Mia Hamm Soccer 64 [Nintendo 64, Everyone (ESRB), 2000]

In the past, putting superstar athletes on the covers of games has met with mixed results, because money normally earmarked for game development is often used to acquire a high-profile license. Tha... more

In the past, putting superstar athletes on the covers of games has met with mixed results, because money normally earmarked for game development is often used to acquire a high-profile license. Thankfully, Mia Hamm Soccer 64 doesn't fall into this trap. What we have here is a solid title that offers up plenty of in-your-face soccer action with one of today's hottest athletes. Mia has her own all-star team in the U.S. League portion of the game, and she offers gamers soccer advice from time to time. Her tips range from the technical (such as curving the ball) to the strategic (exactly what kind of defensive formation you should be using when you are in the lead). Silicon Dreams and Digital Creations Studios developed Mia Hamm Soccer 64. They seem to have borrowed the look from Konami's International Superstar Soccer and some of the touch passing and ball physics from EA Sports' FIFA franchise. The game has five different modes of play: quick start, exhibition game, season, cup tournament, and practice. In the practice mode, you can shore up your throw-ins, corner kicks (which will allow you to perfect the header), or bicycle kick into the back of the net. But the biggest gripe here is that the game's artificial intelligence is not up to snuff. Of course, simply playing the game with friends can rectify this, but the fault can be frustrating for the single scorer. But then, just as in a real game of soccer, getting shots on goal and scoring can be challenging. Mia Hamm ... less