ISS vs FIFA was a big debate for a while, with 1998 probably being the biggest year for the argument. N64 Magazine clearly preferred ISS, but for me, I enjoyed FIFA 98 more. I do think I know the main reason why people prefer each one, as while they seem the same from a distance, they both have slightly different targets. FIFA is more about casual fun, while ISS is more geared towards providing a more tactical experience.

Which means that it isn’t a case of which one is better, but rather what kind of game you want. ISS 98 is a marginal improvement from ISS 64, focusing on the World Cup. In Japan, it had an official World Cup branding, but still not player names (other than the Japanese squad), but is the same game.

You do get a new set of scenarios, so if you liked those, these are the main new things in this version compared to the previous year.

Fun

So it’s changed then. Not in a drastic, classic-ruining sort of way (Major A are far too canny for that), and not in a way that would be immediately apparent to even the biggest ISS 64 fan, but there’s definitely something different about this new jazzed-up sequel.

Martin Kitts, N64 Magazine #20. Review Score: 92%

Remake or remaster?

Other than Konami looking back to move forward, not really.

Official ways to get the game.

There is no official way to get International Superstar Soccer 98