Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Goal Storm ’97 delivers a surprisingly deep soccer simulation for its time, thanks in large part to its choice of 32 international teams. Whether you’re managing Brazil’s flair or Italy’s defensive rigidity, each squad feels distinct. The inclusion of 21 formations and strategies lets you tailor your approach: switch from a conservative 4-4-2 to an all-out attack 3-3-4 at the touch of a button. This level of tactical control makes every match feel fresh and challenging.

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The control scheme is intuitive yet offers enough nuance to satisfy hardcore fans. Passing, through balls, and controlled dribbles all respond crisply to your inputs. With the DualShock controller’s analog sticks, you can finesse your runs and shots, though mastering the timing of power strikes does come with a satisfying learning curve. When you finally bend a perfect curler into the top corner, it feels genuinely earned.

Match modes like Exhibition, International League, International Cup, and Penalty Kick each have their own flavor. Exhibition is perfect for quick pick-up-and-play, while the cup and league tournaments reward consistency and smart substitutions. Penalty Kick mode, in particular, shines as a high-stakes mini-game, capturing the tension of a real shootout. Game pace and AI difficulty are customizable, ensuring novices and veterans alike can find a comfortable challenge.

Graphics

As the first ISS Pro title on the original PlayStation hardware, Goal Storm ’97 breaks new ground with fully polygonal players and dynamic stadiums. Crowd models and pitch details are more elaborate than previous soccer titles, giving each match an authentic atmosphere. Watching your striker charge through midfield with realistic body animations adds to the immersion.

The game offers four distinct stadia—each with its own lighting, colors, and crowd layout. Whether you’re in a sunlit daytime arena or playing under evening floodlights, you’ll appreciate the subtle changes in shading and texture. Frame rate remains steady even during crowded penalty-box scrambles, which is crucial for maintaining control when the action gets frantic.

There are occasional texture pop-ins and grainy crowds zoomed out in the distance, but these minor issues hardly detract from the overall visual experience. Jersey creases, player sweat, and goal celebrations look surprisingly detailed for a ’97 release. Small touches—like players reacting to bad tackles—add to the sense that you’re watching a living, breathing match.

Story

While Goal Storm ’97 doesn’t offer a narrative campaign with scripted cutscenes or character arcs, it allows players to create their own drama on the pitch. Progressing through the International Cup can feel like a grand story in itself, complete with underdog victories and last-minute heartbreaks. Each tournament match builds tension, and the knockout stages mimic the real-world stakes of major soccer competitions.

Your team’s journey through the league table also unfolds like a season-long saga. Formations evolve, rivalries emerge, and fan expectations rise. Tracking your squad’s performance across multiple matches gives you a sense of continuity—like managing a real club over an entire season.

Customizable modes let you invent your own scenarios, from high-pressure penalty shootouts to all-out tactical showdowns. Though there’s no cutscene to mark your triumph, the roar of the crowd and the on-screen “GOOOOOAL!” graphic provides its own kind of narrative payoff.

Overall Experience

Goal Storm ’97 stands as a landmark soccer title on the PlayStation, balancing accessible pick-up-and-play fun with surprisingly deep tactical options. Its variety of modes keeps you engaged long after your first trophy, and the responsive controls ensure you never feel penalized by wonky mechanics. Whether you’re a casual fan or a die-hard strategist, there’s something here to sink your teeth into.

The blend of polished graphics, authentic crowd locales, and robust team customization makes Goal Storm ’97 feel like more than just a sports game—it’s an invitation to live out your soccer dreams. Even two decades later, the fundamental joy of threading a perfect pass or launching a long-range screamer remains intact.

If you’re in the market for a classic soccer simulation that laid the groundwork for future ISS Pro and Winning Eleven titles, Goal Storm ’97 deserves a spot in your collection. Its enduring gameplay, coupled with the excitement of international competition, ensures that you’ll return to the pitch time and again. Just grab your controller and prepare to score!

Retro Replay Score

7.6/10