FIFA 2000 (USA)
FIFA 2000 (USA) on GBC
FIFA 2000 on the Game Boy Color is exactly what the title promises: the 2000 edition of EA Sports' long-running soccer franchise, shrunk down to fit a handheld cartridge. It hit shelves in North America (the USA release) and was published by EA Sports. Like most portable sports games of the late 90s, it's a simplified take on the full console experience, but it still tries to capture the feel of 11-on-11 soccer within the GBC's limited hardware.
What you actually do is pick your favorite national or club team and play matches against the CPU or a friend via link cable. The core gameplay revolves around passing, shooting, and defending using the D-pad and two buttons (A and B) on the Game Boy Color. There are a few modes to choose from, like a quick exhibition match or a tournament structure. The view is top-down, and while the players are small sprites, the game does its best to simulate offsides, fouls, and basic strategy.
For a retro soccer fan, FIFA 2000 on GBC is a decent snapshot of how sports games were ported to handhelds before the Advance era. It's not going to blow anyone away with depth or graphics, but it plays a functional game of soccer and is worth a few matches if you have a nostalgic soft spot for 8-bit sports titles. Compared to other GBC soccer games like International Superstar Soccer, it's a bit more arcadey but still firmly a simulation attempt.
How to Play FIFA 2000 (USA) Online
Getting Started
First, you'll see a title screen then a menu where you pick options like Exhibition, Tournament, or Options. Use the D-pad to move between items and press X (A button) to confirm. You can select a national team or a club side from the available rosters. Most of the text is in English since this is the USA release.
The core loop is playing 90-minute matches (shortened in real time) against the AI or a second player. You control one player at a time; the computer handles your teammates' positioning. Use the D-pad to move your player, press S (B button) to pass the ball to a nearby teammate, and X (A button) to shoot when near the goal. To tackle, just run into an opponent while holding S. The L and R shoulder buttons may switch players or perform special actions, but the game's manual would clarify exactly.
A few tips: passing is more reliable than dribbling; the CPU is decent at intercepting careless passes. Use the tournament mode to get a real sense of progression, as exhibition matches are just one-offs. If you can link two Game Boy Colors with a cable, you can play head-to-head - that's where the game shines most.
FIFA 2000 (USA) Keyboard Controls
Controls
- Arrow Keys: D-Pad / Movement
- X: A button (jump / confirm)
- S: B button (run / attack / cancel)
- Enter: Start / Pause
- V: Select
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