58 June 2022 FourFourTwo
10
CHAMPIOnSHIP
MAnAGER 97/98
From the original FM, to the legendary series
it inspired. This update to CM2 was crammed
with an extensive set of professional leagues
across nine different nations, creating a true
‘world of football’ vibe when it came to team
selection and signing new players. Even more
groundbreaking was its data editor, enabling
you to manipulate existing player stats and
add youth stars – or yourself.
BEST BIT Barricading the bedroom door and
then doing a ‘Crowded House’: four seasons
in one day.
09
I n TERnATIOnA L
SUPERSTAR
SOCCER DELUXE
While SNES’ best football game is considered
the daddy of Pro Evo, the two were made by
different Konami studios. Still, the ISS blend
of long punts, slide-tackles and thumping
shots are fondly remembered, as are player
likenesses: despite fake names, Valderrama,
Ravanelli and Letchkov were unmistakeable.BEST BIT The most histrionic commentary
of any football game ever. “Down the wing!!
It’s a biiiig kick!!!”08
FIFA
22
Pay-to-win complaints make the latest FIFA
controversial, but on the pitch it’s never been
better. EA could now motion-capture all 22
players together for the first time, ensuring
intelligent team-mate AI, improved keepers
and physical aerial duels. Plus Ultimate Team
remains epic, as long as you’re able to keep
your wallet locked away.BEST BIT The inclusion of league-specific
Ultimate Team Heroes like Joe Cole (Premier
League), Fernando Morientes (La Liga) and
David Ginola (Ligue 1).07
KICK
OFF 2
Dino Dini’s second try at top-down football
expanded on the 1988 original with several
tournament modes and four different types
of playing surface – how Luton fans rejoiced
(presumably) at seeing their plastic pitch in
video game form. Still revered, to the point
that its annual World Cup was broadcast on
German TV in 2019.BEST BIT Loading in your own team from
a different game – Dini’s separate tactical
sim, Player Manager.06
ISS PRO
EVOLUTIOn
The PS1 title which cemented Konami’s shift
away from the arcade mode of International
Superstar Soccer and towards PES’ mid-2000s
authenticity. Some deft passing and intricate
build-up play was a welcome replacement to
the kick and rush of old, 3D players appeared
real instead of cartoony, and shooting mixed
subtlety and power.BEST BIT Recycling possession near the edge
of the penalty area to fashion an opportunity- truly groundbreaking at the time.
05
SEnSIBLE
SOCCER
Pacy, relentlessly addictive top-down action
which felt like all the best bits of Kick Off and
MicroProse Soccer put together. Tiny players
charged around the pitch launching snappy
passes and physics-defying shots – and after
initially wowing Amiga and Atari owners in
1992, its console debut triggered the maiden
major digital rivalry, with FIFA.BEST BIT Playing as fictional teams such as
Kebab Shop – with a frontline of Fresh Chillies,
Cheeseburger and Small Doner.EA MOTIOn-CAPTURED
22 PLAYERS TOGETHER
FOR THE FIRST TIME
SInCE FIFA STARTED
FOOTBALL
VIDEO GAMES