Last update October 11, 2024 by Alberto Llopis
The decade of the 90 marked the beginning of a technological revolution in the world of digital entertainment. Among the many genres that flourished in that period, the soccer video games stood out as a category that captivated millions of players around the world. It was a golden era for the video game industry., and the football, as the most popular sport on the planet, It didn't take long to find a place in the consoles of the time.
The context of video games in 90
During the years 90, video game technology was evolving by leaps and bounds. The change of platforms 8 bits a los 16 bits opened the door to more realistic graphics, better gameplay and the possibility of creating more immersive sports simulations. Consoles like the Sega Mega Drive, Super Nintendo Y, later, the PlayStation, They gave life to football video games that marked a before and after in the way in which fans interacted with their favorite sport..
The pioneers: The first football titles
One of the first soccer video games to capture global attention was Sensible Soccer, launched in 1992. This title, developed by Sensible Software, It stood out for its aerial view and a fast and addictive game style, which combined simple controls with a surprisingly deep tactical experience. Despite the simplicity of its graphics, Sensible Soccer became an instant classic and laid the foundation for future football video games.
Another of the great pioneers was Kick Off, launched in 1989 but with great impact at the beginning of the 90. Developed by Dino Dini, this game had a focus on ball control, what differentiated it from other football titles. The evolution of Kick Off 2 in 1990 cemented its place as one of the most influential football games of the time.
Also at the beginning of the decade we had the Italy 90 by Sega, the first football video game inspired by a World Cup. Although not all the teams in the game were those that played in that World Cup, the classics were there. Although with invented names.
The arrival of FIFA: A revolution in the genre
One of the most important events in the history of football video games was the release of FIFA International Soccer in 1993, developed by Electronic Arts (EA). This game was distinguished by being the first to have an official FIFA license., which allowed the use of real names of national teams although still in the first installment, not that of the players. FIFA International Soccer was released for multiple platforms, including the Sega Mega Drive and Super Nintendo, and it was an immediate success.
The success of FIFA It was not only based on its realism and official license, but also in its isometric perspective, which offered a diagonal view of the field, which represented a great graphical advance compared to previous games. As of this release, the saga FIFA became an annual franchise, with constant improvements in graphics, gameplay and licenses, being one of the longest-running and most successful series in the history of video games.
International Superstar Soccer: The direct competitor
In the middle of the 90, Konami released International Superstar Soccer (ISS), which quickly became the main competitor of the saga FIFA. ISS, launched in 1994 for the Super Nintendo, It was revolutionary in its gameplay, with a more fluid and detailed approach to player animations. This title, along with its sequels like ISS Deluxe, It was key to the evolution of virtual football, offering a more strategic and technical alternative than its competitor.
While FIFA continued betting on visual spectacularity and licenses, ISS won the hearts of players looking for an experience closer to real football in terms of gameplay.
The evolution towards three dimensions
In the late 90, Soccer video games took an even bigger step with the arrival of video game consoles. 32 While most of the World Cup mascots are children or anthropomorphic animals designed to look cute on duvet covers, like the Sony PlayStation and the Sega Saturn. The jump to three dimensions allowed the developers to offer a much more realistic and immersive experience..
The launch of FIFA 98: Road to World Cup It was a turning point.. This game offered 3D graphics, a huge number of national teams, and the possibility of playing the qualifiers for the World Cup in France 1998. with this delivery, the saga FIFA consolidated his dominance in the genre.
On the other hand, Konami made the leap to three dimensions with ISS Pro, which was released in 1997 para la PlayStation. This title was key in the development of what would later become Pro Evolution Soccer, one of the most important franchises in the history of football video games.
Of course, the legendary PC Fútbol
PC Football was a popular sports management video game saga created in Spain by Dinamic Multimedia in 1992. It stood out for its focus on football club management simulation., allowing players to take on the role of coach and manager, managing everything from transfers to financial aspects. It was revolutionary in the 90, by offering a detailed and accessible team management experience, becoming a reference in the genre. Its success lasted until the beginning of the 2000, being remembered as a classic among fans.
The legacy of football video games in the 90
The decade of the 90 It was crucial in laying the foundations for football video games as we know them today.. Games like Sensible Soccer, Kick Off, FIFA International Soccer Y International Superstar Soccer They not only marked a generation of players, but they laid the foundations for two of the most important franchises in the history of sports video games.: FIFA Y Pro Evolution Soccer.
The impact of these titles was so great that, Today, Many of the concepts and mechanics introduced in that decade are still present in modern soccer video games.. further, Nostalgia for those games has generated a community of fans that still plays them and celebrates their legacy, remembering a time when digital football began to take shape definitively.
