Recently, I tried out a game that has been catching quite a bit of attention because people in my community have been talking about it—FIFA Road to World Cup 98. As soon as I heard the name, memories of the good old days of gaming came flooding back. My expectations before playing were simple: I just wanted to experience the fun of classic football with that iconic 90s vibe. But what I got was much more than just nostalgia. It was a fun and challenging experience, and I'm happy to share it.
First Impressions and Expectations
Before diving into the game, I was a bit hesitant. Could an old game like this still be captivating in today’s world? Would the graphics even hold up, considering how far gaming technology has come? But my curiosity won in the end. I installed the game on my PC and started playing right away. Honestly, my expectations weren’t that high. I just wanted to feel the atmosphere of the 1998 World Cup, packed with memories, without worrying too much if the mechanics were outdated.
Gameplay and Mechanics
As the name suggests, FIFA Road to World Cup 98 takes players on a journey to the 1998 World Cup. You can choose any national team, even my country Indonesia, to begin in the qualifying rounds and hopefully make it to the finals. This part really brought back memories, especially when I played as the Indonesian national team and led them through the qualifying rounds—something that may only happen in the virtual world. In reality, our team's ranking is far from the top.
What makes this game compelling is its detailed tournament system. Each match feels important, not just a formality. The game mechanics are quite simple but feel very satisfying. The controls are intuitive, although some moves feel a bit stiff, especially when taking corner kicks or penalties. But that’s no major issue.
Graphics and Sound
As for the graphics, don’t expect anything spectacular. But for a game from 1997, they’re quite good. The player animations are smooth, although there are moments when movements feel a bit slow. What stands out the most is the attention to detail. For example, the players' facial expressions when scoring a goal or when they’re frustrated after receiving a red card—small details like these add depth to the gameplay experience.
And the soundtrack? Oh, this is the best part. Blur’s "Song 2" blasting during every match really got my adrenaline pumping. The game is also filled with tracks from The Crystal Method, which makes the gameplay even more epic. It’s the perfect blend of sports and high-energy music.
Special Moments and Challenges
One of the most exciting moments was when I led Indonesia to the semifinals. The match against Brazil was incredibly intense. Brazil, with its superior squad, almost had me giving up. Every time the ball came near the goal, my heart raced. But thanks to a moment of pure luck—a long-range free kick—I managed to score. This became the highlight of the game because I never expected to win against one of the strongest teams in the world.
However, there were challenges that left me frustrated. One of them was the AI, which sometimes felt way too smart. There were moments when the opponent could read all my moves, making the game incredibly difficult. It added a fun challenge but could also be frustrating at times.
Exploration and Interesting Features
One feature that makes this game unique is the indoor pitch mode. Imagine playing football in an enclosed arena with glass walls. When the ball hits the glass, it bounces off, creating a dynamic that’s different from the usual gameplay. It adds a fresh twist, even though it's only available in friendly match mode.
Additionally, the vast selection of national teams—172 in total—allows for plenty of experimentation with different playing styles. And let’s not forget the training mode, which helps sharpen your skills before heading into real matches.
Conclusion: An Unforgettable Journey
After spending several hours playing, I can honestly say that FIFA Road to World Cup 98 is an impressive journey. It’s not a modern football game with cutting-edge graphics and advanced features. But that’s where its charm lies. It takes us back to a time when virtual football was simpler and focused on pure fun.
There are a few drawbacks, particularly in the controls and outdated graphics, but these don’t detract too much from the overall experience. If you're looking for a football game full of nostalgia and want to relive the 1998 World Cup atmosphere, I highly recommend this game. Who knows, you might even lead your favorite national team to a big victory, just like I did with Indonesia.
Thank you for reading this far into my article. Hopefully, there is something you can get from what I have shared.