International Superstar Soccer - PlayStation

Also known as: ISS', 'ISS 2000', 'International Superstar Soccer 2000', 'Jikkyou Soccer 2000

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International Superstar Soccer (PlayStation)
Also for: PS2, N64
Viewed: 3D Combination Genre:
Sport: Football - Soccer
Arcade origin:No
Developer: Konami Soft. Co.: Konami
Publishers: Konami (GB)
Released: 8 Dec 2000 (GB)
Ratings: No rating
Accessories: Analogue JoyPad, Memory Card, Multi Tap
Features: Vibration Compatible

Summary

No great sounding of horns, no ticker tape parade or red carpet welcome for Konami's latest football release. Not even an unwieldy suffix to hinder it. Put simply, ISS, no more no less. Veteran console football fans will know what to expect and will not be disappointed, whereas newcomers will be delighted with what's on offer.

Game-play that's as true to life as possible has been the staple of the whole ISS series to date, and this tradition is continued with ISS. As you would expect from Konami, the artificial intelligence of computer opponents is finely tuned and highly challenging. Multiplayer fun is guaranteed. Up to four players on the PlayStation can join the match simultaneously and the atmosphere in the stadium is spot on with the crowds (always packed to capacity, no matter who's playing) singing their hearts out. The game's commentators also go a long way to create the perfect ambience.

And one thing missing in all previous versions is now also included: Konami has secured an official FIFPro license for all this and all future ISS games. FIFPro is the legal representative of professional football players throughout the world and permits the use of real players' names and their likenesses. Thus the realism of the ISS brand, as if there isn't enough in the game-play already, increases vastly. ISS' reputation is further enhanced with the presence of 'only football' manufacturers Umbro, whose name can be seen around the various stadia featured in the game.

As long as there are consoles and people who can't be bothered to get out there and play the game for real, there's always room for footy titles, and time has told us that Konami's ISS series is one of the very best. There is no sign of that changing as yet: ISS is another masterstroke.