I suggest checking out the animation in a one on one practice match. If only the real game ran as smoothly. The international stadiums look fantastic, and there are far more of them here than in ISS64. The rain and snow effects are not much to shout about, and the absence of crowd animation hurts, but the real-time shadows on a sunny day and the player reflections in an indoors match are as good as they get. Overall, FIFA 98s graphics would be a high-point for a console sports game, if only EA had managed to get the 3D engine to run smoothly.
Soccer is a fast game that needs quick responses.
The Rumble Pak is not supported. Shoddy framerate, some AI glitches, and Konami's ISS64. Others, especially sticklers for a steady framerate and fast-paced sports will definitely want to rent it first. But what ever you do, hook it up to a surround sound system and remind your three best buddies to stop by with their controllers. Full FIFA licensing and and excellent front end make this game stand out from the rest.