As World Cup 2026 ignites global fervour for football, my mind drifts to FIFA 98 – not as a player, but through its iconic cover art and memorable soundtrack. Now, Fear FA 98 is reimagining those memories with a macabre twist: a horror game that blends retro sports culture with graphic violence.

Creator Jacob Jazz explains his inspiration, drawing from 1980s slasher films and controversial games like Manhunt. The result? A blend of football gameplay and survival horror, where severed heads and demonic players add a layer of disturbing realism to the pitch. ‘I don’t really like sports in general,’ Jazz admits, yet he’s keen on tapping into FIFA 98's nostalgic weight.

The game is both trashy and ambitious, with pixel-perfect graphics that feel more PS2 than Sega Saturn. But Jazz is concerned: AI might soon take over everything, even his humble solo projects. For now, he’s sticking to Unity and the Unity Asset Store, using every tool at hand to create this unique hybrid.

Will Fear FA 98 redefine horror gaming or just scare off players? It's a question that will be answered when it launches on PC later this year. Until then, the world wonders if Fear FA is a sign of things to come in interactive entertainment.