J.League Jikkyou Winning Eleven '97
J.League Jikkyou Winning Eleven '97 (Jリーグ 実況ウイニングイレブン'97) (or World Soccer Winning Eleven 2) is a 1996 Japan-exclusive soccer simulation video game, which was developed and published by Konami for the PlayStation.
| J.League Jikkyou Winning Eleven '97 | |
|---|---|
 Cover art featuring Masayuki Okano ("Yajin") and Kazuyoshi Miura ("KING Kazu") | |
| Developer(s) | Konami |
| Publisher(s) | Konami |
| Series | J.League Jikkyou Winning Eleven |
| Platform(s) | PlayStation |
| Release | |
| Genre(s) | Traditional soccer simulation |
| Mode(s) | Single-player Multiplayer (up to two players) |
Summary
The title was based on the 1996 J.League, being published on November 22, almost two weeks later after the end of that season. At the time of its release J.League Jikkyou Winning Eleven '97 was considered to be the most realistic soccer game for the PlayStation or any other console. It featured narration by Jon Kabira and commentary by Yasutaro Matsuki, a former Japanese football player and manager.
The 1996 season can be included in the "Golden Age" as in back then J.League was at its popularity peak, and many likeable superstars were playing in it: Guido Buchwald, Uwe Bein, Dragan Stojković, Daniele Massaro, Salvatore Schillaci, Basile Boli, Ivan Hašek, Jorginho, Zinho, Dunga, Edílson, Mazinho Oliveira, Careca, Evair, César Sampaio, Antônio Carlos Zago, Ruy Ramos, Masashi Nakayama, Hiroshi Nanami, Hidetoshi Nakata, among many others.[2][3]
Both the playstyle and the league format (double stage with Victory Goal and Final match at the end) were very characteristic and promoted overly offensive, stylish and spectacular football.
Up to two players can compete in a series of games that include: Exhibition, full J.League season, Hyper cup, All-Star match and Penalty Kick modes. It is also possible to view the players' profile.
See also
- World Soccer Winning Eleven '97 (National teams edition, known in North America as Goal Storm 97 and in Europe as International Superstar Soccer Pro)
- List of J.League licensed video games