Play FIFA Soccer 96 on Snes Online

FIFA Soccer 96 came out for the Super Nintendo in 1995, developed by Extended Play Productions and published by EA Sports. It was one of the later soccer games on the system, arriving when the 16-bit era was still going strong but newer consoles were on the horizon. You could choose from a wide range of international teams and leagues, which felt like a big step up from earlier titles in terms of options and presentation.

You control all eleven players on your selected team, switching between them to pass, tackle, and shoot your way toward the opponent's goal. The main objective is simple: score more goals than the other side. Signature mechanics include through passes for breaking defensive lines, sliding tackles to dispossess attackers (which often drew fouls if mistimed), and a noticeable emphasis on player stamina that forces you to manage substitutions. The pace is quicker than some simulation-focused games of the time, though not arcade-fast, and matches can feel scrappy and physical. It captures the flow of a real match, complete with commentary from John Motson, and even with its limitations there's a tangible sense of reward when a well-built play ends in the back of the net.