Description
The licensed game of the 1998 Football World Cup held in France from June 10 to July 12, the first World Cup licensed game distributed and developed by
EA features a tweaked
FIFA 98 engine, with all 10 stadiums accurately designed and all 32 teams (plus 8 teams that failed to qualify but still deemed too important to leave out) featuring real names and close "look-a-like" kits. Changes done to the 3D engine feature include on the fly in-game management with better player positioning AI (including the goalkeeper), and faster gameplay. An editor to change all player information is included, which affects simulated data: the team with higher ratings has a better chance of progressing through the next stage regardless if it is Brazil or China.
It's possible to play with the groups as determined by the real draw, randomize or customize them to the players' likings, mixing both qualified and additional teams. Once the player wins a trophy, the first of the
Classics matches is unlocked. These are eight final matches in the competition's history which are unlocked as the player beats them one by one. Friendlies, training matches and practice penalty shootouts close the modes available.
In the sound department,
John Motson and
Chris Waddle provide the commentary,
Gary Lineker announces the next matches and BBC legend
Kenneth Wolstenholme provides the commentary for classic matches. Chumbawamba, The Wizard of Oh, Boymerang and Fluke provide the licensed tracks in the game.
Alternate Titles
- "Frankreich 98 - Die Fußball-WM" -- German title
- "Coupe du Monde 98" -- French title
- "Copa del Mundo: Francia 98" -- Spanish title
Part of the Following Groups
User Reviews
The Press Says
| PC Games (Germany) |
Windows |
May 06, 1998 |
94 out of 100 |
94 |
| PC Action |
Windows |
May 20, 1998 |
93 out of 100 |
93 |
| PC Gameplay (Benelux) |
Windows |
Jun, 1998 |
92 out of 100 |
92 |
| Power Unlimited |
Windows |
Jun, 1998 |
9 out of 10 |
90 |
| PC Player (Germany) |
Windows |
May, 1998 |
90 out of 100 |
90 |
| Absolute Playstation |
PlayStation |
May, 1998 |
90 out of 100 |
90 |
| Power Unlimited |
Nintendo 64 |
Jun, 1998 |
8.8 out of 10 |
88 |
| GameSpot |
PlayStation |
May 08, 1998 |
8.6 out of 10 |
86 |
| Power Unlimited |
PlayStation |
Jun, 1998 |
8.5 out of 10 |
85 |
| Game Revolution |
Nintendo 64 |
Jun 06, 2004 |
B+ |
83 |
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Trivia
During penalty shootouts, if the player scores one of the possible commentary strings is "
That's how we score'm, John", said by
Chris Waddle. The same Chris Waddle that blasted his shootout spot kick high into the stands in the WC'90 semi-finals against Germany, which ended up in a tearful defeat for the British side. Germany went to win the tournament 1-0 against Argentina, and Italy beat England 2-1 for the third spot.
