Customer Reviews

2002 FIFA World Cup

5 star:		(17)
4 star:		(6)
3 star:		(7)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(4)

 

 

What a disapointment! I was extatic when i read earlie this year that EA was developping a soccer game specifically for the Xbox console, based on its fifa franchise. I should have known better.

Apparently folks at EA figured they could say whatever they wanted and not only develop the game for Gamecube and PS2 but also release these versions just before that of the XBOX.

More importantly, they also figured they could do whatever they wanted. Why bother spending a lot of time on a game that will sale no matter what, simply because it is endorsed by the FIFA and has the Japan-Korea logo all over it!

So instead of spending the time necessary to build upon the previous installments of FIFA soccer, they did the opposite, they removed many features and added a "bonus material" which consists of a video documentary about the coming World Cup (who cares? this is not a dvd movie).

Since this game focuses on the World Cup, it is no longer possible to select a club or trade players! Fair enough, but where is the training mode? Where is it said that because it's only about the World Cup, it is no longer necessary to practice free kicks or set plays! This is amazing considering EA had already this feature built into its previous FIFA versions. At the same time, EA is promoting the fact that the passing system and the air play game are more complex! The only reason not to include a much needed training mode? Being able to release another version, an "improved" one this fall!

More, for those of view who liked the strategy side of the EA franchise, like the ability to change formations and offensive and defensive style on the fly... forget about it, it's nowhere to be found on this game. Similarly, you can no longer put pressure on the ball carrier by sending your guys on him!

More, the dribling scheme is ridiculous! Overall, there are fewer moves available, and, worse, they are impossible to perform. Two of them require that you press the Y button at the same time as the Black button... sure, try it! And the ability to let the user configure the controller settings himelf? of course not, this would have required more programming!

I could go on and on, however you should get a pretty good idea by now. Yes, this game has cool graphics (which sports game on the XBOX hasn't?). Yes, World Cup offers a newly designed passing system (so did fifa 2002 on ps2). Yes, this game is the best soccer game on the XBOX (but it's basically the only one if you put aside the ESPN game which is to sports game, what curling is to winter sports!).

So my advice, DO NOT BUY THIS GAME. Wait a few weeks until International pro soccer 2 and David Beckham's soccer game are released.

My rating: TWO THUMBS DOWN!

This is the ONLY soccer game worth picking up for XBOX currently. Due to FIFA licensing limitation, the game does not have all the extra features offered by other FIFA title. However, this would probably be the only World Cup game you can get. If you want to experience the passion and glory of World Cup, you HAVE to get this one.

Graphics 7.5
Character models are just like in other FIFA game, nothing spectacular we haven't seen. Some characters run into each other during celebration animation; no big deal, but I feel its a show of lack of quality. Animation goes the same, we all have seen it before. The stadium models are impressive; however, crowd and fan animation are blend and not original. A camera close-up of the fans would be a great improvement. Overall, the graphics achieve the means of presenting a realistic soccer game feel to it. Don't expect to see XBox quality graphics though.

Sound 8
The crowd's noise, players' shouts, and sound effects are absolutely great. It sounds like a live game being played. The commentary is boring. No soccer game would be complete without the frantic and hysteric yelling of GOAL! when someone scores. The absense of GOAL shouting REALLY, I mean, REALLY bothers me VERY VERY MUCH! I solve it by just yelling myself.

Gameplay 7.5
It's a fun game to pick up and start playing. The only difference I notice different from other FIFA titles is less fancy built-in moves. I want to emphasis although it is a little bit harder to execute different fancy moves, it is just as easy to score a goal. AI is OK, but not impressive. After a while, you WILL figure out consistant ways to score.

Value 7
After the initial rush of winning the World Cup, the game will become old fast. However, you would still find yourself coming back to this game time to time when you want a good old game of soccer... until something better comes along on XBox. Play with your soccer buddies would be a riot if they are as passionate about soccer as you. Put on your favorite team's jersey and kick some of your trash talking buddies behind can be a whole lot of fun.

Overall 7.5
I would not recommend it to non-soccer fans. If you like soccer, it is definitely worthy for you to pick up this title. Buy it, if you like or love soccer. Do not bother with it if you do not soccer. I personally like this game a lot... I just have to create a lot of passion of the soccer myself. It feeds my hunger for a good soccer game on XBox, not satisfying it.

THis was okay. I just rented it and wasn't thrilled. The graphics are okay and run at a pretty steady framerate but they are nothing the pS2 couldn't do. The gameplay is rather easy and with one guy you can blow by everyone on the field with ease. I wouldn't get this and I would wait for 2003.

I have always been a lover of the EA Sports soccer games, I played FIFA 99 for N64 religiously. Right from the start, you see that the graphics of this first-time-on-XBOX game are spectacular. You know how in other sports games the graphics are awesome when you zoom in on the replays? This whole game is like that.
In previous EA Sports FIFA soccer games, I used to defend by getting close to the attacker and pressing the slide tackle button. This stratgey takes far more precision in 2002 FIFA World Cup. You slide whatever direction you're facing, and you simply slide straight regardless of where the ball or attacker happens to be. If you just take out the opposing player, you'll get whistled down for the foul and an automatic replay will show you how bad you got him. Tackles from behind result in the ref showing you some yellow. Take out a player on a breakaway and you're sent off to the locker room and find yourself a man down.
Shooting the ball has also become more complicated. Tapping the shoot button no longer creates a soft shot--it directs it lower. Hold it down until the power bar is full and it'll sail over the goal.
Passing is tougher as well--I used to press 'A' and watch the ball find my attacker. Now, you have to direct the pass right to your teammate. Even then, it doesn't always get there. It seems to me that pass completion was overly corrected; its now very difficult.
I wouldn't necessarily classify this game as a no-buy, but it takes a real soccer fan to appreciate the realistic qualities. If you were glued to your TV during the recent World Cup, this game is worth acquiring. If you want a fast paced, action-packed sports game, I recommend trying before buying.

Overall, this soccer game is worth it's price, but it falls short in two major areas.

There aren't enough game modes to play in. You're either playing an exhibition game or you're playing in the World Cup. You can't create seasons or franchises like other EA titles. Therefore although it's fun, it doesn't keep you playing game after game like Madden and NHL (both EA titles) do. It therefore becomes a bit tedious when you get too good.

The other major flaw is the goalkeeping. It's fairly easy to score in this game if you get into the box. The goalies just can't cover enough of the goal like they do in earlier FIFA titles for other consoles (FIFA 98 for the N 64 specifically).

So although this is the best soccer game out there for the Xbox, there is still a lot to be desired.

I just played this game at a nearby game store and it was so fun and realistic. In comparison: if you liked NHL 2002 because of its (realty) then you will enjoy this game so much. This game is not like any of that NHL HITZ stuff where they don't even play by the rules, this game is intense and i recomend it to anyone who loves soccer.

This is the best game I have ever played for xbox. The only bad part is that it was FIFA World Cup and their is no season mode. If their was a season mode it would make the game double the fun. So if you're looking for a GOOD soccer game this is the one it's way better then FIFA 2003.

Once you get over all the glorious pomp and circumstance what you're left with is a horribbly slow game that is almost constantly bogging. The new juggling feature is the token "bullet point" on the game box that adds nothing to the game. For years EA has been counting on the FIFA license for sales, rather than quality game play - don't waste your time this franchise get yourself Pro Evolution from Konami if you want a sim - or RedCard from Midway if you want fun.

I rented the game this past weekend and now going to buy it. I love this game. The graphics are awesome and the playability is easy and real. I would recomment this game to all you footy fans out there, this is well worth the money.

If soccer is your favorite sport(like me).......then this will be your favorite game ever made.......even if you just like soccer a little bit you will love it.........but if you hate soccer....stay away and spend your hard earned [money] on something else