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International Superstar Soccer 64 ws released in the summer of 1997 to critical acclaim. It took all of the great bits form the SNES originals, boiled them in the 64-bit games cauldron, and threw in the most realistic console footy-game graphics ever just for fun. The game scored a maximum 10/10 in our extensive review, mainly because it was such a tactical game, with its plethora of options, formations, and tactics. To quote a certain Mr. Tim Weaver, editor of N64 Magazine: "A game by football followers, for football followers." I couldn't have put it better myself!

This guide assumes you know a bit about the game. So, to be a master at the beautiful game, you'll need to perfect your tactics as well as your skills...

1. Formation

There isn't one formation that is THE best, but the 4-3-3 formation (pictured below) will play well with almost all teams - regardless of skill.

Defence (2 - 5): The two wing-backs (2 + 5) will provide the attacking force down the wings, while providing width at the back during an opposition offensive. Most attacks will begin from either of these wings. Both central defenders (3 + 4) must stay rooted just outside the box to provide defence against crosses from the wings and through balls.

Midfield (6 - 8): Both wingers (7 + 8) should be used to attack wide, and crosses from the wing work well on any difficulty. Your defensive midfielder (6) should stay in the centre of the pitch during attacks. He will be your main tackler in midfield. Expect a few bookings.

Attack (9 - 11): Your strikers (9 + 10) should be used to dribble into the box to get a pot-shot, or they can also provide crosses into the box for your centre-forward (11). The centre-forward (11) is there to be used for long-range shots, and for knocking in crosses, and through-balls from midfield.

2. Tactics

You should assign the following tactics to the four C-Buttons:

Wing Attack, All Attack, All Defence, Push Forward.

Use each tactic appropriately, and don't forget to switch them off again!

3. Match Tips

Attacking:

Tip #1: When bringing the ball out from Defence, pass it out to either of your Wing Backs (2 + 5) or your Wingers in Midfield (7 + 8). Wing Backs should dribble with the ball up to about the halfway line and use Through-Ball (Top C) to pass it to the Wingers. The Wingers should then take the ball into the opponents' half, and then place the Through-Ball to the Strikers (9 + 10) waiting on the wing. Use them to take the ball down to the corner flag. Face directly towards the box, hold R (**NOTE: Holding the R Button when crossing turns off the Auto-Aim. This allows you to place a cross without the keeper knowing exactly where it's going to land**) and cross the ball with Left C. Use the Control Stick to curl the ball away from the goal if it's too near the 'keeper. Hold B to nod, bicycle, or scissors-kick the ball into the back of the net.

Tip #2: Another variation of the above tip is to simply use your midfielders to place the cross. This way you have an extra man in the box.

Tip #3: Using the same method as Tip #1, pass out to the Wingers, but instead of crossing into the box, play a diagonal Through-Ball into your Centre-Forward's path.

Tip #4: When the opposition's goalkeeper is about the kick (or throw) the ball out, press Shoulder Charge (A + B) just after the ball leaves his posession. If you do it right, you'll foul the 'keeper, but the referee won't do anything (**NOTE: You have to hit the 'keeper from the front, otherwise the ref will call a foul**). Next, keep tapping A, and your player will head the ball to smeone on your team. Then make sure you're lined up on goal and Shoot (B). The 'keeper should still be lying on the ground if you did it quick enough. I've managed to score from 49 Metres (Before the halfway line!!)!

Tip #5: Try to use the Block Tackle (A) instead of Sliding. You'll gain better control over the ball, it's a much faster tackle, and you won't get booked at all.

Tip #6: If a player has managed to burst past your defence and is bearing down on goal, DON'T give up. You 'keeper may get a slight touch on the ball which'll either deflect it back towards the attacker, or slow the pace of the shot down. Either way, this'll gie your defender a second chance at a tackle or you could clear the ball off the line.

Tip #7: A great way of scoring and showing off at the same time is the Lob. To perform a lob, you need to have your player running towards goal. Now, quickly press the Control Sick in the opposite direction and Press B. You MUST do this BEFORE your player turns around. If you do it correctly, the ball will be chipped high in to the air. To perform this in-game, you need to have a fairly clear run on goal. Wait for the keeper to come running off his line and quickly execute the move. With the correct power the ball should (hopefully) sail over the 'keeper's head and into the back of the net. Very useful, and very, very flash.

Tip #8: After playing for ages, you'll begin to notice a few of the 'Sweet Spots' in the game. These are basically a place on the pitch where it is easier to score from. Below is a diagram of them:

You may need to apply a touch of curl to guide the shot around the goalkeeper.

4. Cheats

Bonus teams:
Press Up, L, Up, L, Down, L, Down, L, Left, R, Right, R, Left, R, Right, R, B, A, hold Z + Start at the title screen. The announcer will say "What an incredible comeback!" to confirm correct code entry. Choose the "All Stars" from the team selection screen to select the Euro Stars A, Euro Stars B, Asian Stars, African Stars, All American Stars and World Stars teams. These teams normally appear only after the game is defeated in league mode. Note: Only two additional teams are available in the Japanese version of the game.

Big headed players:
Press C-Up(2), C-Down(2), C-Left, C-Right, C-Left, C-Right, B, A, hold Z + Start at the title screen. The announcer will say "Goal" to confirm correct code entry.

Additional moves:
Rainbow:
When sprinting in any direction let go of everything and immediately tap Chip.

Juggling:
Stand still and hold C-Left.

Joot moves:
Keep tapping C-Down when running or standing still.

Rising kick:
Hold Back after the ball is kicked.

Sinking Kick:
Hold Forward after the ball is kicked.

And that's it really. If you enjoyed this guide will you please click on the banner below. It's the least you could do for the work I've done writing this guide. Remember: It is free after all. I'll be doing a guide for ISS '98 soon, so keep an eye out for it. Happy gaming.
Vinny

This guide is property of Sixty Four Bitz and the Avid Gaming Network. International Superstar Soccer is a registered trademark of Konami.

All suspects are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.... (eh?...)