FIFA Soccer 2003

"Big license, big disappointment"

I've been a fan of Konami Tokyo's ISS and Pro Evolution Soccer games for years, but I've always wanted a game that plays as realistically as PES with the authenticity that only EA Sports are willing to pay for. So when I read previews of FIFA 2003, I was pleasantly surprised to hear that it would be the most playable FIFA game yet. With that in mind, off I went to rent it.

Good points first. FIFA 2003 captures the atmosphere of a football match better than any game yet. Everything is completely authentic - players, kits, clubs, stadia, even fans' chants - and throughout the game EA Sports' characteristic finesse immerses you fully. Almost all players are excellent likenesses of the real thing, right down to unique movement and goal celebrations. The crowd has specific chants for each team, from ''Glory glory Man United'' to the various sounds of the Kop. All of the clubs in the major leagues of the world are in, with most national teams as well. The best thing I can say about the presentation of FIFA is that it's like watching a match on TV. Even Motty's commentary isn't that bad this time round, definitely much better than the terrible efforts of Brackley and Brooking in PES2. All the usual modes are present and correct, with the addition of an international club league.

Bad points can be summed up in one word: gameplay. While not as bad as the abysmal self-aim system of FIFA 2002, this year's instalment is still highly flawed. Even the simplest pass is hit-and-miss, and despite this tackling is equally frustrating, because players in positions to intercept passes will let it run through them unless you press a button. In fact, player-ball collisions are very rare in general. Shooting is as easy as ever, and you can still waltz through the middle of any defence. Comparing this with the refined and intuitive Pro Evolution Soccer engine is like comparing a Datsun and a Bentley.

Once again, the flashy showiness of the FIFA franchise hasn't been enough to drag me away from the sublime genius of Konami Tokyo's superior product. If anyone with a PS2 has this and not PES2, they should feel ashamed for supporting this crime against gameplay. In terms of future editions, going on EA's track record, it's more likely that Konami will make a game as authentic as FIFA than EA making a game as playable as PES2.

Reviewer's Score: 3/10, Originally Posted: 11/06/02, Updated 11/06/02