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Soccer
games have been an essential part of home video entertainment
since the days of water sodden case-balls, dubbin' and pullovers
being used as goal-posts. Over the years every single platform has
received it's fair share of soccer titles. Some were classics,
others were average while many were instantly forgettable.
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Putting
it very simply, this is a three-dimensional simulation of the game
of Soccer. |
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Load
up the game, select your options and hold onto your armchair as
you will be stunned when you feast your eyes over the players as
they take to the pitch. Each player looks completely different
from the next in both appearance and stature. There's tall
players, short players, balding players, thin players and most
importantly recognizable players. Gazza stands out a mile with his
Euro '96 bleached crop of hair, Ravanelli's grey locks are
unmistakable, Baggio's movements are captured perfectly, in fact
every team is made up of individuals rather than a squad of
clones.
Once the game is in motion the graphics are so smooth you forget
that this is just a video game and you actually feel like your
participating in a real match. The motion capture is superb as the
player twists and turns, lifting a foot over the ball as he
produces a perfect feint to confuse the opposing player. Fire a
shot directly into the players midriff and he will actually double
up in pain, while the after goal celebrations will have you
watching the action replay over and over again.
ISS Pro offers only four camera views but to be honest the
omitted angles will not be missed as they are usually found to be
unplayable. Up Close shows off all the players in their glory but
will prove difficult to plan your passing. Medium and Far both
work fine while the behind goal angle has never been a favorite of
mine and was instantly ignored. |
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Just
to offer a little hope for rival soccer projects ISS Pro fails
miserably on the sound department and can thankfully be switched
off at the options screen. As the players run up the field the
distinct sound of two coconuts being clicked together can be
constantly heard. It sounds like Red Rum the racehorse cantering
over a carpet.
Because ISS Pro does not have a licence to use real players
names, we are subjected to comments such as 'Great shot Italy',
'Good goal England' and 'It's Argentina on the ball'. The
commentator can often be over enthusiastic and very repetitive
while at least the noise from the crowd varies from ground to
ground. My advice - switch it off and enjoy and otherwise
excellent game. |
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ISS
Pro offers ample playing options. Select a one-off Exhibition game
against a CPU controlled team or a second player, or even join
forces with a mate to play against any of the 32 International
teams that are available. Set up an Int. League where 16 of the
worlds finest compete for the top honors. Eight groups of four
teams partake in an Int. Cup Competition where the divisional
winners proceed into the quarter finals for the knockout matches.
Finally, test your nerve in a penalty kick competition.
Once the game type is selected you move onto the game options
menu which offers three difficulty levels, a choice of weather
conditions, match duration, day or night setting and a choice from
four stadiums. Prior to kick off it will be beneficial to enter
the formation screen where you can weigh up the oppositions
weakness and strengths. Tactics and formation may be adjusted to
suit your game plan which will prove essential to your progress in
the competitions.
The whistle blows and the game is underway. The passing feels
accurate and the players respond instantly to your instructions
from the the D-pad. A short pass will usually find a team mate, as
will an accurate long pass, but it is the inclusion of a through
ball that sets ISS Pro above the rest. Neat passing movements will
only advance you so far up the field before a 'defence splitting'
pass must be played perfectly through the last line of defenders
for your striker to run onto. Once you get the hang of this tactic
your forwards will stand a chance of breaking through the tightest
offside traps and the toughest teams defence.
Shooting requires reactionary skills as you now have a power bar
that fills up extremely quick when launching a shot at goal. Too
much power when you are too close to the target and your shot will
fly high over the bar, this takes judgement but before long you
will be blasting 35 yard free kicks into the top corner just like
the Brazilians.
To keep the controls simple certain buttons have a multiple
purpose such as the shoot button. This can also be used to head
the ball and perform stunning overhead kicks and powerful volleys.
The shoulder buttons works well with each having a specific
function, sprint, player switch, one-two and a centre pass. When
defending there are two tackles available which are a quick foot
in and a sliding tackle which leaves a lovely skid mark on the
turf. |
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Quite
simply the best soccer game available on the PlayStation to date.
Check it out. |
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MARTIN |
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GRAPHICS: |
18/20 |
I
had read all of the hype about ISS Pro before I played the game,
rave previews, Sony award for best soccer game etc. If anything my
expectations were high when I loaded up the game for the first
time. I am pleased to report that it was even better than I had
imagined. Well done Konami for the first soccer game on PSX that
has the correct balance between superb graphics and intuitive
controls. |
SOUND: |
5/10 |
PLAYABILITY: |
46/50 |
VALUE: |
17/20 |
OVERALL
86% |
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ADAM |
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GRAPHICS: |
Brilliant |
As
the players line up at the start of the game they look very
realistic. Each has an individual look and many are recognisable
stars. I loved the idea of the through ball but I was disappointed
that 2 players could not play in the competitions. |
SOUND: |
Good |
PLAYABILITY: |
Good |
VALUE: |
Good |
OVERALL
8/10 |
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