ESPN: International Track and Field

Game Review & Description

Welcome to the digital Olympics, where your thumbs will experience more athletic strain than most people's actual legs, and where the phrase "button mashing" takes on an almost religious significance. ESPN: International Track and Field arrived on the Dreamcast in 2000, bringing with it the time-honored tradition of destroying perfectly good controllers in the name of virtual athletic achievement. This sports compilation attempts to capture the glory and exhaustion of international competition, though the only thing you'll likely need a sports drink for is recovering from the repetitive stress injuries inflicted by frantically hammering the A button like it owes you money.

The gameplay follows the classic track and field formula that has been making gamers question their life choices since the days of the original Track and Field arcade cabinets and the Commodore 64's legendary California Games. You'll find yourself competing in events ranging from the 100-meter dash to the hammer throw, each requiring different combinations of button timing, rhythm, and the kind of finger dexterity that would make a concert pianist weep with envy. The controls are responsive enough when you can manage to execute them properly, though success often depends more on your ability to develop carpal tunnel syndrome than any actual understanding of athletic technique. The variety of events does keep things interesting.

Visually, the game does a respectable job of recreating the pageantry and excitement of international track and field competition. The athlete animations are smooth and realistic, capturing the fluid motions of world-class competitors without making them look like they're having seizures. The stadiums are well-detailed and atmospheric, complete with crowds that seem genuinely invested in watching you attempt to master the subtle art of pole vaulting through controller input. The presentation benefits from ESPN's official licensing, giving everything a broadcast-quality feel that makes your living room Olympics feel almost legitimate, even if you're competing in your pajamas while eating cereal.

The game includes a decent selection of events and game modes, from quick single competitions to full tournament structures that let you work your way up the international rankings. The multiplayer component is where the real fun lies, as nothing quite compares to the satisfaction of defeating your friends through superior button-mashing technique while they struggle with the finer points of javelin timing. The difficulty curve is generally fair, though some events can feel like they require the kind of precise timing that would challenge a Swiss watchmaker. It's the kind of game that's perfect for party situations, assuming your friends don't mind the occasional controller casualty.

A variety of helpful hints, tips and cheats for ESPN: International Track and Field can be found below.

GameShark / Pro Action Replay Cheat Codes:

The following dongle-dependent codes are designed for use with the North American (NTSC) version of the game, but may work on compatible systems:

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