FIFA 2000

"Un-realistic football with basketball scorelines"

Introduction
EA's pockets are getting a little empty so it's time for the yearly update of FIFA. As I write this FIFA 2001 is out, so why bother? I here you ask. Well, quite simply I thought that there may be some of you out there who opt for last years cheaper version, plus the fact that I've had a long time to play it and give you a complete review.

Graphics
Credit due to the boys at EA here. Really great smooth graphics impress no end and add to the game's rather good atmosphere. The crowds look crap though, but that's a minor complaint about the game's strongest area.

Sound
Lineker introduces with Motty and Mark Lawrencen (sp?)commentating so a real Match of the Day feel is there. Motty does a profesional half decent job, although some of his comments are way off the mark, but Lawrencen couldn't sound more like he was reading a script if he tried. But at least you don't have to hear him and Hanson harping on about Liverpool.

The sound effects are satisfactory, as is the crowd atmosphere, it's just a shame that they've not included that beloved chant - ''The referee's a ****ker''.

Gameplay
Weww, well, weww. This is one messed up game. Yeah you have the usual camera angles and passing/shooting options but it's just daft. The ball doesn't really feel like a seperate object, it's as if it has a set path all the time. The game's difficulty setting and computer AI are totally unrealistic. Amateur level is ridiculously easy, profesional level isn't much harder and World Class just makes the game stupid. You see the trouble is every game is like playing against Wimbledon, you take the mick when you play along the floor but in the air you're beaten almost every time on any level but Amateur. You skip past players with ease, scoring takes less effort than farting, and the goal keepers couldn't get a game in my local Sunday league side.

It's not all bad, the controls respond mostly well enough (although the passing cursor system is a little dodgey) and there is some enjoyment to be had. But die-hard footy fans will feel short-changed and a bit empty, and to actually enjoy it at you have to make your own side crap at everything but heading, and only play 2 minute halves.

Replayability
Not that bad actually. It's good for a quick blast and it's always great fun to edit a team so that you and your mates can play against Man U or Germany. In fact the edit options are rather quite good, it's just a shame that you can't edit a player's height or weight. You can also make you're team rather crap so you're not always putting 5 past everyone. You'll come back now and again though.

Buy or Rent?
Personally I'd look elsewhere for pure football thrills. If you have a more casual approach to football and just want to see goals though this could be the game for you, but rent first.

Graphics: 8/10
Sound: 7/10
Gameplay: 5/10
Replayability: 6/10

Overall Score: 6/10

Summary: Un-realistic and shallow, it still has enough packed into it to warrant a go now and then. However, if I had the opportunity to go back in time and save my cash/buy another footy ''sim'' I would.

A Personal cuss:
Arrgghhh!!! It's got Nottingham Forest but you can't be them unless you play against them in the cup/league!!!! Come on EA, let's have some lower division sides for 2002 instead of the chuffing Greek or Swedish League.

Reviewer's Score: 6/10, Originally Posted: 11/20/00, Updated 11/20/00