Goal Storm

Lore & Background

Goal Storm was developed by Konami Computer Entertainment Tokyo and published by Konami. It was released in late 1995 in North America and early 1996 in other regions for the PlayStation. The game offers two modes: Hyper Cup Mode and Exhibition Mode, along with Key Configuration and Options mode, allowing players to adjust difficulty and field conditions. Players control one of 27 national teams, including the hidden 'Konami All-Stars' team.

Reader's Guide

Goal Storm is significant as the debut title of the Winning Eleven franchise, which later became the globally recognized Pro Evolution Soccer series. Critics praised its smooth polygonal graphics and intuitive controls, though some noted sluggish animation and a control scheme that could cause accidental shots. The game was well-received critically, with reviewers from Next Generation, Electronic Gaming Monthly, and GamePro highlighting its realistic visuals and user-friendly interface. A Sega Saturn version was announced for North America but never released. Its sequel, International Superstar Soccer Pro (known as Goal Storm '97 in North America), followed in 1997. The game's legacy includes a special time attack mode called Time Leap Trials added to eFootball in June 2025 as part of the 30th Anniversary of the Pro Evolution Soccer series, which remade the stadium and player models using Unreal Engine 4.

Did You Know?

• Goal Storm is a separate Western release that predates the Winning Eleven branding and is not considered the first installment of that series.
• A Sega Saturn version was announced for North America but never released.
• The game features 27 national teams, including the hidden 'Konami All-Stars' team.
• A special time attack mode called Time Leap Trials was added to eFootball in June 2025 for the 30th Anniversary of the series.