Customer Reviews

FIFA Soccer 2003

5 star:		(26)
4 star:		(16)
3 star:		(7)
2 star:		(4)
1 star:		(10)

 

 

this game is so awesome. The graphics are unbelievable. It looks like a real game. The gameplay is fantastic, honestly. It is extremely realistic and you have to have skill to score goals. I thought Fifa World Cup 2002 was an awesome game but it had its flaws. One of those was the ridiculous easiness of goal scoring. I was able to win games 10-0 on World Class! You could just dribble straight past people and shoot the ball straight in. This game is much better. The defenses hold up very well. You need skill and superior passing to beat the defense. It is much more exciting and challenging this way.

Some flaws. First of all, the controller setup is kinda confusing-sprint is changed from triangle to R1, etc. Second, it is nearly impossible to score on long-range shots. The AI goalies have superhuman abilities which will stop even the most brilliant shots. You can almost never score unless the ball is 20 yards or less away from the goal. Third, the pass button doesn't have a power meter so all you can do is hope your passes have enough pace to get to your teammates. Finally, the headers in this game are very poor. You hold down triangle for all of them, eliminating any differences between passing, clearing, and shooting headers.

Overall, this game is very realistic and well-made. EA still has a ways to go though. They need to expand as well as they do on other sports games, i.e. Madden.
Things missing/wrong-
~Eddie Pope is one of the worst players in the game-42 overall!!!
~No different modes, i.e. practice, training, create-a-team/player
~Once you complete a season, your team is gone and you have to start a new one. This means no off-season, player development, etc.
~Where's the professional Dutch league? Where's the Holland National Team!?!? What's going on there EA?

good game though, best fifa game so far. I recommend it to everyone, especially those who know how soccer is really played.

when I first boought fifa 2003 i forgot it was a video game it was so realistic. The graphics are awesome and so are the gameplay.You can manage a team (buy and sell) in a season, or club champoinship. You can play any club you name in the pros and it has it (english league,italian leaque, spanish leaque, german league, scottish leaque, Mls-amercan leauge, korean leaque, brazilian league, swedish league, rest of world league and i think thats it, there might be more). it may be boring if u play exhibitionsor multiplayer but on seasons its so fun. you can also unlock tournamounts and stadiums. they even have the brand names on 95% of the jerseys and u can also check all the teams jerseys in the hall of kits. it also has the new freestyle control which i havn't mastered yet but when you pull of a move its a crazy move. the only bad thing i can say about this game is u can't create players and there is no indoor stadium like in the game fifa 98 road to world cup on n64. I definetly without question recomend you to buy this game and if you dont buy it rent it.

The only other soccer game I have is Fifa 2k2, so I can't compare this to PES 2, which lots of people seem to like. On its own merits, it's a really fun game. Compared to 2k2, I feel more like I'm playing real soccer. In 2K2, I normally scored by kicking it deep (often from goal) and having my forwards outrun the defenders. Or, I would slide tackle a defender and go 1-on-1 with the goalie. Couldn't master much else, except the occasional 1-touch flick with the rt. stick, which worked magically well. In 2K3, the goalie rarely kicks so far and the defenders are smarter. Instead, I am able to pass around the perimeter of the box (mostly X-button), looking for an open shot. Or, I can build a good run up the wings. I also actually can/need to pass backwards to set up an attack on occasion. It just looks and feels more like the actual flow of a soccer game.

Other improvements: Less repetition, e.g., goalie kicks no longer go exactly the same place every time. Better AI, especially in its responsiveness to game situations, e.g., throw everyone up-field if one down late in the game. Easier controls outside the game, e.g., choosing teams, team management, playing a whole season. I really like the right stick free-form moves, especially knocking the ball forward (great fun with Ruud Van Nistelrooy) Feels more like a broadcast game, with better replays and half-time/end of game highlights. Graphics are improved, overall. I like the ability to pressure a player on defense. My uncontrolled players on both offense and defense spend less time doing either nothing or the wrong thing. Kick it randomly up-field and it wont magically go to one of your players.

Several minuses: I find headers really hard to manage, and understand they might not even be possible if you are unmarked. The default camera angle (combined with everything being a bit smaller) sometimes makes it hard to see exactly what is going on and who is where, especially in the goal square. I havent explored the other available angles in enough detail to see if one of them might be better. What happened to the tutorial segment and the bloopers?! The new announcer is fine, but nothing more. What happened to Andy Gray?!

Overally, if you liked 2002, youll probably spend an hour adjusting to the new controls & gameplay (I used Manchester United to take on Rapid Bucharest, so my ego didnt get totally slammed while I did so). After that, youll probably really enjoy it. Your mileage (kilometerage?) may, of course, vary.

I've always loved the FIFA franchise and played almost every game since 98's Road to the world cup. I read the negative reviews, but since my brother wanted this game I bought it for him.

I have played it several times now and I must say I'm terribly dissapointed.

First, it has less game choices. In 2002 (at least PC) I could play indoors, outdoors, raining, hot, you name it. Now there are no weather options and you can only play stadiums.

2nd. No training mode. The controls are difficult enough, and then you have to learn them as you go? Not good.

3rd. _The controls_. This is the most frustrating "feature" in this game. First, if you want to shoot, you must press the shot button way before you actually intend to shoot, or else the keeper/defender will take the ball away. Why would I want to try and shoot before I even decide to do so? This is not how was done in past FIFA games (or at least it wasn't as notorious). It's just as if too much processor power went into the graphics and left the gameplay as 2nd priority.

_The passing_ It is almost impossible to control the passing power (with the "pass to teammate" button) so almost all of your passes end up being cut off. The "pass to space" and "lob pass" button actually work very fine, I must say. Those DO have the power meter.

_The dribbling_ Ok, so past FIFA games were a bit too generous in that area, where you could dribble to your heart's content. Now it's almost impossible to the point where you don't even try to dribble anymore, taking a good part of the enjoyment off the game.

_The commentators_ I live in Mexico so my brother has the spanish speaking commentators on, and they say the dumbest things and the most laughable expressions ("YES! YES!). I don't know about the english speaking ones but since there are much more spanish speaking countries (and I bet all of them have soccer as their national pastime) more effort should have been put into this.

The only thing going for this game are the superb graphics. Some of the players actually resemble the real deal and the animation is very fluid and the graphics beautifully rendered.

All things considered, I have not had the same fun playing this game as I did with the past FIFA games. It's a frustrating experience and you will end up playing other games instead. I'm going to buy Pro Evolution Soccer 2 and see if that is better.

I love soccer, I play on a recreational basis. I look forward for every new ps 2 game. FIFA 2002 is fantastic. FIFA 2003 has excellent graphics, the new stadiums, players and the on field reactions are really cool.
The controls however "..." big time. Soccer is a game of speed and timing. FIFA 2003 controls seem to be still in the dressing room. Reaction time and general control reactions is on sleep mode constantly.
FIFA 2002 has more ball and player control features.
I strongly recommend that the creation team be or talk to real football players. There should be a collaboration between the graphic creators and the 'control' creators.

With FIFA 2003, EA has added the last piece of the puzzle - chants! With chants tailored to the clubs or countries you're playing with, and even the specific moments of the match, the overall experience is the best it's ever been. The game play is a bit harder this year, but that's a good thing. No longer does the ball stay attached to a players foot - he has to work to keep it there. Also, it is much harder to string passes - it can still be done, but the AI has improved, so the opposing players cut out passes with much greater frequency. The number of players and teams available is staggering, however, EA has added a special feature for 18 of the biggest clubs in the world; you can now play in their specific stadiums. Try club competion mode, and you'll be visiting such historic grounds as Highbury, Anfield and the San Siero. Free kicks and corners can be done with even more accuracy, and the players, stadiums and supporters all look so real! BUY THIS GAME!

I have played soccer video games for the past twenty years and they have certainly come a long way since then. To give you an idea of the games I have played: Commdore 64 soccer, Microprose Soccer, Kick-Off 1 and 2, Sensible Soccer, Emlyn Hughes International Soccer, The original FIFA by Electronic Arts, Fifa 99 and Fifa 2003.I really enjoy the improvements that EA has made over previous versions. I like the fact that tackling is not limited to a slide tackle anymore, and that you can start controlling the player the ball is being passed to even before he received the pass. The presentation of the game is incredible as well, making it feel like you are watching the game on TV. Also, I enjoy league play significantly more in this version, than in previous ones. Not only can you play the regular season, but it includes the European Champions Cup and the national cup. I am thoroughly enjoying this game, and if you are a soccer fan, I am sure you will, too.

That's FIFA's philosophy, which for the keen footballer or fan is a must. There has been a new series hitting the US market and it doesn't quite have what FIFA has and will have in the next game: an authentic feeling.

To be able to call it a simulation you must first of all have the exact attire that the best of the best wear. This game is presented with a TV-style realism that compliments the upmost detailed football atmosphere. There might be only a dozen of stadiums, but heck, they're detailed to the last pixel.

The game's engine is where there's room for improvement given the fact that sometimes it feels less like football and more like some fellow football maniac said "ping-pong." Anyways, the game has all the mechanics in place, and should be refurbished in the area of individual advanced techniques.

FIFA's rendition of extreme detail is clearly unrivaled. The graphics and lasting appeal are also unrivaled. It's worthy of pointing out that the "other" series (Pro Evo) isn't drawn from the hand of Europeans but rather from the kooky Japanese at Konami. In contrast with such rival, FIFA fields a world of detail and licensed trademarks whereas the "other" does so with a bunch of pathetic and generic recreation of kits and symbolically, feel. EA 's an American company, but those involved in the development of the game are from the only continent that knows football inside out.

Although it's too late for this review to be useful, I feel that the developers put so much more than the "others" for there to be appreciative consumers to point out the truth. Anyways FIFA 2004 is a must-have title with the new ONLINE GAMING feature and presumed postings of roster updates throughout next season. FIFA series: unparalleled authenticity and excitement.

BEISDES THE GRAPHICS AND SMOOTH MOTION OF THE PLAYERS THE GAME LEAVES A LOT TO BE DESIRED:

A) HEADERS....99% OF THE TIME THE BALL IS HEADED BY YOUR
OPPONENT.

B) PASSING ALONG THE GROUND IS WEAK AND SENDING A THROUGH PASS
IS DIFFICULT 'CAUSE THE PLAYERS DO NOT MAKE VERY GOOD RUNS IN
TO SPACE, EVEN ON COMMAND.

C) SENDING A LOB PASS IS RIDICULOUS, YOU CANNOT ADD BACK SPIN TO
WEIGH IT DOWN.

D) WHEN GIVING COMMAND TO PASS OR SHOOT IT TAKES TOO LONG FOR THE
PLAYER TO REACT TO THE COMMAND GIVEN.

E) YOUR DEFENSE IS CAUGHT SLEEPING WAY TOO MUCH ON AN OPPONENTS
BREAKAWAY.

F) YOU SHOULD BE ABLE TO DETAIL YOUR ATTACKING AND DEFENSIVE
STRATEGIES SUCH AS POSESSION, COUNTER ATTACK OR PRESSURE (ON
THE DEFENSIVE SIDE)

G) BALL SPIN....THERE IS NONE.

H) TOO MANY TEAMS MISSING THAT SHOULD BE THERE SUCH AS HOLLAND.

I wouldn't say so...

Fifa 2003 came to us with a bit of a bang, there were a lot of people dying to get their hands on a copy of this, and I was lucky enough to be bought a copy by my girlfriend this Christmas, along with the Playstation 2 she bought me.

I have been playing Fifa 2001 on the Playstation 1 for a while now. Boring our girlfriends to death me and my mate would by riveted in competition against one another playing with the teams that we liked and had got used too. Each team was unique, each team could do different things, one team would nearly always score on a nice little corner kick while the other wouldn't have a hope in chance, but would be excellent at doing a through run and slamming it past the goalkeeper into the back of the net. Oh the joys of playing this game, hours were spent head to head, while both of us would be at the same skill level, one of us winning loads of games one day, then losing loads of game the next!

Move over Fifa 2001, it's time for the new Fifa 2003, and argh, I can't play it.

Fifa 2003 has changed completely to what I'm used to. The same idea is still there, Electronic Arts have just made it completely different to play with their snazzy camera angles and unique controls. It states on the back of the box `Brand new dribbling, shooting, crossing and passing models'. Indeed, I'm damn sure these are there as I can't get used to any of them. It used to be that when you passed, it would pass to another one of your players. When you pass now, half the time you will pass to no one, though normally, it's the other team!

Total Dead Ball Control is another one of the features that Fifa 2003 has, but lacked in Fifa 2001. This is good, but on the other hand, can be a complete nightmare. What this generally means is that where you aim, the ball will go, unlike the older games where the ball had set patterns as to where it can go. Sure, this sounds like a damn good feature, but you just try playing with this. When you have camera angles moving in every single direction and your running down the field, ball in front of you, you see a side / slightly overhead view of your player, line him and up you shoot! It goes way off target thanks to the camera view putting you off and making you think you can get something. The same happens when an opponent gets the ball, you find yourself running around in circles before you realise where you are. The same goes for passing, how the hell are you supposed to pass to someone when you can't actually see them.

Theres on camera angle that's good in this game, and I can play with, and that's the one that's closest to overhead (can't remember the name of it), it's the one that closest resembles the Fifa 2001 setup. With this camera angle you can actually see more of the players, but with the detail of the players being so intense and the detail of the stadium being so intense, once you can see half the pitch, more players and more of the crowd in the stadium, things start to slow up and you find the game jumping and skipping frames as it refreshes itself, trying to keep up with the demands of the graphics.

Graphics is something that this game has. You can actually tell who the players are if you know what they look like (me, I wouldn't have a clue, apart from David Beckham!). The cut scenes are really good, with every player having his unique features, from his hair, to an ear ring, it ill all be there, right in front of you. The game itself is set up a bit like a TV showing of football, with the screens moving into one another.

Sound is excellent too, with the crowd shouting out the scores, the unique chants and much more, ooo's and ahhh's as you go for goal and miss. The referee makes a few appearances too, showing his red or yellow cards, you should see some of the faces of the players when they get sent off!

You can play a variety of different games, from championship, friendly's, arcade and simulation modes. You can select your arena, your opponents, your shirt colours, set your people up however you wan, view statistic, all while getting commentary, which is much improved over fifa 2001 along the way.

The game is a damn good one in terms or realism and is probably the closest to real football game out there on the market at the moment. It's just a shame they have made it so damn hard to play and get used to the controls. For now, me and my mate will be playing against each other on Fifa 2001! For this reason, it gets 4 out of 5 from me.

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