The height of N64 football gaming. Rewarding, with aspects even the latest Pro Evos still haven't been able to recreate.
When you first pick it up, it might only seem like simply the next instalment of the franchise with a few tweaks here and there and new features to add to the previous game.
However if you put in the time and effort, you will quickly realise what you have here is something special. The uniqueness of the N64 controller means that you have total control of the players’ actions in terms of passing and movement. Something that even to this day the Pro Evolution series on the PS2 or its other various consoles, has not yet managed to replicate. The long ball passing can quickly become a true skill, you can add the exact power, exact curve on the ball… and when you time it right it is all extremely rewarding to play.
The shooting is even better. You can add curve to the ball with the trigger button (Z), making possible to score some incredible long range benders. The free kick system also incorporated this very well. The whole on field experience is a complete joy.
The game play is maybe more arcade styled than most other games that came out on the market at the time, but it works. The graphics and animations are a slight step up from the previous edition a year earlier and certainly appear to be pushing the systems limits.
The commentary is done by Tony Gubba. As always with Konami this feature could be better, but it in now hinders your gaming experience. If anything it will make you smile.
I was still playing this game in 2003. That is how much it grew on me, but more disappointingly how much most games that came out in the following years were poor in comparison (FIFA 98, 99, 00, 01, 02 are all worse in my opinion). The only disappointment I can really think of is that there were no club teams featuring in this game. All in all, I simply cannot recommend this game strongly enough.