FIFA '99

by Johnny Ballgame
January 01, 2000 00:00 AM PST

All told, FIFA '99 could certainly use a better frame rate and some crisper passing, but those flaws pale in comparison to the game's overall excellence. It's the game N64 soccer fans shouldn't be without.

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Continuing the series� tradition of excellence, FIFA �99 boots one into the net with another fine day on the N64 pitch. If you have a choice, the PlayStation version�s definitely superior, but this game holds its own as the best soccer title on the Nintendo 64.

Great Cross
FIFA �99 suffers from one significant flaw, and that�s the chunky frame rate. The game�s still perfectly playable, but c�mon--the N64�s capable of much slicker speed.

Once you get used to that, FIFA �99 delivers a tough, rough match that�s fun to play. The game focuses on club play, offering top teams like Manchester United and Bayern Munich from leagues in England, Italy, Brazil, and much more. While some soccer fans will be disappointed by the absence of the MLS teams, the world�s top talent shows up, and FIFA �99 also packs in sweet features like the European Dream League, customizable cups and leagues, national teams, and excellent in-depth strategy options.

Refinements to the A.I. and controls make passing, tackling, and one-timers much more realistic and much more fun than in World Cup �98--overall, FIFA �99 is a much more solid game. Still, aiming passes with the analog stick isn�t as on the money as it should be.

Sweet Moves
Graphically, FIFA sports eye-catching, realistic players who bust off impressively lifelike moves, such as chesting the ball or stumbling after being tackled. The sound side also performs well with cool tunes by Fat Boy Slim, great onfield sound effects, and, yes, those same constipated British announcers.

All told, FIFA �99 could certainly use a better frame rate and some crisper passing, but those flaws pale in comparison to the game�s overall excellence. It�s the game N64 soccer fans shouldn�t be without.