INFORMATION 
Publisher by Easports
Sport: Soccer 
Reviewer:SalmanSiddiqui 
 

INTRODUCTION
Three footy games in one year by one company makes you wonder if the third installment FIFA 99 is worth the money.  I, myself, was skeptical and not expecting a whole heck of a lot -- other than updated rosters, more European teams, and better graphics.  I got exactly what I had anticipated except for the fact that FIFA 99 has been refined in all facets to give a soccer fan the true feel of the game.  Let me tell you what I am talking about.

GRAPHICS - 96
Wow is one of many adjectives that can be used to describe the graphics in FIFA 99 running with the aid of a Voodoo II card.  The detail given to each player, along with added polygons, makes you wonder if you are watching the game on television or not.  In addition, players actually make facial expressions, especially when a foul is called on a particular player.  There is also a visible difference in the height of the players so they don't look as bland as they do in FIFA 98 or World Cup 98.  The weather effects also looked better than they did in FIFA 98 and WC98.  The best part of FIFA 99 has been the new added celebrations after a goal is scored.  I love it when after scoring a goal the player will actually run full speed, jump the ad boards, get down on his knees and wave his hand in the air to the fans.  Rather than continue to rave about the exceptional graphics, I have to mention the bad side of the graphical aspect.  There are still no linesmen, and FIFA 99 can only be played in 640x480 mode.

INTERFACE. - 92
The interface and controls are well done in FIFA 99.  I was happy to notice that while controlling a player close the touchlines he no longer went out of bounds.  The controls were crisp while heading the ball or performing a chest trap, as well.  Also, the added keeper control is a nice addition; however, the computer still allows the keeper the hold the ball for too long.  My only gripe is that keyboard controls are bad in the sense that I did not think the special move keys were setup very conveniently.

GAMEPLAY -95
FIFA 99 offers a plethora of options for gameplay. The different modes of play are quick start, friendly match, training mode, European Dream League and of course multiplayer. Quick start basically already has the teams picked and you just pick the team you want, within a minute you are playing in a match. In friendly matches you get to pick your team and can go head to head against the computer or your friends. European Dream league allows you to play against some of the top teams in Europe or you can create your own custom league. I have played several times for the modem and there were not any major problems. In fact, it's a blast playing in some of the modem leagues popping up on the Internet. The basic prerogative in season mode is to simply lead your team to the top of a particular league and win the league cup. One really enjoyable aspect of the gameplay is the different traps and the more strategic parts of soccer with in the game. The bad part of the game play is I found the game pace to be too fast paced for a soccer game. In addition, EA could have supported internet play this time, something we have all been yearning for since FIFA 97.

AUDIO - 96
FIFA 99, like its previous two predecessors in the past year, has excellent commentary from Jon Motson and Chris Waddle.  They're not very repetitive and always have to comment on all parts of the game.  The crowd also reacts very well to the on field action -- along with the usual chants.  Once again, FIFA 99 has a great musical score.  Rockefeller Skank performs the excellent heart-pumping track by Fat Boy Slim.  All in all, the audio aspect of FIFA 99 shines brightly.
 

DIFFICULTY - 94
The level of difficulty has certainly been addresses in FIFA 99.  The amateur level is just too easy; most people should be able to score at will.  The professional level is pretty challenging, as the computer gets smarter and the defenders come after you.  In addition, the rest of your teammates respond better in terms of positioning themselves in the correct location.  Even if you are not the defender on the ball, your teammates seam to cover the ball pretty well.  The world class level difficulty poses a daunting challenge for even the best of FIFA players.  Quick decisions are vital in beating the computer opponent on the world class difficulty level, precision passing and constantly attacking defense is the only way you will be able to beat the computer.  My suggestion is, to score on the world class level, try getting the ball to the flankers and use the offensive play that makes one of your teammates cut across the middle towards the goal; just lob the ball and see if you can score.  Although it sounds easy, it's still a difficult proposition as far as the execution is concerned.
 

OVERALL - 95
I recommend purchasing FIFA 99 even if you have FIFA 98 RTWC and World Cup 98.  The game has been improved in all aspects, as we would have expected it to be.  Everything has been fine-tuned to provide one of the most enjoyable soccer games of all time.  I am already yearning for FIFA 2000.  Go out and buy this one!
 
 

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Recommended:
Pentium 200MHz
32MB RAM
150MB+
8X cd-rom
3Dfx Accelerator
 

Cons:
- Pace is too fast
- No internet play
- 640x480 only

Pros:
-  Improved 3d graphics and environment
-  Great AI
-  Good audio

Coolinfo 
bottom line:
- A soccer game worth buying.