ISS Evolution 2

"If it ain't broke just tweak it!"

I haven't been able to get my hands on an acctual copy yet, it is currently set for release in March, but I've read the reviews and the future looks a bright one. After the poor ISS 2000 produced by the people that made the N64 version Konami now totally redeem themselves with the new arrival of ISS Evo 2. In the same mould as its predisesor the game has simply been tweaked in various places to give yet more to the hardened player.

A number of changes have been made although none of them too radical, and while Konami insist they add to the game some of the reviews are not so sure. So heres a brief lowdown on the changes.

Perhaps the biggest change from ISS Evo 1 is a complete over haul of the ball physics. Clearly when you first play the game this, along side the improved shapening of graphics will be the firs thing you'll notice. At first the ball appears to be heavier, and the increased graphics slows down the action a little. I have to admit when I first heared this my heart sunk, and I prepared myself for the worst, I already play on the fastest setting! But then I remembered when I changed from ISS 98 to ISS Evo and the first time I played I was not entirely impressed and oh how wrong i was! ISS is a little like sex, first time around your fumbeling your way through not really knowing how the controls work, then you realise how good it is, and then you simply can't stop - until the enevitable thumb blister apears, (i'm talking about the game now!). Anyway stick with it and you'll learn to love it!

There are no new tricks - But who cares? We'll make our own!

An area that got lost in the movement of ISS 98 to ISS Evo was the ability to head the ball down in the box to a team mate. This has been rectified and is implemented in the new title.

The tackling system has also changed, but before you scream 'theres nothing wrong with it!' they have some how managed to make it better! Balls will not bobble out of some challanges instead of always sticking to the foot of the defender. This means you can now have even scrappier midfield battles and even more exciting goal mouth scrambles. Now even Southend supporters will admit its realistic.

Injuries! YES, players can get injured and about time too. Now when your mate chooses Brasil and then insists that he is better than you, let them see how good they are when Ronaldo is playing with a broken leg!

The Master League has been increased and now consists of two leagues. My mates will also be pleased to hear that West Ham are in the new version, don't ask me why! Its hardly SUPERSTAR soccer with the likes of Steve Lomas is it. Apparently there are a few more international teams as well.

Anyway there are plenty more features in the new game, so for a full review click here!