Its team lineup follows the Super NES version of International Superstar Soccer Deluxe, only with South Africa replacing Morocco.

Gameplay is similar to that of the Super NES predecessor, International Superstar Soccer Deluxe, upgraded for the Nintendo 64 with 3D animation.

In addition, in ISS 64, Turkey is still incorrectly billed as an Asian team rather than European, unlike in Jikkyō World Soccer 3.

"[25] Edge said that the Japanese import was "the most versatile and entertaining football game seen on any platform, and forms a strong addition to Nintendo's 64bit [sic] portfolio.

[6] GamePro was one of the few to voice criticisms with the game, specifically the music and the use of fictional players, but called it "an arcade-ish experience that, while not as realistic as FIFA, ranks much higher on the fun scale.

For example, Next Generation commented, "Details like refs of varying skill, different weather conditions, real stadiums, and attitude give even more depth to a game that gets just about everything right.

"[20] Peer Schneider of IGN (then known as N64.com) gave strong praise to International Superstar Soccer 64's multiplayer modes.

[27] He later published a longer review which covered a few criticisms, such as the lack of a FIFA license, but also commented more extensively on the game's strong attention to detail, and reemphasized that "As far as multiplayer games go, ISS64 has replaced Mario Kart 64, Star Fox 64 and Wayne Gretzky as the ultimate gameplay experience.

[31] The intro of a Peruvian bootleg version of the game intended for the Brazilian market, entitled Mundial Ronaldinho Soccer 64, became a popular Internet meme in 2020.