Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

adidas Power Soccer 98 carries forward the series’ hallmark blend of fast-paced arcade action and deeper simulation mechanics, offering soccer fans a versatile experience. With twelve distinct tournaments and cups to conquer, eleven international leagues, 120 national teams, and roughly 30 unique stadiums, players can choose from dozens of competitive formats. Whether you’re staging a quick one-off match or embarking on a long campaign through league play, the variety on offer ensures that no two sessions feel exactly the same.

Controls are tight and responsive, striking a balance between accessible arcade thrills and precision passing typical of more serious simulations. A special “speed button” lets you propel your athletes into a burst of extreme pace, though using it recklessly often sees the ball streaking clear of a player’s boot—an inviting opportunity for opposing defenders to slide in. The game automatically selects the athlete closest to the ball, which can initially feel restrictive for veterans accustomed to manual player switching. Over time, however, this design choice speeds up play, forcing you to focus on positioning rather than micromanagement.

Signature moves like flick-passes, deft short dribbles, and slide tackles add depth to the arcade framework. Timing is crucial: release a flick-pass too early, and your teammate will overshoot the ball; delay a sliding tackle by a split second, and you’ll commit a foul. This risk-reward dynamic keeps matches tense, highly rewarding well-placed plays while always leaving room for dramatic comebacks courtesy of the dynamic difficulty curve.

Graphics

For its 1998 release, adidas Power Soccer 98 delivers vibrant, colorful visuals that pop on the original PlayStation hardware. Stadiums are richly detailed, from the perfectly manicured grass to the animated crowd sections that pulse with energy. Though the polygon counts are modest by today’s standards, the game’s bold color palette and clever use of shading give each arena a distinct personality, whether you’re playing under the Parisian lights or tackling a rainy match in London.

Player models are recognizably athletic, with realistic running and kicking animations that flow smoothly between actions. The dynamic camera system enhances the presentation by zooming in during intense goalmouth scrambles and pulling back during open-field play, giving you the ideal vantage point at all times. Though occasional clipping and pop-in occur, they’re rarely disruptive, and most gamers will appreciate the cinematic flair that this camera provides.

Special effects—like the glint of floodlights, referee flag signals, and grass particles kicked up during tackles—add extra polish. Goal celebrations are also well animated, with players performing signature moves that amplify the thrill of a last-minute winner. While textures can appear a bit dated compared to modern titles, the overall aesthetic remains charming and full of character.

Story

As a sports title, adidas Power Soccer 98 doesn’t follow a traditional narrative arc but rather invites players to craft their own stories through competitive success. Each tournament, league, and friendly match becomes a chapter in your personal soccer saga. The thrill of an underdog national team triumphing over heavyweights or the satisfaction of guiding a club side from bottom of the table to championship glory provides its own brand of storytelling.

The timing of the game’s release, coinciding with the 1998 World Cup in France, adds an extra layer of immersion. Fans could recreate real-world matchups and dream scenarios, pitting unlikely nations against one another in pursuit of global soccer supremacy. Although there’s no dedicated career or manager mode with off-pitch decisions, the breadth of cups and leagues allows you to experience a variety of “what if” narratives spanning the globe.

Each stadium’s distinct atmosphere and the varied difficulty settings further shape these emergent narratives. A rainy cup final in Tokyo will feel drastically different from a sunny midseason clash in Milan. While the lack of a deep single-player storyline might disappoint those seeking a scripted campaign, the game’s sandbox approach to competition compels you to write your own sports drama through memorable on-field moments.

Overall Experience

adidas Power Soccer 98 stands as a fitting swan song for Psygnosis’s Power Soccer series, refining the accessible gameplay of its predecessors while packing in the richest selection of content yet. Its balance of arcade exuberance and simulation nuance makes it approachable for newcomers while still offering challenges that seasoned players can tackle. The array of tournaments, leagues, and teams means that the replay value remains high long after the initial hours.

The multiplayer mode, supporting up to four players via multitap, turns living rooms into makeshift stadiums. Friendly rivalries are born in quick exhibition matches, and coordinated team play against CPU squads highlights the game’s tactical layers. Even today, sharing a controller—or four—remains a highlight, proving that the competitive spirit of local multiplayer never truly goes out of style.

While graphics and sound design reflect the era of its release, the core gameplay holds up remarkably well. Fast, fluid matches punctuated by satisfying goals and nimble defensive plays ensure that adidas Power Soccer 98 remains an engaging entry in the annals of classic ’90s sports games. Whether you’re a retro enthusiast or a soccer gamer looking to explore the genre’s roots, this title delivers a spirited, fun-filled experience that earns its place in any PlayStation library.

Retro Replay Score

5.8/10