FIFA Soccer 97

Description

Developed for the SEGA Saturn and released in 1996, FIFA Soccer 97 is one of the first true football simulations that sought to offer a realistic football experience on consoles. As the next installment in the popular FIFA series, from EA Sports, this game had high expectations, which it partially met, but not without some flaws.

One of the biggest draws of FIFA Soccer 97 was its 3D graphics, which represented a significant leap forward for its time. Players and stadiums were modelled with greater attention to detail, creating the feel of a real football match. Textures and animations were improved over previous editions, and many fans appreciated the effort to make the characters look realistic on screen. The blemish, however, was the occasional choppiness and lag, which was less of a problem on the SEGA Saturn in general, but in this case spoiled the overall impression.

The game's soundtrack also had its strengths. FIFA Soccer 97 boasted authentic sounds of the ball being kicked, the roar of the crowd and the commentary, which added to the atmosphere of the matches. However, the commentary, which was still in its infancy at the time, sometimes felt monotonous and repetitive. Still, it was a step in the right direction that set the standard for future football games.

In terms of gameplay, FIFA Soccer 97 offered a solid, if occasionally frustrating, experience. The controls were relatively simple and accessible, allowing for quick learning of the basics. On the other hand, advanced techniques and tricks were sometimes cumbersome to execute, which may have put off more demanding players looking for more depth. The AI of opponents was decent on the whole, but sometimes exhibited unpredictable behavior that could be demotivating.

The game featured licensed teams and players, which was a big plus for football fans. Being able to play as your favorite football stars added another layer of authenticity. The game modes, including leagues, tournaments, and friendlies, provided plenty of ways to enjoy the game, even if they could become monotonous after a while.

All in all, FIFA Soccer 97 on the SEGA Saturn was a significant step in the evolution of football games. It was technically ambitious, with some key improvements in graphics and sound, but its gameplay had its flaws that may have been limiting for some players. Despite this, it remained a popular title among many sports simulation fans who appreciated the progress EA Sports was trying to make.

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