Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #13296 in Computer & Video Games
• Brand: Konami
• Released on: 2002-05-17
• Rating: To Be Announced
• Platform: PlayStation2

Amazon.co.uk Review
In a year dominated by the World Cup it's inevitable that soccer games by the handful will be released into a market keen to soak up as much footie as possible. Enter Konami's ISS 2, the follow-up to their massively successful International Superstar Soccer. Being a follow-up doesn't guarantee success, however, and ISS 2 proves it's possible to take a winning formula and contaminate it with a sprinkling of annoyances that take the shine off a game that promised so much.

The biggest problem stems right from the heart of the gameplay itself. Player control suffers from stop/start movements, meaning a change of direction can result in instant loss of possession as the opposition sweep the ball away while the player under your control hesitates for a second before performing the desired manoeuvre. Get caught by this a couple of times and you'll realise how exasperating it is and how it breaks up the smooth flow of play. Commentary too is weak and lacks the variety and smooth flow of titles such as 2002 FIFA World Cup--turning it off is the only real way forward unless you're in a sadistic mood.

If you can push these issues to one side, the rest of ISS2 is a pretty good effort. Intro screens and menus are comprehensive and easy to use and a wealth of club, national and international sides are presented for your ball-booting pleasure. Action replays are comprehensive and, as has become the norm, can be viewed from hundreds of different angles. Graphically, the game's a treat for the eyes and manages to inject a little humanity into the players (unlike 2002 FIFA World Cup's zombie Beckham, who's more likely to frighten the opposition to death than shimmy round them with a flick of the boot).

All in all, though, ISS 2 feels woolly and below par; the inadequacies of the control system make a real dent in the gameplay, which is very disappointing and takes some of the excitement away--it feels more like radio-controlled football then "being there". For best results stick to Pro Evolution Soccer or 2002 FIFA World Cup. --Chris Russell

Manufacturer's Description
ISS 2 is the latest offering from the creators of Konami's successful International Superstar Soccer series. Its arcade style gameplay is based on realistic and intuitive football action, and ISS 2's fluid and detailed style allows the gamer greater scope for their flexing virtual football talent, with the open gameplay ensuring that no two goals or build-up play will be the same. With more than 50 international teams and a wealth of game modes, ISS 2 is huge. Featuring real player names thanks to the FIFPro licence, the game allows players to step into the boots of their favourite players to tackle, dribble and score their way to glory on every next generation platform.

Customer Reviews

Imternational Superstar Soccer fails to regain title!!
Many regard ISS PRO as the leader in the football sim market. However, the latest edition to the ISS PRO series fails to live up to its reputation. A complicated select screen using a similar layout to Ridge Racer greets you as a player. However, once through the selection process you are offered a range of 50 international teams offering endless game play. The graphics are good as expected with the Playstation 2 but I feel more could have been done. Cut scenes are good but there is a definate lack of detail compared with rival games such as Pro Evolution Soccer(PES). Game play is also good but lacks the smoothness of PES. Build up play can be frustrating and the end product can often be dissapointing. Commentary is a plus point of ISS PRO 2. Mark Lawrenson is on time with his comments and not delayed as with other rival games. This adds to the enjoyment of ISS PRO 2. I believe that purchasing this game would give hours of game play with friends. However, it lacks the details, smoothness and gameplay of Pro Evolution Soccer. Pro Evolution has taken arcade football and redeveloped it into the best football sim on the Playstation 2.I'm afraid its time for ISS PRO to hand over the football sim crown to Pro Evolution Soccer.

Football
A good international football game lacking a bit in graphics and all important real players for every team. Good if you don't want to pay for more expensive football games and has enough to keep you playing for a while.

International Superstar Soccer 2 (Pure quality)
I have been playing this series of the game ever since the Nintento versions of the game. And this is the best ever game so far by the producers Konami. I thought that it could get no better when Pro Evolution Soccer came out for the PS2 but it has. The gameplay is very smooth and it always flows. The graphics are of an excellent standard and even the commentary is getting better. A game well worth buying