SEGA CD

FIFA International Soccer

If you already have the Genesis FIFA, save your money because there aren't enough changes to justify the CD price. If you don't have and FIFA games yet, get the CD, because FIFA is still the World Cup champion.

If gameplay is your main concern you might invest in the Genesis version. But if you're willing to sit through a couple of "loading....please wait" screens in exchange for more of the atmosphere associated with international soccer, look no further.

FIFA on CD is a very cool soccer game, but some of the magic of the cartridge has been lost. There are almost enough CD goodies to make up for the slight degradation in control and ball animation, especially the hot sound and battery backup, but nearly every time you select an option from a menu there's one of those "Please Wait!" pictures. If you like the enhancements that CD sound brings to a cartridge game, this version is probably for you; otherwise, try both of them before you buy.

Sadly, FIFA is hindered since it makes no use of the Sega CD's capabilities. This was obviously pushed out to fill space on a console with a sparse library of games. If you are a collector you will need this to finish a set. There is no reason to own this game otherwise.

Overall FIFA International Soccer is not too difficult. The goalies stop a lot of shots but oddly the shots from farther away tend to go in more often than the close ones. For an added dimension unlockable secret game modes allow such elements as a curving ball and invisible walls. Simply put, if you own a Genesis soccer game by EA Sports then there is no reason to get this game. However, if you do not you might as well choose this one for the improved sound.