2002 FIFA World Cup

"One of the best."

Introduction
My whole life I didn't like soccer games on any console, I had played them at friends houses but never really got the bug. But after sampling this game at a local EB, I fell it love with of the greatest EA games ever.

Game play : 8/10
The game has the same basic controls as most other soccer games I have played. The D Pad is great, but the analog sticks provide a lot more flexibility while running around on the pitch. There are a few extra bonuses in this game that adds to the greatness of this game. Using L1 and R1 you can bend the ball, in there respective positions, this is a great function when you have a free kick just outside the box. Another little thing that I liked was the fact that you can juggle the ball with various body parts, including your foot, knee, thigh and shoulder. There isn't many things that bought this game down, but one was the fact that after every goal or harsh tackle, there is two replays that show, although you can skip through them they do get quite annoying other than that they Game play is great.

Graphics : 9/10
What can I say? The Graphics are almost perfect. Each player is detailed with perfection and the ball, pitch and crowds add great realism to the game. All star players they have got right and you can instantly tell who they are just by looking at them, the only low point is that the occasional close-up shows the roughness of some less important players.

Sound : 7/10
When you first put the CD in you get hit with some music from the orchestra, which then continues through all the menu functions. In game, the sound is great as you every crowd member yell and cheer and boo, the shots hitting the feet, the players calls and the ref blowing his whistle. The commentators in game are abit dodgy as you hear the same thing over and over again. But, it is much improved on the 98 effort.

Replay : 6/10
The lowest score I have given out in this review, this is mainly due to the lack of Game options. Once you have beaten the world cup with your team a few times, it’s over. You don't really have any use for this game except for the occasional friendly you have against friends or the computer. Basically, lacking options allows little replay.

Conclusion : 9/10
This game is a must for all soccer fans, and for those who aren't really into sport games but are thinking about it. This game is a great game to put you into the mood.

Reviewer's Score: 9/10, Originally Posted: 07/09/03, Updated 07/09/03