International Superstar Soccer is known for being one of the best soccer simulations out there, since the days of the Super Nintendo. This version does not disappoint in that area and excels in some areas with only a few annoyances. For those who want a good soccer game on the go, read on..

    ISS Advance has a plethora of information and stats, but still lets any newcomer jump right into the action. Four different modes are available to play: Friendly Match (a 1 on 1 versus the computer, another player or cpu vs. cpu), International Cup (play as one time, beating every other team for a chance to win the World Cup), Super Star Mode (essentially the same as International Cup), and Shoot-Out (a different view, testing your skills at just shooting against one goalie). In addition, you get all of the national teams from around the world, although Konami doesn’t use the real players (names, at least). The controls are responsive as is expected, but moving your character in directions other than a straight line is a huge task and the game seems, almost at random, to change the character you control without warning, albeit it is usually closer to the ball and you can cycle through the characters manually with the L button. In addition to the standard stuff, the game lets you choose from several formations, player line-ups, everything you would expect from its big brother on the home consoles. All in all, the features of ISSA overshadow some of the nuances, making this a solid game.

    The graphics are some of the best seen on the GameBoy Advance. The main menus (although the visuals on menus never really apply to the real game) are beautiful and sleek, making you feel more like you are playing the home console versions, though it is somewhat difficult to pick out a specific country’s flag among all of the other tiny, packed in flag graphics. The players are smoothly animated and everything looks alive as you play in either the rain (amazing in itself that Konami added that) or sun. Konami was able to really pack this cartridge with some amazing graphics for the little console that could.

    In addition to some of the best graphics on the GBA, ISSA really packs a lot of nice juicy sound to listen to. Konami was actually able to include a commenter’s voice in several situations and he sounds crystal clear. The crowd cheers, the announcer yells “GOOOOOOOOOALLLLLLL!!!!!” when you score and everything is right with the world. More you ask? Show them what is behind door number three!

    Soccer is great and all, but you want to play it with buddy don’t you? International Superstar Soccer offers the ability to hook up with your nearest pal and play a game of one on one. The great part actually lies in the GBA itself: since you both need separate systems, and therefore separate screens, choosing plays and strategy is a lot deeper than on a huge shared screen.

    It all comes down to one thing: is International Superstar Soccer Advanced worth it? The answer is yes, and this game is almost essential for the soccer game fan on the go. The graphics and sound are “tight” and right on spot and the game will keep you playing with the several different modes, and middle-of-the road difficulty. Unless you simply despise sports games, or soccer in general, trying ISSA will definitely be a treat.