pairing of Andy Gray and John Motson provides the commentaries, while Des Lynam adds to the realism by introducing each match. Another nice touch is the inclusion of a soundtrack by Blur. The competition in this particular field is tough: International Superstar Soccer perhaps edges FIFA '98 for top billing. Real soccer fans, however, will just have to have them both. Graphics: 93% Gameplay: 85%