4-4-2 Soccer

Released in 1998 during the height of the pre-World Cup football craze, 4-4-2 Soccer (also known as 4-4-2: Multi-Player Soccer) is a European-developed title that leans heavily into the strategic side of the sport. While many soccer games of the era were moving toward flashy 3D graphics, 4-4-2 for the PSX and PC maintained a charming, pseudo-3D aesthetic with a focus on deep management and tactical flexibility. Its name—derived from the classic defensive formation—highlights the game's core philosophy: that winning is about positioning and team structure rather than just button-mashing. It is perhaps best remembered for its "Multi-Player" focus, allowing up to four players on the PSX (via Multitap) and even more on PC to engage in local tournament play.