FIFA 99

by EA

Product Features

• 1-4 Players

Product Details

• Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
• ASIN: B000038AA2
• Item Weight: 8 ounces
• Media: Game Cartridge
• Release Date: December 9, 1998
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (12 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #10,741 in Video Games (See Top 100 in Video Games)

Product Description

Platform: Nintendo 64

GameSpot Review

The latest installment of FIFA for the Nintendo 64 delivers a soccer sim full of depth and realism, but it isn't strong enough to deliver a death blow to its nemesis, Konami's International Superstar Soccer Pro '98. Materially, FIFA 99 is virtually identical to the PlayStation version as far as options and features go -meaning that there're tons to choose from. New modes such as the golden goal, which lets teams play to a fixed number of goals, and the European dream league, which is a fantasy league built from that continent's best teams, offer original departures from the standard soccer game formats already in the game. Its team strategy options and custom utilities are powerful additions to the game; not only can you set up custom leagues and cup tourneys, but you can also edit team colors, uniforms, and player stats.

Of course, the 64-bit version of FIFA outshines the PlayStation version in the graphics department. The textures for the field and stadiums come close to photo quality, and the player shadow effects look convincingly real. There's never any polygon flicker or breakup during a game. The players are animated amazingly well, even though their slightly blocky, robotic appearances make them look like Popeye clones with elbows out and fists clenched. Despite these solid graphics, there are isolated instances when the game lapses into choppy animation, notably at faster gameplay speeds. It seems to stem from a slow camera, which always seems to be running behind the action onscreen. The result: slight hiccups in animation pop-up, such as a ball "jumping" from one player to another. It's not enough to hurt gameplay, but it is noticeable enough to quit playing at those superfast speeds.

Speaking of gameplay, the newest installment of FIFA runs like a well-oiled machine. The standard FIFA controls are a cinch to learn, while control and passing response times are on the money. Perhaps the most notable, if small, gameplay gripe is that your same-team defenders' AI is suspect at times, as nonhuman players stick close to attackers but rarely foul or chase after loose balls. Obviously, it's your job to switch players and take control, but if you don't switch, don't expect the computer to back you up.

However, if you're expecting 64-bit processing to deliver some magical leap in performance over the PlayStation's FIFA 99, you may be in for a letdown. A few of this game's shortcomings can be blamed on the Nintendo 64's specs. Only up to four players can play simultaneously, compared with the PlayStation's eight. Plus, the Nintendo 64 can handle only one in-game announcer who speaks in clipped phrases, rather than the two-man banter in the PlayStation version. The otherwise decent music also takes a drop in quality because of cartridge limitations.

In addition, this game shares flaws also found in the 32-bit port, such as the omission of an authentic US soccer league with teams and players (due to EA Sports' lack of an MLS license). This omission sticks out like a sore thumb when the rest of the leagues offer the real deal, although the team/player editing features can let you "fix" the US league if you really wanted to. The toned-down default difficulty makes it way too easy to sprint, weave, and score at will, which should force gamers to crank the difficulty up to professional to keep the gameplay balanced.

While FIFA 99 is the most in-depth soccer sim to date on the Nintendo 64, it still faces stiff competition in Konami's arcade-style International Superstar Soccer Pro '98. Deciding which game is best for you really boils down to what floats your boat. Konami's game may look a bit slicker and play with more robustness - but if your definition of a great soccer game begins and ends with dead-on realism, you can't go wrong with FIFA 99. --Nelson Taruc
--Copyright ©1999 GameSpot Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission of GameSpot is prohibited. GameSpot and the GameSpot logo are trademarks of GameSpot Inc.

Product Description

This is the game FIFA '99 for the Nintendo 64. This is cartridge only and is used or preplayed. All of our N64 nintendo games are cleaned comma tested and guaranteed to work. We stand by our products and offer a 60 day guarantee. If a game does not work within 60 days from the time you receive it we will gladly exchange it for you. You can read details about our guarantee

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Best Soccer Game for N64, July 20, 2000

By A Customer

= Durability:5.0 out of 5 stars  = Fun:5.0 out of 5 stars  = Educational:5.0 out of 5 stars 

This review is from: FIFA 99 (Game Cartridge)

Fifa '99 out does any other soccer games for the N64 game console. The gameplay is so real and there are so many different options when playing the game. There must be five different moves you can pull that are suited for all kinds of situations. I would recommend this game over the earlier Fifas, but also over International Superstar Soccer. The controls are easy to understand and the gameplay is great. If your looking to score a good game for the N64, Fifa '99 is a definate winner!

10 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars What A Game!, December 13, 1999

By A Customer

= Durability:5.0 out of 5 stars  = Fun:5.0 out of 5 stars  = Educational:5.0 out of 5 stars 

This review is from: FIFA 99 (Game Cartridge)

This is an excellent game. I recommend this game to all game players, especially if you love soccer. You must buy this game because if you don't you will never be able to experience the awesome graphics, and extreme fun.

7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars One of the best games on the N64, December 29, 1999

By A Customer

= Durability:5.0 out of 5 stars  = Fun:5.0 out of 5 stars  = Educational:5.0 out of 5 stars 

This review is from: FIFA 99 (Game Cartridge)

Even if you don't like soccer, you'll love Fifa 99. The graphics are awesome; note that we have found the expansion pak to help when running in high res. Best part is the AI... crank it up to the highest difficulty and you're in for a challenge... whether alone or with friends, EA has scored a GOAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAL

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