Gamefings logoimg
Retro Game Review banner

Review of Adidas Power Soccer 98 on PlayStation

by Tanya Krane Tanya Krane photo Jun 1998
Cover image of Adidas Power Soccer 98 on PlayStation
Gamefings Score: 4.5
Platform: PlayStation PlayStation logo
Released: 11 Jun 1998
Genre: Sports
Developer: Shen Technologies SARL
Publisher: Psygnosis

Introduction

Welcome to the world of 'Adidas Power Soccer 98', a sports game that promises the thrill of soccer while sending players into a bewildering maze of questionable decisions and pixelated player mechanics. If you're wondering whether this game truly deserves the Adidas name, grab your shin guards and read on as we kick off this hilariously baffling sports saga!

Gameplay

In 'Adidas Power Soccer 98', players can choose from a lineup of soccer superstars who are somehow larger and less defined than an actual soccer ball. The game boasts various modes, including tournaments and friendly matches, but calling these modes 'varied' would be like calling a slice of plain bread a gourmet meal. Controls can feel about as precise as a toddler with a crayon—it’s more of a gamble each time you try to score. The player AI is impressive... if you mean impressive at walking into walls or each other. Honestly, I had more coordination trying to herd cats. Multiplayer mode offers a glimmer of hope for exciting competition, but get ready for potential sabotage as players battle for who can annoy each other the most while blindly kicking the air together. I’d say it’s like ‘Rock, Paper, Scissors,’ only the scissors are stuck in a blender.

Graphics

Now, let’s talk about graphics. This is where 'Adidas Power Soccer 98' decides to take a nice long nap. The visuals are reminiscent of a fever dream—lots of bright colors and odd shapes that are vaguely reminiscent of humans (or maybe aliens). Player models are stiff and lack that lifelike quality, making them look like they just escaped from a geometry class gone wrong. The stadiums? Well, they could use a little spark too; they’ve got all the charm of a parking lot. The graphics might not be a diss track, but they sure are a lullaby.

Conclusion

'Adidas Power Soccer 98' was released to cash-in on the soccer craze of the late '90s, but instead, it feels like a cruel joke crafted by prankish developers who found more joy in mischief than in giving players a solid soccer experience. Although it has its moments of reckless fun, the game is ultimately an uneven blend of bewildering mechanics and questionable visual design. While nostalgia may tug at the heartstrings of fans, for a true soccer experience, you might want to lace up your boots and hit the pitch instead! Overall, I’d say this game's a solid 4.5 out of 10, because let’s be real, it had to at least try to kick the ball—right?

See Prices for Adidas Power Soccer 98 on PlayStation on Ebay

Related
Latest
image for news article 'Astro Bot's Galactic Sweep at The Game Awards 2024'
Max Rathon - 13 Dec 2024
In a twist that left even the most cynical gamers doing a double-take, <em>Astro Bot</em> rocketed past the competition to snag th...
image for news article 'PlayStation's 30th Anniversary Events'
Hemal Harris - 06 Dec 2024
Greetings, fellow gamers and button-mashers! As we commemorate three decades of PlayStation, it's time to dust off those memory ca...
image for news article 'Xbox Year in Review 2024: A Hilarious Recap'
Tanya Krane - 06 Dec 2024
Greetings, esteemed gamers and joystick jesters! As 2024 takes its final bow, it's time to don our virtual party hats and revel in...
image for news article 'PS5 Pro: The Mega-Souped-Up Console That’ll Melt Your Brain (And Wallet)'
Hemal Harris - 10 Oct 2024
Alright, gamers. Ready for your wallet to cry? Say hello to the PS5 Pro, the next-gen beast that’s about to rock your gaming life ...
image for news article 'The Wacky History of Platform Games'
Chucky - 04 Oct 2024
Platform games - the genre that made us believe we could jump higher, run faster, and collect floating coins while avoiding spike ...
image for news article 'Xbox is turning 25!'
Gemma Looksby - 23 Sep 2024
So, Xbox and Halo are turning 25 soon, and Microsoft’s like, “Dude, we HAVE to party!”...
image for news article 'PS5 Disc Console vs. PS5 Digital Edition: Which One Should You Get?'
Jay Aborro - 20 Sep 2024
Compare the PS5 Disc Edition and PS5 Digital Edition, highlighting key differences such as price, physical media capability, and c...
image for news article 'PlayStation Turns 30!'
Chucky - 20 Sep 2024
Holy controller buttons, Batman! PlayStation has been rocking the gaming world for 30 whole years!...