World Cup 98
1998
Audio: English
- sport
- single player
- multiplayer
- split screen
The story
The main feature of the game is the World Cup tournament itself, where the player may use either the actual groups used in the finals, or groups composed of a random selection of the included teams. Each match takes place in a recreation of the venue it was played in the actual tournament. As in the real tournament, group games do not go to extra time or a penalty shootout but knockout matches do.
What it’s like
Bright, flat stadium daylight and blocky late-90s polygon players, with crowds rendered as a textured wash of colour and the camera pulled high over the pitch in a tight broadcast-style follow. The sound is the tinny, looping roar of a 1998 arena, referee whistles and commentary snippets over a bouncy synth-organ theme that repeats between matches. Matches run in short, purposeful bursts: a group stage that moves briskly, then the sharper tension of knockout ties where a drawn game tips into extra time and penalties. The vibe is nostalgic and bright, a sunny sports-hall glow with a chirpy, slightly plasticky charm, best suited to a weekend afternoon with friends or a split-screen session on a couch. Violence is nonexistent beyond the odd rough tackle, and there is no gore, fear or sexual content, so it sits comfortably as easy, low-stakes company. It suits people who want a cheerful, retro football tournament, especially those who grew up with the N64 and PS1 era or who enjoy playing a whole competition from group stage to final.
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