Soccer... the way it should be.
Written: Feb 01 '02
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Product Rating:
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Pros: You name it, it's got it.
Cons: Very little...
The Bottom Line: Anyone hear they might be coming up with a blue Moutain Dew?
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| search66's Full Review: FIFA Soccer 2002 for GameCube |
"It seems that all the released game for the Nintendo GameCube have been hit or miss. Electronic Arts makes a direct hit, and is well worth a look even if soccer isn't your game."
Soccer?
For us egocentric, bigheaded bullies known as Americans, soccer has never been the most popular of sports. In most other courtiers, football as it's called is the bread-and-butter of all sports. Sure, we have our fanatic NFL, NBA and MLB; none compare to the intensity of overseas soccer.
I'll admit, I've never been a huge soccer fan. I don't know the difference between fullback and a halfback if it was the million dollar question in Who Wants to be a Millionaire. But, over the years there have been some enjoyable soccer games. Konami has always produced some hard-core soccer action, and Electronic Arts has dipped their toe in the genre on more than one occasion.
To make matters worse, I am a Nintendo supporter. I love their style and affluence. But, one thing which drives me crazy is the lack of original titles to the system. It seems EA continues to port Playstation 2 games to the GameCube. Some have been good and others... well... not so good. A prime example is the conversion of SSX Tricky from the PS2 to the GC. The graphics were a bit improved, but the game was customized for the Sony controller and not the GC. I also noticed slight bugs in the conversion, and it just didn't roll like the original. Needless to say, I was hesitant to try my hand again at yet another port.
Soccer!
The concept behind FIFA is nothing new, and there are little to no changes to the game methods in ten years. So, using good gameplay as a foundation is the primary key for success or failure. Without hesitation, the gameplay in this years model is the best yet.
The control and schematics of the game, have surely gone from mindless automatic passing; to intuitive play schemes. In prior FIFA games, the biggest deterrent for me was the actual control factor. It seemed passing was done baby style, and simply by pointing in the direction and hitting your button allowed you to pass the ball from yourself to a teammate. If chance had it, the pass was completed fine unless a blocker stood in your path. In the 2002 version, all has been changed, and the inner workings have been re-mastered and exciting.
Lightly tap your "A" button (big green) for a soft, short chip. Hold it in longer and expect a field-long bomb. The passing options are not limited to pressure sensitive controls. If a teammate is open, you will visually see a pattern of dots appear in the direction of the player. Move that way, and these dots will form (non-obtrusively) near them. Pass the ball in that direction, and the camera smoothly takes you to that player and in full control.
For soccer enthusiasts one of the most critical aspects of the game is the ever-present "give and go". Similar to basketball, for you non-soccer players, the lead man has the ball and passes it to another. He in turn, will pass it back to you. The strategy is simple, but always effective. EA has reproduced the play fairly well. Using the little yellow analog controller, you can tap it in the direction of your teammate and pass it to them. Once he receives the ball, he will pass it back to you. This strategy is not only effective, but it is also fun.
Deeper than Uncle Sams pockets
Since the foundation of the game is excellent, everything built upon it is secondary. If you can call a huge assortment of options and game modes secondary, than just hold onto your seat. There are about 400 teams to choose from, coming from nearly 16 leagues around the world. If that isn't enough, and you aren't happy with the players; create your own. The create-a-player is a great option that really adds a great deal to the intimacy of the game. Your player can be customized not only with physical characteristics, but also physical attributes. These can include anything from strength and stamina, to accuracy and passing. If you choose to build an unstoppable force, just remember the player will cost more than other players. So, when you insert your player into a league, you will cost more. With each team having a budget, if you are the dominant force; expect the others on your team to be paid much less. This plays a role into the strategy of a team, because if you have a high dollar customized player, the others will be less paid and less performing. It's good to have a balance of players in order to compete.
Each league has various schedules and characteristics. I think our European friends would be much more familiar with them than myself, but they all seemed to be genuine and realistic. So if Simply_Crispy is reading, make sure you correct me if I'm wrong. Needless to say, there is a ton of games to play and if you get bored you better check your pulse.
If single player didn't satisfy your need for greed, just wait until you try the multiplayer aspects. With up to four people playing simultaneously; the action never stops. Compete two on two or even have three other buddies’ team up with you to take on the league. Since, the game view can be changed, no players are out of the action. Overall, the multiplayer aspects of FIFA 2002 are inspiring and a total blast.
Outa my way Playstation!
So far, the GC port has been nearly identical to the PS2 original. Gameplay, control and options are all bit for bit the same. Graphically, however, the GameCube stands head and shoulder about the Sony giant.
Player animations are not only fluid but also realistic. Now, it's not perfect, but it is some of the best human animation I have seen in a sports game. Meeting and in some aspects surpassing the graphics in Madden 200, your eyes will wear out before the attraction does. Beauty is only skin deep, but the GameCube's engine is powerful enough to keep the game running smoothly, without any hesitation or slowdown. Even with the addition of various weather effects and increased detail, the game runs rock solid.
One thing that seems to plague sports titles from the dawn of gaming, is the horrible crowd animations. This is the best crowd animation that I have ever seen. Using full motion video clips and dynamically changing animations; the crowd seems alive and interacts with the games involvement to the tee. From picturesque ground with dirt that kicks up, to slight lighting effects as you face the sun; graphics are almost perfect. The only detraction were the non-playable characters. Some were fairly glossy, and teammates on the sideline seemed dumbed down when compared to those on the field.
As with most sports titles, expect some color commentary by some somewhat annoying announcers. Andy Gray and John Motson combine to produce a solid running play by play. Sure, they repeat themselves sometimes, but overall the action is complimented while by the commentators. As mentioned before, the crowd also plays a vital role within the game. As the action intensifies, so do the crowd. With team-specific chants, you really get a "European" feel to it. The music and sound effects is also top notch. The soundtrack is compiled of a vast array of techno/electronica beats. The sound effects and ambient effects (like rain) are superbly done and realistic.
GOOOOOOOAAAAALLLLLLLL!
Purchasing this title should not be limited to just fans of the sport. I wasn't a soccer fan before, but this game has changed my view dramatically. The strategy, and overall fun of the game is most enjoyable and portrayed within FIFA 2002 is flawless.
For soccer fans owning a GameCube this is the first no-brainer for the console. A rent wouldn't suffice, and the purchase should come after you read this review. However, for most who aren't true fans of the sport, might be fulfilled for a week rental from your local Blockbuster. I rented the game for a week, but halfway into it, I knew I had to buy it.
The game has all of the ingredients for setting the pace for future releases on the Cube. I highly recommend this for at least a trial run, and hope that Electronic Arts sees the success in the GC and will release new titles for it, instead of giving us second hand ports...
-gameplay- nine out of ten
World Cup, here I come!
-graphics- eight out of ten
Move over Jessica Rabbit...
-audio- nine out of ten
So real, I just hope there aren't any riots...
-replay- nine out of ten
More buddies, more play
-overall- nine out of ten
Make like Bill Clinton and SCORE!
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
search66
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 - Top 500 |
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Location: Maryland
Reviews written: 227
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God bless netjak.
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