International Superstar Soccer 2 vs International Superstar Soccer '98
Side-by-side comparison of features, pricing, ratings, and alternatives.
International Superstar Soccer 2 delivers fast‑paced, intuitive football gameplay on the PlayStation 2. With over 50 international teams and a FIFPro licence, players can control real‑world stars in a variety of modes. The game features split‑screen multiplayer, realistic AI, and detailed graphics that keep each match unpredictable, offering both solo and couch‑co‑op experiences.
International Superstar Soccer '98 lets you command any of 52 international squads, each animated with over 17,000 motion‑captured sequences. The vertical camera angle gives a broader view of the pitch, letting you plan attacks and defenses with precision. Create custom players, trade existing ones, and experiment with infinite formations and strategies. Whether you play solo, with friends in split‑screen, or cooperatively, the game delivers a deep, authentic soccer experience.
- Large roster of international teams
- Real player names add authenticity
- Responsive arcade controls
- Split‑screen multiplayer for couch play
- Massive library of motion‑captured animations
- Broad tactical view with vertical camera
- Extensive team and stadium roster
- Robust customization and formation system
- Graphics dated by modern standards
- Limited online features
- AI can become predictable after many matches
- Graphics are dated by modern standards
- Limited platform availability
- AI can be inconsistent in higher difficulty
More alternatives & similar tools
Alternatives to International Superstar Soccer 2
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Feel the tunnel nerves and pitch excitement in realistic football action.
Lead your nation to glory with 17,000 motion‑captured moves and 52 teams.
Alternatives to International Superstar Soccer '98
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The undisputed king of football returns with career mode and smoother gameplay.
Experience realistic international soccer with full control and customizable teams
The Verdict
AI-generated from listing dataBoth are classic arcade‑style soccer games from Konami, but International Superstar Soccer 2 (2001) offers a newer roster and higher critic score, while International Superstar Soccer ’98 (1998) provides deeper animation and tactical options.
Key differences
- •ISS 2 includes over 50 licensed international squads with real player names; ISS ’98 lists 52 licensed teams but no mention of player names.
- •ISS ’98 emphasizes 17,000 motion‑captured animations and a vertical camera for tactical view; ISS 2 focuses on arcade‑style controls.
- •Multiplayer: ISS 2 supports split‑screen for two players; ISS ’98 supports split‑screen plus co‑op and up to four‑player modes.
- •Release year and critic score: ISS 2 (2001) has a 70/100 critic rating; ISS ’98 (1998) has no critic score provided.
- •Price: ISS 2 lists an MSRP of $49.99; ISS ’98 does not specify a price.
Gameplay & fun factor
ISS 2’s arcade‑style controls are highlighted for fast, intuitive play, whereas ISS ’98 leans toward simulation with many animations.
Platform availability
Both are legacy titles; specific platforms beyond the PS2 for ISS 2 are not listed, and ISS ’98’s platform is not specified.
Price & value
ISS 2 has a clear MSRP of $49.99; ISS ’98 provides no price information.
Multiplayer / co‑op
ISS ’98 supports split‑screen, co‑op and up to four‑player modes, offering broader local multiplayer than ISS 2’s two‑player split screen.
Content & replayability
ISS ’98 offers more stadiums (nine), extensive formation options, and a team motivation system, giving deeper customization.
Difficulty & accessibility
ISS 2’s AI is described as dynamic but can become predictable; ISS ’98 notes AI inconsistency at higher difficulty, making ISS 2 slightly more stable.
Graphics & performance
Both are described as having dated graphics; no quantitative performance data is provided for either.
Choose International Superstar Soccer 2 if…
Buyers who want a newer title with real player names and higher critic rating.
Choose International Superstar Soccer '98 if…
Buyers who prioritize deep tactical options, larger multiplayer setups, and extensive customization.
Common questions
Which game includes real player names?
International Superstar Soccer 2 includes real player names via a FIFPro licence; ISS ’98 does not mention player names.
What is the price of each game?
ISS 2 lists an MSRP of $49.99; ISS ’98 does not specify a price in the provided data.
How many players can play together locally?
ISS 2 supports two players split‑screen; ISS ’98 supports split‑screen plus co‑op and up to four players.