The "Real Deal" for Soccer Fans
Written: Dec 20 '01
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Very accurate passing, smooth animation, realistic gameplay
Cons: Nothing major. See below for minor gripes.
The Bottom Line: It's the best soccer video game to date. It captures the heart and should of the game better than any other.
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| whitesf's Full Review: FIFA Soccer 2002 for GameCube |
FIFA 2002
I've always been impressed with EA Sports line of video games. For that matter, I've always been impressed with Electronic Arts games -- since way back in the early-mid 80s beginning with "The Bard's Tale" and it's successors. The fact that FIFA 2002 is the absolute best video game interpretation of the game of soccer ever made is hardly surprising. How do they keep doing it?
True "touch"
I would have to say that the one element that has always been conspicuously absent from soccer games is "touch". By this I mean a high level of sensitivity in shooting and, most importantly, passing. FIFA 2002 delivers all the touch you can handle. I was impressed by the fact that you had to actually aim in the near proximity of your teammate to complete a pass. Also, the same aiming applies for goal kicks, free kicks, and all goalie passes and clears. It takes a bit to get used to, but the benefits are just too good.
For the first time in any sports game I've played, you can make truly brilliant plays happen. The shooting in this game is also remarkably realistic. I think the game designers must have been true fans and players of the game. They have really stressed the need for effective and intelligent passing. You simply *will not* score unless you have become proficient in good passing techniques. I dare say this game could be used to teach the rules and fundamental thought process behind good soccer.
Smooth Animation
Overall, the gameplay is smooth and natural. A very high FPS (frames-per-second) rate is to thank for the nearly total lack of jumpy animation. The movements of the players are realistic, unlike previous efforts.
Game Modes & Options
You can play several types of games, ranging from a Friendly match (exhibition) to World Cup, and it also includes the regular season and playoffs for the major futbol leagues of the world (including the US's MLS league).
The game also has some nice team management features, allowing you to choose field formations (ie - 4-2-4), defensive and offensive aggressiveness, and loads of other things. You can also make changes to your team roster via trading players, etc.
It goes without saying that you can also adjust individual game rules (ie- offsides, etc) the strictness of the referee, injuries and fatigue, and much more.
Minor Gripes
1. I like the fact that the weather is always changing, but it seems that this is only an aesthetic effect. For example, I can't tell a difference in gameplay between normal sunny weather and a heavy rain. The ball bounces exactly the same, which isn't very realistic. I'm not saying there isn't a difference at all, but it certainly doesn't seem to make much difference.
2. There are spots in the game where you don't have control over your player. This happens frequently when there has been a big goal kick or high lob pass. When you select the player nearest the landing spot of the ball, your control stops until a split second before the ball gets to be head-level. This prevents you from stepping in front of an opponent in order to trap the ball. In 2 player vs. matches, this evens out, so it isn't unfair - just annoying. When playing the CPU, however, it gives the CPU a big advantage on headers and high balls. The CPU can step in front of you at any time, but you can't do the same to the CPU.
Overview
Buy this game. Run, don't walk, to your nearest video game retailer and make an impulse purchase. Do it now.
Why are you still reading this?
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
whitesf
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Location: Hopatcong, NJ
Reviews written: 45
Trusted by: 6 members
About Me:
Guitar, amp, pedal junkie and DIY enthusiast.
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