2002 FIFA World Cup
Score: 75% ESRB: Everyone Publisher: EA Sports Developer: EA Sports Media: DVD/1 Players: 1 - 4 Genre: Sports
Graphics & Sound: EA Sports has outdone themselves graphically once again with 2002 FIFA World Cup. Player models are extremely well rendered, and account for a very enjoyable gameplay experience. If that weren't enough, the stadium comes alive with vibrant colors and a crowd that is as lively as the real thing. This graphical goodness may come at a price, however, as once in a while there will actually be slowdowns in the replays and other cinematics in the game. Fortunately, gameplay isn't sacrificed by this slowdown. Most notably in the sound department comes by way of the announcers. Although they do a good job overall, the commentators are merely average, and you won't really notice them after a while. What I find to be outstanding are the ambient sounds that come from both the players and the stadium. Believe it or not, you'll even be able to hear multiple languages coming from the field. This adds that little extra to the auditory portion of World Cup 2002
Gameplay: When I first popped in the game, I immediately noticed the lack of a Season mode. It drives me crazy to think about why a developer like EA Sports would make a game without this ever-important mode. Sure, in its place is the World Cup mode (hence the game's title), but why leave out the option to play a full season? I'll tell you why. I just lost a little respect for EA Sports because instead of including a World Cup mode in their FIFA 2002 game, they created a separate game called 2002 FIFA World Cup. So now, in order to get the best of both worlds, you have to buy 2 full games. Thanks, EA (that's sarcasm)!!! With that aside (and, yes, it affects my score!), the gameplay of 2002 FIFA World Cup is actually very, very user-friendly. There are some more complicated controls if you want to use them, but essentially you only need to move your players and pass and shoot. Very simple. There are many other options in the game also (like speeding up gameplay) to customize your soccer-playing experience. Game features consist of the Friendly mode (essentially a Quick Start mode), the World Cup mode, and some Bonus Materials, which in my opinion are there only to try to jazz up a second FIFA game that's been released. The Bonus Materials included are a bunch of video clips and behind-the-scenes footage for soccer fans. The heart of the game is, of course, the World Cup mode. It is here where you will take your team first through a round robin tournament, and then on your quest for the World Cup. The entire tournament actually only lasts a total of 8 games from start to finish, which means you can easily play all of the way through in one sitting (depending on your half length).
Difficulty: 2002 FIFA World Cup offers 4 difficulty settings: Beginner, Amateur, Professional, and World Class. At the Beginner level, I was able to work my way through an undefeated tournament on the first try, and the computer only scored 1 goal against me (in the final game). On the flip side, the World Class setting is extremely difficult. We won't go into any scores there, because I'd like to leave my pride in tact. In short, there's a setting for everybody, and anybody should be able to find a suitable competition level.
Game Mechanics: As stated above, 2002 FIFA World Cup has got one of the easiest-to-use controller setups I have ever had the privilege of handling. Add some basic 'extra' moves like ball spin, speed burst, and the new ability to 'juggle' the soccer ball, and you've got some sweet ball handling at your fingertips. Menu controls are also very easy to navigate, making it simple to choose your team and get into the action. Unfortunately, EA Sports has pulled a fast one on us all by releasing a second soccer game instead of just including the World Cup mode on the original FIFA 2002. Because of this, you'll have to choose if you want the ability to play season mode (FIFA 2002) or the chance to win the Cup (2002 FIFA World Cup). Choose wisely, as maybe EA Sports will find the one-game solution for next year's soccer.
-Woody, GameVortex Communications AKA Shane Wodele
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