2002 FIFA World Cup

"Need a spot where we can kick it"

I've always felt that soccer did not conform well to a video game, with the fairly low scoring and concentration on precise passing and shooting rather than power. However, recent games and the added power and sophistication of the modern consoles seem to have proven me wrong. FIFA 2002 did a good job of putting the game of soccer into an electronic form and yet keeping it exciting and interesting; this title uses the same techniques but has a much nicer marketing push, led by the World Cup, the world's single largest athletic competition, surpassing even the Summer Olympics.

On a side note, the top four event are the World Cup, the Summer and Winter Olympics, and the Track and Field World Championships. Can you guess what rounds out the top five? It's the Rugby World Cup. I bet no Americans got that one.

2002 FIFA World Cup comes out just in time for the biggest sporting competition of the millenium so far. Basically, it is much the same game as FIFA 2002, with different teams and all the World Cup rosters. However, it concentrates specifically on the international game, so a lot of the club teams from FIFA 2002 are dropped heartlessly. The end result is that there are less teams altogether in this version of the game.

GAMEPLAY (7/10)
The basic controls, pass and shoot, are fluid. Some more complex passes require more skill, and you can put spin on your passes which is quite difficult to do well. Crosses and other pinpoint passes are quite tough even for an experienced player, but there is an assist option that will help beginners keep their passes on target. Also, a power-up has been added to the shot function, like in many hockey games, that allows you to kick harder by holding shoot longer. The new shooting and passing system introduced here requires you to control the power and direction of the shot or pass simultaneuosly; while you hold down the pass or shoot button, adding power as you hold it down for more time, you must also use the analog stick to aim the shot or pass. The system is, as I said, tough to learn, but it also allows for unparalleled control of your shots and pass; you can make that tough entry pass right on a slasher's foot, or put a shot in the very top corner of the goal. The worst drawback is that the tough controls make this a difficult game to ''pick up and play,'' which results in difficulties finding good opponents for multiplayer.

The AI is pretty solid, and the opposing teams won't do anything ridiculous. Refereeing is up in accuracy from earlier incarnations of FIFA, making the game more realistic, but if you want you can change the strictness of the officiating. Overall the gameplay is lifted straight from FIFA 2002, so if you've played that game already you can dive right into this.

GRAPHICS (10/10)
The graphics of this game are excellent. The players look very lifelike and their motions are rarely jerky at all. Frame rate is very high throughout. Stadiums also look good, and the one that I've seen in real life looks pretty accurate. Crowds also look good and are very lively in support of their team. Outside of gameplay, the graphics are bland but it's not a huge concern.

SOUND (9/10)
The lively crowd also has great sound effects, like different chants and songs based on the country. The players also talk during the match, making sounds appropriate to the situation, and other match sounds are well rendered. The announcing is relevant and exciting but does get repeititve, particuarly if you often play with the same countries.

OTHER AND EXTRAS (7/10)
You can unlock more teams by winning the World Cup with different teams, so you get relatively good replay, plus the multiplayer mode is quite fun and the vareity of teams can level any playing-ability gap between two people. The first three difficulty modes are pretty easy, but the hardest is a good challenge. Otherwise, the game lacks many awesome additions, but the basic game does provide a lot of worthwhile entertainment. With the precise controls and variety of teams, you can have some awesome fun if you happen to know another person who's good at the game -- the potential matchups for two skilled players are stunning, and is the title's biggest strength.

OVERALL (8/10)
Soccer in general doesn't make the best transition to the video-game format but overall this game is excellent and is highly recommended to anyone. Folks who like other soccer games will love this one, but I don't think it is up to Pro Evolution Soccer or the regular FIFA, so one of these would be a more worthwhile purchase if you have a choice between the three.

Reviewer's Score: 7/10, Originally Posted: 05/27/02, Updated 06/20/03