International Superstar Soccer 2 (GameCube)

In my opinion the dribbling is realistically modeled and a distinct feature of ISS series. It makes running with the ball alot tougher than in FIFA series. In ISS2, the physical aspects of the ball are accurately captured. Shooting and long pass are controlled by a power meter (so as FIFA 2002). However, the shooting is no longer as easy as FIFA, it is all about timing and control of the power meter. The passing is relatively easier to execute, there is no power control in pass system(except long pass).

There are also plenty of options to choose from, we can go for a friendly match, international league, world league. More importantly, the ability to customise a tournament and create our star player.

The AI of the players (both your team mates and opponents) is fine tuned. Your team mate will really get into position as you issue different formation and strategy. The opponents' marking a tough when the game is set to Real Hard difficulty. However, there is no frustration as in FIFA, where in the professional or world class mode, the opponents can pass accurately and fast (you cannot really intercept), or score from outside the box when you have defenders marking them.

One strange thing I cannot understand is why the commentators only mention the names of European footballers' name. I only hear the calling of shirt number, when I use non-european football teams.

If you demand a realistic gameplay, the Konami's ISS series is still simply the best choice for any football gamer.

They say nothings last forever, in what many other friend have called a
poor version. Konami have produced a shabby, unworthy game on the Nintendo's
superb console the Gamecube.

The graphics are great and so are the sound. The main problem comes in
the gameplay stinks so much it makes me feel sick. The movement of players
is terrible and it seems the players have no life of their own. This is one
of the worst rushed games on Gamecube and hopefully the last. The control system is cool
but the controls sluggish. The manual does not tell everything in the game and
that becomes annoying.

I guess we better wait for virtua striker 3 or soccer slam for sega

Sorry Gamecube fans we have been shafted.

Since the dawn of time there have been two different camps of people: FIFA people and ISS people. The FIFA fans always maintain that their game is the best, but one play of Konami's latest footballing instalment will surely have them changing sides.

ISS has always been a better football player's game and this one is no different. The silky controls make sure that passing, shooting, dribbling and tackling are easily pulled off with quick button presses, and through balls and one-twos are also simply achieved. The speed of the game is a little sluggish to begin with, but the pace can be cranked up to create a really frantic game. The actual play itself, is sort of a cross between the PS2's Pro Evolution and arcade-style football, being easy to get into, but with plenty of depth. The goals are superb, and you also always get a sense of enjoyment through scoring, because the keepers don't like to see the ball go past them and won't make any obvious mistakes like palming a shot right back at you. Unlike another certain football game, you always feel in control of the action, and the good AI never detracts from the fun of the game.

The multiplayer is great and with three friends round it can't be beaten in terms of sports games on the Gamecube. You can play all on the same team, 2 vs 2, or if you think you're up to it, 1 vs 3. The audio commentary, provided by the BBC's very own Jon Champion and Mark Lawrenson, is great and unrepetitive.

The player motion-capture animation is superb, and the players also look like they are actually making contact with the ground, instead of skating on top of the grass. The player models are excellent, and look a great deal like their real-life counterparts, compared to FIFA's cringe-worthily ugly mugs. As with all footie games there are variable weather conditions such as rain and night matches, and many different real-life stadia. The stadiums are full of highly detailed crowds and are suitable large, making every match seem like a big occasion.

The game includes international league and cup modes, as well as the obligatory custom championship. There is also an extensive editor and player creation mode, so if Beckham has a haircut, there's no problem. One thing rightly removed from ISS 2000 is the pants Career mode, which made you play your way up from a junior footballer. Unfortunately missing though, is the scenario mode that was present in earlier versions of ISS. There you would be placed in a hard situation of a match, say losing in the World Cup final, and have a time limit to turn it around and win. The scenarios got progressively harder, and provided great playability, especially for the lone player.

Overall, I would give this game about 8/10, because though the multiplayer is great, a lack of football-playing friends would the single player feel a bit unispiring, and you might get bored with the lack of inventive modes. But 'at the end of the day' this isn't a bad game, in fact ISS2 is so far ahead of the competition, it is head, shoulders, multi-fabric nylon shirt, breathable shorts, cotton socks, ankle-protecting shinpads and Adidas predator boots above it, making it a definite purchase for the real football player and supporter.