Fifa 99
Reviewed by Angelos
Fifa 99' is a soccer player's dream. It combines sharp visual
graphics with intense game play. If you have been playing soccer
your whole life and want to juke out a couple of defenders, lob
up a ball for a bicycle shot into the top corner of the net, and get
your passing game down like there's no tomorrow, this is the game
for you. However, if you are someone who has never played soccer
in his/her life and is looking for a game that provides you with a
constant source of adrenaline, this soccer game would be a great
choice as well. While advanced enough for the pro when you select
the World Class difficulty level, the Amateur level is a good battle
for the beginner.
Graphics: 8.5 out of 10
The graphics on Fifa 99' are visually beautiful. While they are not
going to compare with the likes of Ocarina of Time and Donkey Kong
64, they are also not expected to. In those games, the terrain changes
with every area. Fifa, on the other hand, is always on grass. As is the
case with most soccer games. When you are running down the sideline
fixing to score, you don't notice much about the graphics. But when you
are lining up for a free kick and see the rest of the stadium looking down
at you, you take a long deep breath and say to yourself, "Wow. That's pretty."
Then you kick the ball and forget everything you've seen.
Music and Sound: 6 out of 10
There isn't any music in the game when you are playing, but the developers
did add quite a few nice tracks from the radio when you are choosing option
and teams. The announcers during the game are mediocre. Sometimes you can
play for about 3 minutes straight after scoring a goal and finally hear
something about, "Would you look at that shot? There was no way the keeper
had a chance on that one." A bit late, but it generally doesn't bother you.
Game Challenge: 8 out of 10
The game's difficulty levels provide a fair match for most players. The
Amateur level doesn't hold too much of a battle for players after they have
played the game for a while. The Pro level is a decent challenge until you
have mastered most aspects of the game. When you finally decide to take
on World Class, you will find yourself battling for every game. This level
gives even the best of players a fight to the finish.
Game Play-Fun: 9 out of 10
Fifa 99 is indeed a game that can be enjoyed by all. The advanced player
has an enormous list of moves and shots that he can pull off, while the
beginner can put together 9 passes and be in front of the net with a
relative amount of ease. The real fun in the game comes from multi player
activity though. When you get 4 players together, you will have yourselves
one of the funniest times you've had in a long time.
Frustration
There isn't much frustration in the game other than the commentators
being repetitive. If you don't like the music, that might get to you too.
But, you can always mute it and turn on the radio for the few minutes you
are messing around with your options.
Replayability: 10 out of 10
I bought Fifa 99' when it came out a year or two ago and still play it to
this day. With friends over, there isn't much chance you will not play the
game. It is simply irresistible.
Game Value: 10 out of 10
It didn't cost that much when I got it. Only about $49.95. Now it is probably
much less due the time that has passed by since its release. Definitely a
worth the money you will have to cough up.
Overall: 9 out of 10
Overall, Fifa 99' is one of the best soccer games available right now on
ANY system. Everything rolls along smoothly in the game play and you can
play it over and over and not get bored. A must buy for any sports fan.