FIFA 99

by Playstation, Electronic Arts, EA

Product Features

• Playstation
• EA Sports
• FIFA

Product Details

• ASIN: B00002STR5
• Item Weight: 8 ounces
• Media: Video Game
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #27,416 in Video Games (See Top 100 in Video Games)

Product Description

GameSpot Review

When the soccer-on-the-brain Brits at GameSpot UK gave the PC version of FIFA 99 a score of 11 - out of 10 - it surely caused many gamers to set high expectations for the console ports of EA Sports' venerable franchise. While it can't match the PC in terms of graphics, the PlayStation version of FIFA 99 stands out as a soccer game that plays fast and looks good doing it.

The FIFA series on the PlayStation has made continuous strides to improve frame rate and game speed; FIFA 99 seems to have made the greatest leaps in this category. The default speed is very easy on the eyes, and when the gameplay speed is cranked to fastest, it still runs smoothly. Bottom line: no choppy animation, no sluggish player control... no complaints. It's a far cry from the PlayStation's FIFA days of (relative) old.

Visually, the game has its slight drawbacks. Up close, players look somewhat blocky and reveal the occasional polygon flicker. In some far-away camera views, the field textures show cracks. Fortunately, these cosmetic blemishes are hardly noticeable, thanks to the very realistic and eye-pleasing player animations such as when goals are missed or scored.

Like earlier FIFA titles, this game comes fully loaded with options. It boasts all the key international soccer leagues, teams, and players, along with the ability to customize anything from cup tournaments to the colors on a player's sock. This game's in-depth team strategies remain intact for players keen on coaching as well as playing. FIFA 99 also introduces two smart playing modes that will surely appeal to soccer fans. The first is a European dream league mode that pits the best teams from the various leagues against each other. The second is a golden goal mode that sets a goal limit between two teams. The latter option is a surprisingly great multiplayer mode since it kills the clock - it's odd no one thought of this before.

Once again, EA Sports tapped into the alt-rock realm to spruce up a soccer game, this time recruiting Fatboy Slim's "Rockafeller Skank" as the game's theme song. The various song tracks, along with accurately timed two-person play-by-play commentary, make FIFA 99 an enjoyable listening experience.

FIFA 99's main shortcomings are, for the most part, fixable, thanks to the game's wealth of options. The most glaring hole (at least for US gamers) will likely be the "fake" US league play with non-Major League Soccer teams and players. Granted, EA Sports doesn't own the rights to MLS, but it seems awfully cheesy when generic US teams have to duke it out in Istanbul or Paris. Fortunately, there's a partial fix for die-hard MLS fans: Use the team and player edit modes to rename the teams and players, and change their uniform colors. Another small blemish is the default difficulty, which seems a shade too easy, even for beginners. You should set the difficulty to professional to get the most realistic feel in terms of AI. Another AI gripe is that computer teammates usually play conservatively to a fault. Don't expect them to chase after loose balls or foul hard on their own, even after setting aggressive offense/defense team strategies.

It'll be a couple years until the next World Cup, but FIFA 99 surely packs enough punch to keep soccer fans satisfied in the meantime. While not completely perfect, it's deep on options, packed with real teams and players, and presented with a slick interface. This makes it arguably the best soccer game to date for the PlayStation. --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 Soccer 99 for the Playstation 1. This game may not come with the original case and instructions. 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.

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

12 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars this game is sweet, November 11, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: FIFA 99 (Video Game)

i love this game. it is really easy to learn the moves and in just 20 minutes you will be playing like a pro. the menu's are easy to navigate and the training mode makes it easy to learn and practice your moves. i would suggest buying this game

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars The greatest game of all, March 11, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: FIFA 99 (Video Game)

This is an excellent game. The graphics are very well done. When a player kicks the ball it is very realistic. The curve balls go directly to the goal. Some times the goalie is a little dummy when loose the ball and sometimes when the player kicks the goalie react too late. The game is very good.

4.0 out of 5 stars Excellent effort - "we like 'am"ÿ, December 26, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: FIFA 99 (Video Game)

The first notable drawback is the lack of international teams (most notably Trinidad and Tobago - my home team), in comparison to Fifa 98.

Other than that, the gameplay is excellent. I must say though, that the facial graphics could be improved upon. The weather conditions actually adjust in Fifa 99, which is a welcome addition. However, some effort must be made by the player to differentiate the ball from snow, sleet, and rain.

All in all, Fifa 99 is an excellent improvement over 98, and I hope future changes are an improvement. I note that I'm seeing Fifa 2000 highlighting the MLS league, and I hope Fifa 2001 will highlight the Concacaf Gold Cup teams, featuring Jack Warner.