The international version of J.League Perfect Striker was a brand that has changed over time. International Superstar Soccer later became Pro Evolution Soccer and its reputation has decreased over time. For the N64, though, ISS64 was lightyears ahead of FIFA 64. While the latter is clunky and broken, ISS64 is a joy to play.

The biggest let-down with ISS64 is the teams. In this, you only have access to International squads, all with slightly odd names due to not having licensing (although FIFA 64 never told you who you were controlling anyway). You can still play matches, leagues and tournaments, along with a practice mode and 16 scenarios to play though, so there’s still a lot more to do.

But it all comes down to the gameplay, and that’s where ISS64 shines. Passing feels spot on, especially the running pass where you kick the ball ahead of the next player, so they’re running forward to catch it. Basic moves are on the main buttons while more advanced ones are on the c-buttons, so everything works really well. The key thing about it is how it’s very tactics-based, you need to plan your lines of attack up the pitch, rather than trying to just run down the middle.

While FIFA 64 has the appeal of playing as league teams, ISS 64 is just a much, much nicer game to play.

Fun

Plainly, developers Major A know their football, which is possibly why the game comes across so well. Programmed by football followers for football followers.

- Tim Weaver, N64 Magazine #3. Review Score: 92%

Remake or Remaster?

Konami definitely need to look back at this before proceeding with the mess that is “eFootball”.

Official ways to get the game.

There is no official way to get ISS64