Genesis ~ World Cup 1994 Review

Overview

World Cup USA 1994 is the official game of the FIFA 1994 World Cup making this the predecessor to the EA Sports franchise of World Cup games.

Gameplay

I'll get straight to the point. This game is bad. Now for details; this is a top down view soccer game.

The pace of the ball off the foot is unrealistically quick. The stuff that goes on near the goalie zips around so fast, you will be forgiven for thinking its comical or just plain ridiculous. The passing system is alright, but shooting for goal is terrible both user and CPU wise. Because you can only move and kick in 8 directions, all shots at goal, vertical or diagonal only go in straight lines, making it frustratingly difficult to put in decent shots at goal. Plus you need to hold down on the shoot button then release it for put some power behind it. The thing is that the goal keepers are far too good. You shoot the ball vertically at max power and they manage to save the ball almost all the time. And if you get within a good distance of goal, they make a flash beeline for the ball.

4 out of 10

Graphics

All the players look like fat men with big heads and player animations aren't interesting. A picture of the referee's call pops up in a small box whenever the whistle is blown and although this is quick, it is still highly annoying. Off the pitch we have a rather lifeless audience. The ad-boards and cameramen are a nice touch.

2.5 out of 5

Sound and Music

The sounds are just lacking. You don't notice any crowd noise unless you turn the volume on real high. Occasionally you get their rather unenthusiastic cheers, but at least they sound realistic. The only pitch sound effects are the ball being kicked, which is the same over and over, and the whistle. The music suits under 10 year olds and is great to sing along with if you can make lyrics up for it.

1 out of 5

Playability and Versatility

The controls are noticeably fiddly when it comes to trying to maintain possession. Soccer is about getting the ball to flow, you won't find it in this game because the opponent AI does the same cheap thing over and over. Every single time they shoot the ball from well outside the box, if it's diagonal it goes out most of the time. Your goalie reclaims the ball, you make the clearance and because the CPU is so dam fast at getting they ball back, they almost immediately fire the ball to your goal. And unless you're quick at getting the ball onto the other side of the field, this pattern follows over and over. Up and down, up and down, and the CPU might even get a goal inbetween. See? Cheap.

The user interface is the worst I have ever seen! All the menu options are represented as picture icons with Striker the mascot hinting you what the menu item does. They aren't all self explanatory which is what the producers had in mind. There are menus within menus, all which use picture icons. What's the matter Striker? Doggy can play soccer but can't talk?

1.5 out of 5

Options

From what it looks like, basically there's exhibition, World Cup and training. I found it too hard to figure out the options in each one, so I assume there are a wide range of parameters. There is nothing special about the World Cup mode, but I'll save you from any spoilers. All 24 participating countries are present, but none of the players are real. Some official World Cup game this is aye?

3.5 out of 5

For: officially licenced product, it's soccer, can sing along to music nicely, nice range of options.

Against: ball too quick, graphics lacking, sounds especially lacking, AI is cheap, user interface all picture icons, no real players.

A below mediocre soccer game. Lacks almost everything to make it a good game. Perhaps the official licence and Striker the mascot saved it from further embarrassment.