Neo Geo Cup '98: The Road to the Victory

About

Neo Geo Cup '98: The Road to the Victory is a soccer game built around the 1998 World Cup’s structure. You guide one of 73 teams through a qualifier system that mirrors real-life matchups from the tournament’s preliminary stages. Wins advance you to group stages where opponents are teams you faced in the actual 1998 event. The game plays like a straightforward arcade soccer sim with slightly slower pacing than the arcade version, focusing on passing and shooting mechanics that feel more methodical. Teams and kits are updated to match World Cup squads, though rosters for non-qualified teams pull from friendlies and qualifiers. The game stands out for its attention to historical accuracy in structure despite being a rework of Super Sidekicks 3. It retains the original’s animations and core design but swaps in real tournament lineups and kits. While not as flashy as later FIFA titles, it earned a cult following for its niche approach. Players who remember the 1998 World Cup might appreciate the specific match-up recreations. The Neo Geo version’s simulation elements make it feel more grounded compared to the arcade’s faster action.