ISS Realm - PS2 International Superstar Soccer/Jikkyou World Soccer 2000 Impressions

The International Superstar Soccer
Realm

Reviews - International Superstar Soccer
Courtesy of www.gamespot.co.uk and www.dailyradar.co.uk
(PlayStation 2 - November 2000)

The old adage of "never judge a book by its cover" is perfect for Konami's first PlayStation2 kickaround. Yes, International Superstar Soccer is a more arcade-orientated title than its PlayStation predecessor, ISS Pro Evolution - but to dismiss it as a simplistic arcade title does it a complete disservice. Spend a couple of hours with the PlayStation2 game and you'll find that, while it doesn't have quite as many moves as its earlier incarnation, it can more than hold its own against the likes of FIFA and any other you care to mention.

It was always a worry when Konami announced that its first ISS for PlayStation2 was to be developed by Triple-A, the team behind the hopelessly simplistic N64 series. To be fair, though, you can see why they've done it. While ISS Pro Evolution is quite rightly felt to be the closest approximation to real football on a console, FIFA still outsells it at a rate of ten to one. This can be attributed to two factors: one, FIFA uses real player names and teams, and two, it can be mastered in minutes and acrobatic goals are a doddle to pull off. By comparison, the ISS series makes you work for every goal and that can be very off-putting. As such, with Konami shelling out for the requisite FIFPro licence to add real player names to the PlayStation2 game, it was always logical that they would dumb the gameplay down slightly too. This indeed has happened, but in a masterful way. Yes, the assorted feints, shimmies and long flighted passes and chest downs are in there, but they are gradually introduced. As such, while ISS ostensibly starts as a simple arcade title, it constantly drip feeds new elements to keep the player's attention. It's a system that works beautifully.

As an introduction to its intricacies, ISS keeps things simple with a basic selection of passes, shots and through balls effected via the buttons. These allow you to get to grips with the game and take on the minnows of Japan and San Marino and slot a few well-taken goals past them. From this firm foundation, ISS is then free to add a few more elements via different combinations of those basic controls. One-twos, for example, are simply a matter of tapping the X button twice and are perfect for exposing defensive frailties. Similarly, although the players will automatically move to chest down a high pass, pressing the circle button as the ball is received performs a neat spin to shield the ball from the encroaching defender. It's little touches such as these that elevate ISS beyond its arcade beginnings, and it just keeps getting better and better. Before long you'll be dummying passes, nodding on crosses and back-heeling the ball instinctively. It's a long way away from the organised mechanics of FIFA 2001 - a game that is scared to let the player try anything vaguely daring - but one that really makes you feel you've achieved something when you score a goal from open play.

Of course, it's still not perfect. Although the players are large and detailed, they still seem rather unwieldy at times. There's a bizarre stiffness to some of the movements that becomes particularly noticeable as they turn while sprinting and, despite the use of real names, the players also bear absolutely no relation to their real-life counterparts - with Michael Owen sporting an uncharacteristic flat top and Alan Shearer resembling The Mekon. Goals are also still rather hard to come by at times. At first, most will be scored in one-on-one situations with the 'keeper, but perseverance does bring its own rewards. ISS makes full use of the analogue buttons and this is partly why the better goals come with practice. Hammering the circle button will inevitably send a shot over the crossbar, but as you start to get used to the power needed in certain situations, delicate lobs over the goalkeeper and blistering 30-yard volleys soon start to fall into place.

Basically, ISS for PlayStation2 is a brave experiment that has worked well. If Konami's aim was to make a more accessible kickaround, then it has succeeded - but ISS never sacrifices content for glamour and, beneath its simplistic surface, lurks a true pro. It's also closer to ISS Pro Evolution than you'd think and any lessons learned in the PSX game will almost certainly come into play during a match on the PlayStation2.

With Konami now hard at work on a version of Evolution for us football purists in readiness for next season (including the ability to scan your own face into the game), this current version is the perfect introduction to the unsung hero and undoubted champion of football games. It's still not perfect, but International Superstar Soccer runs rings around the lethargic FIFA 2001 and is one of the most playable games to grace Sony's new wonder machine to date. Lace your boots, the season starts here...

By far the greatest football game the world has ever seen hits PS2. Better than ever, right? Er, no... that'll be the other ISS. Confused? Let us explain...

Typical, isn't it? Finally, Konami get with the program and soup up the presentation, get proper player names in there and in effect promise to fit in everything that you could possibly have complained that was missing from the PSone version of ISS.

It's announced as a PS2 launch game, and there's the real possibility that this best kept of secrets will at last be owned and loved by the world over. You excitedly throw the game into your gleaming new PS2 and guess what? 10 minutes later you'll be shaking your head in dismay, screaming 'what have they done' to anybody who will listen.

Okay, so we're probably giving you the early impression that International Superstar Soccer on PS2 is absolutely terrible. It's not. Fans of the series will be pleased to know that this is still much better than FIFA 2001, despite its pretty major flaws. But as fans, we soon found ourselves going back to ISS Pro Evolution on the humble PSone. There is no doubt about it, the earlier, less flashy version is the better game.

And you'll know why immediately. Evolution's brilliance was in its smooth, easy-to-pick-up gameplay and utterly realistic goals that were never the same twice. Step forward PS2, and the ball doesn't appear to roll properly, the players are jerkily animated and goalscoring is too hard to be much fun. Even tapping the ball into the net is a skill that has to be mastered, and while we're all for realism and despise the 8-8 extravaganzas of FIFA, this soon becomes deeply annoying rather than a challenge.

Defending isn't much fun either. In Evolution, half the fun was nicking an early lead, putting men behind the ball and defending for your life. The game really allowed for expert rearguard action. Along comes a next generation system and all of a sudden it's far too easy to waltz through even the most packed defence. It might not sound like much, but it is this kind of attention to detail that has had us playing Evolution for, literally, years now. Add in commentary that is somehow even more annoying than before and the imprecise, clunky direction arrows for set-pieces and you have a crushingly disappointing game.

Disappointing simply because there is so much goodness hiding underneath the jittery action. The passing game works even better, you can finally pull off some meaningful tricks and the flicks, long balls and quite exquisite aerial through balls are all nice additions to the ISS armoury. The presentation is far better than before, and the options available to you as pseudo-manager of your side are incredible. There's even a scenario mode which places you in a famous footballing situation and asks you to change history by, say, equalising against England in Euro 2000 as Germany. As if...

'Scenario' you say? 'Haven't I seen that before in the Nintendo version of ISS?' Yes, you have, and it gives a clue as to why we're not actually that despondent about this slightly below par ISS. You see, Konami's first footy game on PS2 has been made by KCEO (aka Major A) - the boys behind the classic, if a little dated, N64 version. We felt a whole lot better when we found out that KCET, those responsible for the best footy game ever, are working hard on ISS Evolution for PS2 - and you can expect a 2001 splashdown. Phew.

For all its undoubted good looks, proper names and neat tricks, the best footy game on PS2 is actually the humble PSone's ISS Pro Evolution. And now that there's a new console about, you should be able to get hold of it for about Ł20. But if you absolutely insist on buying a next gen footy game for your new console, this is the only option.

The ISS Realm says...
The quality of the first ISS on the PS2 is getting very confusing. Below, the Japanese versions supposedly had loose controls, and now the PAL version has stiff controls. An Australia magazine grumbles that even ISS PS2's simple ball control is difficult, its passing requires precision weighting and orientation, and the through-ball mechanics are tough. Also, in comparing it to Fifa, ISS is now a simulation and Fifa now the arcade game! While the DR UK reviewer above recognises the passing game that "works even better", some exquisite new moves, the scenario mode and all those "incredible" game-customable options that the ISS Realm adore, countering that he seems to have those similar negative sentiments that others have had about the supposed frustrating controls which sounds like no ISS game to me. Maybe he needs more time with it.

However, the game is redeemed somewhat by the gamespot reviewer who has done a complete turn-about. At least he at least seems to have really given the game a good working over meaning his appraisals are likely to be the most accurate. The fact that the "hopelessly simplistic" N64 version that is the basis of this game turns out to have "little touches such as these that elevate ISS beyond its arcade beginnings" and "beneath its simplistic surface, lurks a true pro" shows that the game has indeed retained some of the magic of ISS that we all know and love. ISS has always been simplistic to start with, but to excel, it requires full mastery of its intricacies. Like he said, don't judge a book by its cover. It's a pity he has not taken his own advice with regards to the N64 version in the first place because there is nothing new here with the PS2 upgrade.

While individual details vary amongst all the reviews, a common theme is clear: ISS on the PS2 is not as good as it could, or even should, be and the latest offerings on the PS and N64 are still far superior gameplay wise. Stick with them.

Reviewed 16/8/00. Note, this is the earlier Japanese version of the European/PAL ISS game from above

Konami has a reputation with true soccer fans, who deem ISS (aka World Soccer, Perfect Striker and Winning Eleven) the champion of soccer titles. Most don't see it that way, however, and FIFA has once again beaten ISS to release -- this time stealing the thunder of World Soccer 2000. Fortunately, the wait for ISS' PS2 debut was worth it.

The disappointing thing is that Konami has introduced practically nothing new to the fold with this 128-bit premiere. Developed by Major A, World Soccer 2000 is essentially a decorated version of Perfect Striker 1999 on the N64, which Major A was also responsible for. The game is actually based on 64-bit code, and while graphical improvements are considerable, gameplay advancements are few and far between. In some ways this works in World Soccer's favor. The slightly looser control in World Soccer, although in itself a tiny improvement, helps the franchise edge ever closer to perfection, without the very foundations of it being in danger of receiving an unnecessary overhaul. And so, the engine at World Soccer's base is as steady as there is.

The types of play proffered by World Soccer are hardly revolutionary either. "Open Game" is exactly that, letting up to four players compete simultaneously (via the MultiTap2). "League" and "Cup" modes are also available, complemented by an "Olympic" tournament. "Scenario" mode, a mainstay of the ISS franchise since its inception in the 16-bit era, is welcome as always, allowing players the chance to act out dramatic games and fractions of games. This works by throwing the gamer into a match with two minutes left, for example, and a three-goal deficit to recover. "Training" mode presents the opportunity to hone one's skills in an oppositionless park. "Success" mode makes an unfortunate appearance (from a western viewpoint, at least), where players can train an anime-styled character to achieve stardom as a soccer player. In theory the "Success" mode is a great idea, but in execution it's about as playable as a below-par Japanese dating sim.

The teams available are all of the international variety but are not the genuine article per se. Instead of using imaginary players, Konami has gone for second best and obtained the Olympic license, giving it the right to all under-23 squads. Besides 100 unofficial national sides, there are 50 Olympic teams to choose from, which goes some way toward challenging FIFA's authenticity, but -- truth be told -- not very far. Still, the famous players that are present in World Soccer are instantly recognizable thanks to the detailed representations of them.

In graphical terms, World Soccer is successful but not spectacular. Some effects are well portrayed (the shadows and motion capture, for instance), but others aren't (such as the shoddy representation of spectators). Animation is pleasingly fluid, however, and the way the in-game graphics are presented is exemplary too. Konami has set the default camera to a position that maximizes gameplay and minimizes visual difficulty (whereas EA Sports appears to work to a directly opposite ethos). There is, however, a hint of slowdown in places, which is a problem that has adversely affected the ISS series since it entered the third dimension. Overall, despite their imperfection, World Soccer's visuals do emanate class, just not as convincingly as EA's early effort.

As ever, playing through balls (passes that split the defense) and sprinting are two integral facets of the gameplay. The results are seamless, with opportunities for seemingly impossible precision and highly complex teamwork arising regularly. And in the moments between major incidents, there is a coherence to proceedings that is unmatched by any other soccer sim (FIFA included). In the end, that's what counts.

The Bottom Line: Gameplay is of paramount importance; and World Soccer excels in this regard, leaving discerning spectators in little doubt as to the champion's identity. Next time, though, a little innovation would round it off nicely. - Jonti Davies

Take the most highly reputable name in football games, translate it to the most technologically advanced console and what do you get? Well in theory, a dream combination where you'll never have to leave the comfort of your armchair to enjoy your very own free-flowing interpretation of the beautiful game. Sadly, the end result is somewhat short of the inspiring performance so many of us had hoped for.

Konami's KCEO team, responsible for the successful N64 versions, takes over the reigns for the series' debut appearance on the PlayStation2. Whether you've sided with Sony or Nintendo over the past few years will undoubtedly have a strong bearing on whether you warm to this version or not. In short, it's the N64 version given a Y2K makeover. Let me explain.

Besides the usual array of playable modes, including league, cup, scenario and friendly encounters, Konami has added a success mode. First seen in the recently released ISS 2000, this is basically a strictly linear career styled mode. You start off by creating your unknown youngster, whose aim is to make the national squad. Talking, sleeping and living football is imperative to ensuring you satisfy the game's requirements to make it all the way to the big stage. It's all a bit too cheesy, especially the scenes where you attempt to score off the field - with the local ladies! Of course, this virtual girlfriend experience is apparently great for your morale, which in turn helps you to improve your maturity as a player.

Konami still hasn't been able to land the official licence for player names, although as per usual, perfectionists can simply spend time correcting these in the edit mode. In an attempt to salvage some credibility, Konami has managed to snap up the rights to the under-23 Olympic teams and players. Who knows - maybe these will become the stars of the future?

Once you've set up the number of players on your team, their motivation and attitude, which I've always found slightly strange, it's time to step out onto the hallowed turf. Player details have been massively improved with facial structures and even individual strands of hair clearly visible whenever the camera zooms in. They're more comparable to the PlayStation version, each achieving acceptable levels of accuracy to real life players.

Within each of the six stadia, the pitch looks fantastic, boasting individual aesthetics any groundsman would boast about. Likewise, lighting effects and shadows are captured expertly and are dependent upon the time of day and the weather. It's only when you glance round at the tiers of fans that the atmosphere suddenly plummets. Although fully animated, the cardboard cut-out effect is all too apparent and not what we should be seeing in supposed next generation products.

Game physics and the basic engine remains true to its Nintendo origins, which is no disappointment. Players feel as though they skate around the pitch slightly, but the action is familiarly fluent. Passing moves work well and there's plenty of skills to deploy to make a mockery of your opponent's rash lunges. Stepovers, feints, twists, dummies and flips all encourage you to spend time perfecting your skills to Brazilian standards. As ever, the through-ball can be used to devastating effect to split tight defences, and there's a fine line between over hitting a pass and judging just right. It's a slight disappointment that there's no power bar displayed when you're shooting or crossing; instead you simply judge their weight by the length of time the button is depressed. You do get the directional arrow power bar for free-kicks and corners though.

As ever, in true ISS style of play, tactics are critical to ensuring you don't get caught short at the back and I'm always keen to use a sweeper to halt counter-attacks. Assigning individual roles and sorting out in-game tactics is well worth taking time over and will often help you to control certain areas of the game. I also found the training mode useful for practicing switch passes and free kicks. All the attention may be focussed on your one player who's lining up to strike the ball, while the one standing over it strikes it quickly, catching the keeper unprepared. This is well worth spending time learning, just in case the opportunity arises in a match.

By far the most disappointing aspect and obvious sign of a rushed job development is the frame rate slowdown that often occurs. It's most problematic in the centre regions of the pitch, where the majority of players are on display. At times, the game judders to a near halt and frequently interrupts its flow. Turning off the various on-screen details, like player names and the pitch map, helps a bit, but still doesn't eliminate it. Another element that annoyed me was the inability of the keepers to hold even a moderately powered shot. Too often they'll spill the ball like a greased eel, causing unnecessary goal mouth scrambles and silly goals. I feel that more time should have been spent removing this annoyance, which has remained from the N64 versions.

Having spent every lunch hour since the turn of the millennium experiencing the delights of KCET's ISS Pro Evolution, our office was somewhat uninspired by this release. On the plus side, it displays awesome graphics and solid gameplay and if you adored the N64 version, then this would prove a fine upgrade. However, I've always preferred the slicker game developed by KCET and can't wait for them to transfer their attention to the PS2. After all, we'd have been more than happy for just a graphically enhanced PlayStation version. I grit my teeth as I write this, but once again this is a PlayStation2 port that falls short of expectation.

Pros: Solid gameplay from the N64 engine Amazing character visuals Plenty of skills to master It's ISS

The ISS Realm says....
As anticipated, merely a graphical update of the N64 version, but with looser controls? That does not sound good. The ISS Realm firmly believes the controls should be further tightened in order to make it harder to go past players. And lets get one thing straight, the N64 versions have always been more fluid. Maybe they have not played them but if this PS2 version is not as fluid as ISS Evo, then it really is a poor update. However, the above reviews gives none of the detail that us ISS fanatics want to know, so a PS2 purchase (just) to play this game won't happen for us. It seems rushed and a PS2 sequel to this version would undoubtably be far superior. As the reviewer says, it is not all about eye candy, and this version does not seem to have that in abundance anyway.