FIFA 1996

The third entry in EA Sports' FIFA franchise, released in late 1995, FIFA 1996 set the standard for PC football on DOS. Its Virtual Stadium engine blended 2D sprites with a pseudo-3D pitch and offered freely switchable camera angles. The game featured 11 major leagues, 237 clubs and national teams, real player rosters, and transfer data. Match types included friendlies, league seasons, cup competitions, and indoor five-a-side. AI tactical behavior and passing routes were noticeably sharper than in previous installments. Commentary by John Motson and Andy Gray gave matches a genuine broadcast feel, cementing FIFA 1996 as the benchmark football title of the 1990s.