Description

"Victory Goal '96" is a soccer simulation video game developed and released by Sega for their Sega Saturn console. Launched originally in 1996, "Victory Goal '96" is part of Sega's popular "Victory Goal" series, which boasted of detailed representations and sophisticated gameplay mechanics that simulated real-life soccer matches. The game features various teams from the Japanese J.League, meticulously recreated to reflect the team rosters and player statistics of that era. Players could engage in full matches, exercising strategies that included formations, tactics, and real-time in-game adjustments, providing an immersive experience for soccer fans.

The gameplay in "Victory Goal '96" is characterized by its attempt to offer an authentic soccer experience through realistic graphics and player animations of the time. The game allowed players to control every aspect of their team, from selecting which players would take to the field, to tactical setups and on-the-spot decision-making during matches. A significant aspect of this title was its local multiplayer mode, which allowed friends to face-off in competitive matches, increasing its replay value. Although it was primarily targeted at the Japanese market, with the game dialogue and team data in Japanese, it gained a specific following worldwide due to its deep gameplay mechanics and association with the burgeoning J.League's popularity.