Getting There...
Written: Apr 13 '02
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Product Rating:
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Pros: New improved passing system, the usual dazzling graphics
Cons: Players still incapable of some operations, while the AI is still cheap
The Bottom Line: Though some old gameplay defects still linger, overall FIFA 2002 is the best soccer game to date.
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| joelyman's Full Review: FIFA Soccer 2002 for PlayStation 2 |
The FIFA Soccer series seems to have a frustrating tendency of picking up where it left off on each new FIFA title and not really going anywhere new. However, the juggernaut soccer title can't be accused of such a failure this year. While it seems a few too many of the old quirks still remain, the new improvements are quite noticeable, and this time, actually somewhat useful.
Ok, praises first; this new passing system, though a bit hard to get accustomed to, is tremendously useful. Upon mastering this marvel of soccer gaming (or so I merely boast, at least) I've come to the realization that at long last, I am even with my frustratingly accurate passing opponent, the AI. Suddenly I can thread the needle with ease, setting off my striker on a brilliant through ball, and thus the potential of a goal. Additionally, the runs the players can make when commanded are well directed and, when combined with an accurate through ball, devastatingly effective against the opposition.
Now be honest with yourself - would a FIFA title be a FIFA title without the usual quirks? FIFA 2002 offers a resounding "Of course not!" with several of the usual bugs that always seem to plague us frantic gameplayers when we're down a goal to nil in extra time of the second half. However, it must be said for FIFA that there are really only two NEW defects in the game. The first is really more annoying than actually deadly to a gameplayer's defense, and that is the computer's tendency to loft the ball very high to one of his teammates downfield, while minutes of a player's virtual playing clock rapidly tick off, something that can be very costly if he's trailing in the dying moments of the game. The second new quirk is that, upon the loft being sent upfield, the gameplayer's defense usually takes up the job of merely WATCHING the ball sail over their heads and onto the foot of the computer's attacker. Ok now for the usual defects of the game. As is customary for all FIFA titles, the players have several "holes" in their potential skill or capabilities. For example a player will not in anyway play a ball that is at his chest level - he must wait for it to reach his foot before executing the commanded move. This obviously cuts down on the effectiveness of volleyed passes and through balls, as well as just making the player look like he has absolutely no abilities of professional caliber. Another situation that this can cost a gameplayer is when a ball is lofted into close proximity of goal and the striker is commanded to shoot - once again the player must wait for the ball to come to his feet before striking, or he must perform and awkward bicycle kick or side volley, which more often than not doesn't end up in the back of the net. Another familiar old problem is the computer's ability to compensate for a gameplayers hard-earned goals by easily hitting home shots from acute angles and outrageous distances, as well as taking advantage of the gameplayer's keeper who is, more often than not, out of position.
Though frustrating, all these quirks don't amount to enough to bring down this new game. That and the new improvements in mind, it must be said that this is the best FIFA game to date.
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
joelyman
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Reviews written: 2
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