After the universally panned Microsoft Soccer , Microsoft went with an
experienced software house in football videogames, and Rage Software of
Ultimate Soccer and the Striker series fame was chosen to develop a sports
titled aimed at the European market.

Featuring 73 international teams (all unlicensed, but with unique kits and an
editor allows to customize each player’s name and appearance) plus seven
custom teams. Each team is rated out of five values in defense, attack and
midfield, and players are rated in five attributes plus two variables (fitness
and injury). There are several competitions at the disposal of the player,
including continental cups, customized leagues and a scenario mode, inspired
by several World Cup games such as the 1990 World Cup semi-finals between
England and Germany or the 1974 second round match between the Netherlands and
Brazil.

Between the four lines the player can choose between 6 stadiums, three weather
conditions (clear, rain or snow), disabling offsides and game length. As for
gameplay, the game is a typical action game of the period, with the twist of
having two modifier keys for high and low balls and some keys change in effect
depending on the context. A typical cross-header play goes with a player
running through the flank, hitting the shoot button (holding for a tense cross
with lower arc) and then connect with the ball using the “low ball” button for
a finesse header or the “high ball” for a powerful header. Dead balls are
played using the usual “arrow” method where the player starts by setting the
height, depth and aim of the ball, then add spin as the player holds the
shooting button.

Microsoft International Soccer 2000