Championship Soccer '94 is based on the computer game Sensible Soccer: European Champions. The gameplay is identical: a fast-paced, top-down soccer game with emphasis on fast passes and simple control system.
Players can choose between 40 national teams, 64 club teams, or create their own custom (fantasy) teams and assemble their own tournaments (cup or league) with them. The number of participating teams and some rules can be customized. Some key changes include fewer pre-set tournaments for national teams, such as World Cup qualifiers and the Maastricht Cup, and less available for club teams, like the European Superleague and EUFA Cup. Custom teams have limited options. Another difference is that athletes and tournaments use modified names, e.g., EUFA instead of UEFA.
The Super Nintendo version offers a unique experience due to its capabilities. The SEGA CD version makes use of additional storage for more sound effects and pre-rendered movies, such as a flight over the stadium before starting a match.