FIFA Soccer 2003

"Delighful game, but a few things are still missing"

FIFA 2003 is more authentic and realistic than last years edition. New skill moves, fakes, etc. There's a new dynamic control, the ball has got control over you, it moves freely on the pitch just like in reality. There's also the new ''EA Freestyle control'' which gives you opportunities to do diversion maneuvers, etc.

Graphics/Sound
The graphics simply can't get that much better than this. Some players, e.g. Edgar Davids, David Beckham, Roberto Carlos and many many others looks extremely realistic. The stadiums are delightful and well done; they look just like in reality. Extremely well done! They could've made the crowd/audience a little better, but the players and stadiums make you forget that.
The commentary is done by John Motson and Ally McCoist. There's not much to say there, basically the same as FIFA World Cup 2002. Some improvements, though; When you shoot, score or the goalkeeper makes a brilliant save the crowd becomes in high spirits and goes: ''oooohhh!!'' And John goes: ''Fantastic shot, ooooohhh!!'' There's also some popular music by the top artists.

Gameplay
The gameplay has been very improved, and almost all of the changes are for good. The ball isn't any longer ''pasted'' in front of the controlled player, which means that you'll lose the ball quite often. But that just makes the game more realistic.
Fouls are more often called in FIFA 2003, giving yellow cards when deserved. You can no longer dribble through the hole opposing team... You'll have to give your players good passes and through-balls.
And, of course you can cross the ball, which are much more difficult to win in the air.
The new dynamic freekick control gives great oppotunities to score some really nice goals...

Options
The main menu is simple and neat, not a big deal. They got rid of the create/edit a team/player which was very disappointing. There's no penalty shootout option neither an instant replay saves option. And, also some of the great players doesn't have the stats they deserve to have, and some of the unknown and not-that-good-in-reality-players have the opposite. But hey, that's life ~_~.
There are many tournaments, competitions and leagues to play. Maybe that'll satisfy you.

Buy or Rent?
Irrespective of if you're a FIFA-fan since long time ago or recently started to like these games, you should definitely buy FIFA 2003. Ok, there are a few things missing, but you can live with that ;).
If you're a PES-fan, and not really sure... Maybe you should rent it and see.

Reviewer's Score: 9/10, Originally Posted: 01/20/03, Updated 01/20/03