FIFA World Cup 2002
Score: 80% ESRB: Everyone Publisher: EA Sports Developer: Software Creations Media: GCD/1 Players: 1 - 4 Genre: Sports
Graphics & Sound: FIFA 2002 World Cup is all about presentation. Not only do you get to see some of the best character models ever in a sports game, there's a fully animated audience complete with streamers, flags, confetti launchers, fans spelling out messages and player celebrations. The overall effect this has on the game is amazing - it looks like the fans are having a blast in the stands, making the game that much more fun. Now, if only EA Sports could pull off the same effect in its football games. The sheer number of effects is amazing as each character is smoothly motion captured with very few instances of slow down. The quality carries over into the sound department. With commentary by John Motson and Andy Gray, this game just sizzles. Normally, the commentary in sports games gets repetitive, after all there is only so much you can put on the disk - but I found the amount of information they were able to squeeze on the disk amazing. Instead of just giving information on what is going on in the game, they will also rattle off information about the team's history or the city in which you are playing. Perhaps one of the coolest things about the game is that players call plays in their own language. As complete a package as FIFA 2002 may seem, there is one vital element missing - national anthems. For whatever reason, none of the teams has their national anthem played. It is forgivable, but considering how much work went into the rest of the presentation, it struck me as odd that these were not included.
Gameplay: Before I continue, a bit of a disclaimer - I know next to nothing about soccer. As popular as this game is around the world, the American in me has lead to me being as familiar with the game as Gary Coleman is with the top shelf in his kitchen. All I know about the sport is that you kick a ball and that it is the only spectator sport where audience participation means a riot after the game. So, with that said, please forgive me if I do not go as in depth as some fans would want me to. One of the things you're probably saying is 'Didn't FIFA 2002 just come out a few months ago?' Well, yes - it did. However, this version starts up where the last one left off, the World Cup Playoffs. Again, I am sure there's a reason for doing this - but it just strikes me as very odd. I always thought the point of sports games was to take your team all the way to the top. This is like releasing a Madden game and only being allowed to play the playoffs and Super Bowl. Given that I know nothing about the game, I did find it enjoyable once I learned what to do. The game is laid out well and fun while it lasts - however, once you beat it with a team there is little reason to go back and play again. I am sure soccer fans will find more replay value, but even the sports gamer in me found little reason to play again.
Difficulty: When I first popped in the game, I naturally went for the easiest setting. About four games into the playoffs I started over with a higher difficulty level since it was a joke. There was no opposition. Thankfully, the game does get harder as you move up the difficulty level - so we know that works how it should.
Game Mechanics: I liked how the control was set up to cater to any player ability. The basic moves are easy to pick up and understand and at the same time, there are some harder 'trick' moves to keep veterans happy as well. It did take a little effort on my part to get used to using the D-pad to pass the ball, but there is nothing about the control that a few minutes with the manual could not fix. Overall, FIFA 2002 is a fun game and something fans will love. However, given the length and lack of replay, casual gamers and people who know nothing about the sport may want to rent it first.
-Starscream, GameVortex Communications AKA Ricky Tucker
Driven Freekstyle