"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...
8.8
