FIFA International Soccer is the first installment in the FIFA series, it set the stage for a new era in football gaming. The game’s arrival was met with anticipation and curiosity, laying the groundwork for its future success.
Gameplay
Virtual Football
The gameplay of FIFA International Soccer is a testament to innovation in the early ’90s. Unlike its counterparts, the game opted for an isometric viewpoint, offering a unique and immersive perspective on the virtual football field.
Critics praised the attention to detail in player animations, the lively crowd sound effects, and the overall presentation, setting it apart from other football games of its time.
Control, Modes, and Features
Players delve into the action by controlling one of the eleven footballers on their team at a time, with the flexibility to switch players at will. The game supports up to four human players simultaneously, each managing a different footballer.
The computer takes charge of the remaining players, adding a dynamic element to the matches.
Four distinct modes — Exhibition, Tournament, Playoffs, and League — provide varied experiences. Exhibition mode allows players to engage in a single match, while Tournament and Playoffs mirror international competition formats.
League mode unfolds as a double round-robin tournament with eight teams.
Rise to Prominence
Critical Acclaim and Commercial Success
Upon its release, FIFA International Soccer garnered positive reviews from critics, who commended its detailed graphics, fluid player animations, and engaging sound effects. The Mega Drive version emerged as the best-selling home video game of 1993 in the United Kingdom, solidifying its commercial success.
The game’s triumph led to its inclusion as a pack-in game for the Goldstar 3DO console and paved the way for a sequel, FIFA Soccer 95.
Anecdotes and Oversights
While celebrated for its achievements, FIFA International Soccer wasn’t without its quirks. An oversight in the game mechanics allowed players to exploit the goalkeeper’s actions, making it relatively easy to score goals.
Developers unintentionally created a scenario where standing in front of the goalkeeper during a clearance provided a scoring opportunity.
Exploring the Virtual Nations
Diversity in Teams
FIFA International Soccer boasted an extensive lineup of 48 national teams, covering regions from Asia and Africa to North and South America, Oceania, and Europe.
Each team featured 20 fictional players, with a unique touch of realism, including players named after the development team.
Play FIFA International Soccer online
You can play FIFA International Soccer online, in a web browser, for free!