International Superstar Soccer 2000 (USA)
What is International Superstar Soccer 2000 (USA)?
International Superstar Soccer 2000 is a soccer game for the Game Boy Color, released by Konami in 1999. It's part of the long-running International Superstar Soccer series, though this handheld version is a distinct 2D title from the N64 entries. The game arrived in North America around the turn of the millennium, offering portable football action on the go.
You control a team of international players in matches against the CPU or a friend via link cable. The core gameplay involves passing, dribbling, and shooting to score goals within a 90-minute match. The perspective is top-down, with simplified controls compared to console versions - buttons handle kick, pass, sprint, and tackle. There's a basic tournament mode and exhibition matches, but the GBC hardware limits the depth to core mechanics without complex strategies or licenses.
For a handheld sports game of its era, International Superstar Soccer 2000 delivers a competent pick-up-and-play experience. It doesn't have the graphical flair or depth of the N64 games, but it's a solid soccer title for the Game Boy Color library. If you enjoy retro sports games and don't mind simple, fast-paced matches, this one is worth a few minutes of your time. Just don't expect deep simulation - it's arcadey and straightforward.
How to Play International Superstar Soccer 2000 (USA) Online
Getting Started
When you boot up the game, you'll see a menu offering options like Exhibition Match, Tournament, and possibly a versus mode using a link cable. Pick Exhibition to jump straight into a match. You'll choose your team from a selection of national squads - the rosters are based on real players but not fully licensed, so names are fictionalized. After picking sides, the match begins.
The core loop is simple: control your player with the D-Pad to move around the field. Use the B button (S on keyboard) to kick or clear the ball, and the A button (X) to pass or switch players. To shoot, press B while facing the goal with the ball. You can also sprint by holding B and moving - though the GBC processor limits responsiveness, so overusing sprint can drain your stamina quickly. The match lasts 90 minutes (real time compressed to about 2-3 minutes).
If you want to tackle, press B when near an opponent with the ball. The AI can be challenging on higher difficulty levels, but the game is forgiving with simple controls. There's no save feature for GBC cartridges without battery, so any progress in tournament mode must be completed in one sitting. For newcomers, start with Exhibition to learn the timing of passes and shots before diving into tournaments.
International Superstar Soccer 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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