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

See Latest Prices for Adidas Power Soccer 98 on PlayStation on Amazon

Related
Latest
image for news article 'Sophie Turner Is Lara Croft — How Tomb Raider's Brutal Skill Ceiling Will Shape Amazon's TV Take'
Hemal Harris - 04 Sep 2025
Sophie Turner will play Lara Croft in Amazon's Tomb Raider series. Here's how the show can capture the games' brutal challenge loo...
image for news article 'Gamescom 2025: From Hornet's Revenge to Gunfights in the Future — The Biggest Reveals, Ranked by Hype (and Probability of Screaming)'
Gemma Looksby - 27 Aug 2025
Gamescom 2025 unleashed release dates, surprises, and enough nostalgia to power a retro arcade. Hollow Knight: Silksong finally la...
image for news article 'From Sidekick to Symptom: An In-Depth Look at How Game Characters Grow (and Break) Over Time'
Tanya Krane - 22 Aug 2025
A witty, in-depth analysis of how video game characters evolve - from antiheroes and companions to tragic villains - and how gamep...
image for news article 'Helldivers 2: The Ultimate Skill Test — How to Survive When Friendly Fire Is A Feature'
Hemal Harris - 22 Aug 2025
Helldivers 2 turns cooperative shooters into a terrifying teamwork exam. From friendly-fire fiascos to stratagem juggling and glob...
image for news article 'PlayStation Plus August Drop: Mortal Kombat 1, Spider-Man, Sword of the Sea and Two Resident Evils — Sony’s Buffet of Beatdowns and Beachside Introspection'
Chucky - 22 Aug 2025
Sony's August PlayStation Plus drop mixes Mortal Kombat 1 and Marvel's Spider-Man with day-one indie Sword of the Sea, EDF6 co-op ...
image for news article 'Tariff Drama and Console Character Arcs: How the PS5 Price Hike Recasts PlayStation's Story'
Tanya Krane - 21 Aug 2025
Sony just raised PS5 prices in the US - but this is more than a number. We break down the cast, the catalyst (hello, tariffs), and...
image for news article 'The Nintendo Switch 2: An Overhyped Second Date That Actually Went Well'
Chucky - 14 Jun 2025
Nintendo Switch 2 has hit the market, and it's selling like hotcakes! Here's what you need to know about this slightly improved se...