FIFA 97 International Soccer

Description

This first installment in the long-running series used a dimetric viewpoint, also known as a "isometric" viewpoint, which was previously uncommon in football games but was quickly imitated by several titles. The game that started the best-selling series licensed by football's world governing body, this installment was the first in the long-running series to use this viewpoint. The game stood out in a market that was dominated by games like Sensible Soccer and Kick Off at the time. One of the things that helped the game stand out was the televisual presentation, which was one of the unique aspects of the early EA Sports titles. Hosts would introduce the matches. 

The player's talents in each ability area are evaluated out of 10, and the game is based on international teams (with made-up player names). This is done to give the player an overall picture of how good the teams are. The available options adhere to the standard set: the timer can be configured to work continuously or only while the ball is in play; fouls and offsides can be toggled on and off; the match length can be specified; and fouls and offsides can be toggled on and off. Outside of the penalty box, the game favors quick runs, short passes, and blistering shots. Set pieces are managed by moving a box into the target area for the ball, and the ball is then passed, lobbed, or booted directly. On the tactical side, formations may be picked, and there are also 5 alternative strategies that are available (although not all of these combinations make sense). The team Coverage, which refers to the areas that defenders, midfielders, and forwards cover, can also be selected.