FIFA 94

Lore & Background

The game was released for the Sega Mega Drive/Genesis console in December 1993 and ported to numerous other systems in 1994. It simulates international matches using an isometric viewpoint, unlike contemporary football games that used a bird's-eye or top-down view. The game features 48 national teams plus an EA All Stars team, with fictional player names. A notable oversight allows easy goals by standing in front of the opponent's goalkeeper when he holds the ball.

Reader's Guide

Players control one of eleven footballers at a time, with the ability to switch players on command. Up to four human players can play simultaneously, either on the same team or opposing teams. Four modes are available: Exhibition (single match), Tournament (group stage followed by knockout), Playoffs (knockout only), and League (eight-team double round-robin).

Did You Know?

• The game sold 400,000 copies in the last two weeks of December 1993 in the United Kingdom, becoming the fifth best-selling home video game of 1993 there.
• The 3DO version added multiple camera views and more detailed graphics than other versions.
• The game's working title was EA Soccer, and it was developed by a team of ten developers at EA's Canadian studios.
• The FIFA license did not include any team names, logos, player names, likenesses, or stadia.