FIFA: Road to World Cup 98 is a soccer simulation game developed and published by EA Sports, released in 1997 for the PlayStation and Microsoft Windows platforms.
Serving as the official qualifier for the 1998 FIFA World Cup, the game focuses on the qualification stages of the tournament, offering an authentic international soccer experience.
The game features over 170 national teams, providing a broad selection of players and squads from around the world.
Players can compete in the full qualification tournament or jump into exhibition matches and friendly games.
The inclusion of real player names, teams, and accurate kits enhanced the game’s authenticity, marking a major improvement over previous FIFA titles.
FIFA: Road to World Cup 98 features refined gameplay mechanics with improved passing, shooting, and AI behavior.
The controls are responsive, allowing players to perform skill moves and tactical plays that closely mimic real-world soccer.
The game also introduced a more detailed commentary system, enhancing the immersive atmosphere on and off the pitch.
Graphically, the game uses 2D sprites over a 3D pitch, providing smooth animations and vibrant stadium environments.
The stadiums reflect real-world locations with crowd chants and effects that bring matches to life.
Sound effects and music complement the high-energy gameplay and competitive spirit of international soccer.
FIFA: Road to World Cup 98 was widely praised for its deep content, realistic presentation, and addictive gameplay.
It is considered a significant step forward in the FIFA series, laying the groundwork for future soccer games.
Technical Details:
- Developer: EA Canada
- Publisher: EA Sports
- Release Year: 1997
- Platform(s): PlayStation, Microsoft Windows
- Genre: Sports (Soccer Simulation)
- Mode: Single-player, Multiplayer (up to 4 players on PlayStation)
- Engine: Enhanced FIFA engine with 2D sprites over 3D pitches
- Graphics: Detailed 2D player sprites, 3D stadiums
- Camera: Multiple broadcast-style camera angles
- Input: PlayStation controller, keyboard and gamepads on PC