Microsoft International Soccer 2000

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.