At last, soccer that really scores
ISS Pro Evolution Sony PlayStation £34.99 Konami *****
Football games are released every month but most of them aren't very good. The sales leader is EA's Fifa series, whose success derives partly from official licensing and recognisable branding.
However, Fifa plays a mediocre game on the pitch with unrealistic 7-6 score lines commonplace and goal scoring unsatisfying, especially when compared to ISS (International SuperStar Soccer) Pro Evolution.
Without a Fifa licence, it boasts players like Owenn and Sheerer. But ISS really triumphs on the field of play. Novices, used to the ease of other titles, will be disappointed by the effort needed to even register a goal.
For the first time in ages, here is a soccer game that rewards practice and encourages experiment. Everything is under your control, so you can flick on a header, or obstruct the opposing player.
This means there is relatively little help from the computer and it can be frustrating at times as your receiving player stands waiting for your pass, only for it to be easily intercepted by the opposition.
Thankfully the ground-breaking through-ball returns here, but it is the use of tactics and strategy that is the key for success, alienating ISS even further from the post-pub gaming crowd. But even they will appreciate the visuals, as the impressive animation means most players are recognisable.
Sensible Soccer on the Amiga will always be the football champion for the 20th Century, but ISS Pro Evolution has staked an early lead in the race for 21st century honours. Wonderful. (GH)
Can Airport really take off?
Airport Inc PC CD-rom £34.99 Krisalis Software/Take 2 ***
The airport is shrouded by a stifling pea-souper. The air traffic controllers are on strike. There's a pilferer at large in the baggage depot, and a man with a funny accent has just called to say he's left something ticking in terminal one. Wish you were here? Thought not.
Such problem-solving, however, is the meat and potatoes of the simulation. After all, who would have imagined that the likes of Theme Hospital and Railroad Tycoon would be so popular? And Airport Inc holds its own on many fronts.
Its big selling point is its fully 3D environment, far more conducive to designing worlds than the traditional 2D isometric view. Rotation is restricted to 90 degree units,but it's a start. Respect is due, too, for the animation of the passengers, vehicles and planes, which is astonishingly smooth and detailed, given that you can zoom from miles overhead right up to the pilot's window.
Control freaks can run just about every aspect of their airport, from freight and retail contracts right down to the charges on the luggage trolleys. But with changing weather conditions, geological disasters and disgruntled clients, there is no end of things to ruin your day.
What such simulations need is some kind of reward for, or distraction from, your tireless efforts to survive. Here, Airport loses altitude. Faced with drab graphics, pedestrian sound effects and little in the way of wit or imagination, you are likely to find something just as interesting by looking out of your bedroom window - and you can do something about it. (AB)
