out of World Cup 98

EA Sports have played a blinder. With the timing of legendary George Best at his peak, the leading sports games developers have just released World Cup 98 for the PlayStation.

And its perfect timing is more than equalled by a classy game that should should keep soccer-mad gamers busy - and very happy - in between watching the World Cup on the box.

However, EA's World Cup 98 will still be in demand long after the real thing is forgotten (unless England win, of course).

There are plenty of soccer games on the shelves, some good, a few decidedly dodgy. But if you have a few bob to spend and you want to keep that fantastic World Cup atmosphere alive and well in your own home then World Cup 98 is the one to have.

Unlike many games, World Cup 98 doesn't take hours to get to grips with. Unusually for me, I was soon in action, making some telling tackles, super passes and even managing a couple of goals!

But that's not to say it's easy, it's just very user friendly which equals plenty of fun.

Visually the game is spot on, capturing the magic spirit of the world's top sporting occasion and complemented with a great commentary from a line-up that includes John Motson, Gary Lineker 'They Think It's All Over' Kenneth Wolstenholme and smoothie Des Lynam.

The game features all the qualifying teams (and in this fantasy world Gazza made it to France), star player moves where the big names have their own special skills and realistic team strategies.

The latest motion capture techniques really bring the players alive with some great moves and special skills and celebrations like piggy backs and chest buts.

The more you get into the game, the more skilful you will become and the greater the enjoyment. And there is lots to learn, including sprinting, poke shots, lobs, chip shots etc, with different responses from the players in attack and defence.

But there's plenty more and you can really put the pressure on your opponent with skill mode, where your star man can perfect techniques such as rainbow kicks, fake passes and stepover nutmegs.

Anyway, all I'm trying to say is that World Cup 98 is pretty damn good.

Now I'm getting back to the PlayStation for my own World Cup where England are beating Germany 8-0 in the final! If only...JE.

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Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.