ESPN International Track & Field

Based on the already popular International Track and Field series, this version sees the usual array of events and the addition of some new ones. Try your luck at the ever-impossible 100m Dash--this is the same for every track and field game--the more unusual Pole Vault or even Horizontal Bar event.

The game can be very competitive at times, with you having to perform to your best abilities in an attempt to get placed. Every event has a different technique to it and once mastered this makes the game a lot more enjoyable, although to begin with can be very frustrating.

International Track and Field is on a par with Sydney 2000 by Eidos and Virtua Athlete, with all three offering you an array of different events. If you really are a fan of the Olympics then perhaps the safest bet is to check out all three, as you would then have most of the Olympic events covered. --Stuart Miles

First of all 'International' is very misleading. It gives you the impression that you can be any country in the Olympics, sadly not, you are limited to about 12.

Secondly the game is very easy and a bit unrealistic. You will tire of it in days. In the 100m for example a time of 9.59s is not difficult. I don't think this is humanly possible.

Lastly the awards that you receive are pathetic. Four interviews and a set of 'funny' sounds, big deal.

This game is terrible, not worth breaking your controller for.


Great For a Laugh   June 22, 2003
5 out of 6 found this review helpful

This is definately not a game to be taken too seriously but if you seek an easy on the brain multi-player this is a game i would certainly recommend. The games format has not changed from its previous versions on ps1 but the graphics have improved. Most events are very easy to get the hang of but difficult to master (especially the hurdles). Although results achieved in most events are unrealistically good (a good 100m time is under 8 seconds) this does not ruin the fun so long as enough of you are playing to compete for them.
If you are looking for a game to play with the lads whilst knocking back a few beers look no further than this, although you will need to get a multi-tap and four handsets to realise the games full potential.


Disappointing !!!!!!!   August 3, 2001
Michael M. Ordoukhani (Hertfordshire, UK)
4 out of 7 found this review helpful

Being a sport lover I rushed to buy this but was sadly disappointed. I know computer programmers are lazy and do not play sports but use your common sense. Although the graphics were excellent, they have paid very little attention, if none, to the function of the games. First of all, the title suggest track and field, so why were weightlifting, swimming, trap-shooting and gymnastics included ? - Swimming was very boring and difficult to get the power up; - Weightlifting is not an ideal sport for this type of game; - Rhythmic Gymnastic, there was no interaction with the gymnast, I was watching the arrows all the time and did not have a clue what the gymnast was doing. - Running was sort of okay but too easy and lacked imagination. In Hurdles the jump key did not respond properly - Trap Shooting must be the only one that was exciting, but the gun was moving too slowly, it was a bit frustrating. - Javelin was confusing, the throws did not relate to the setting

My advice to the game maker is : - It is important to get the title right. - Make the controls relevant to the action so the player can related to the athlete's movements. - Make the game difficult enough so the play can get satisfaction from winning and look forward to getting better. - choose events that are playable and enjoyable, the 10 events should have been : 100 relay, discus, hammer, shot-put, high jump, 1500 meter (endurance), long jump, pole vault, 100 hurdles and may be trap shooting .

overall it is worth buying for a bit of fun, but not if you are a compatitive type and a sports fan.

PLEASE GET IT RIGHT NEXT TIME


It's an OK game!   July 1, 2003
3 out of 4 found this review helpful

This is a pretty good game. The graphics are exellent, it lacks in addiction but it makes up for it in the way you play the game. The running is good but sometimes it can be quite easy. BUY THIS GAME!


Excellent   November 27, 2000
1 out of 4 found this review helpful

This is one of the best games ever! The graphics are stunning and it is very addictive. It may be a little easy on one player but with a few friends round it will last forever!!