FIFA Football 2002 (PS2)

I remember the original offering way back when on the Megadrive and I thought the game was suberb then and it only gets better. The usual flaws (too easy to beat the computer, too boring to just sit there and press X until you are ready to score, too easy to find sweet spots to score from) are all gone and what is left is a game which offers a good balance between difficulty to master and playability.

I basically wanted a game in which mates who come around and who are not experts can still offer a decent game. This is still it - in spite of the improvements to the passing etc. Be warned that if you are still stuck using the buttons and will avoid the analogue stick - well you kind of have to use it here!

And - the computer AI is tough ... the beginner 'amateur' level is pretty easy and it will take about a game or so before you started banging 6/7 past the computer but move up to 'professional' and world class and it almost seems unfair how good the computer passes (and wins balls in teh air!!).

If you're a fan of football/sport or decent two player games - this is one to have. It offers a little bit in the way of management simulation (I have managed to complement my Arsenal team with Thuram, Shevchenko and Figo!!) - but is ultimately an arcade game which is best enjoyed with four-six of you setting up a mock world cup.

I paid 39.99 for this piece of rubbish. I just can't believe how bad this game is. Don't let anyone else tell you otherwise. FIFA 2002 is a load of bu***cks. Let's get one thing straight the graphics are very good with detailed but smaller than usual players to the grass and the stadiums. The commentary is very good as well, little repetition during the course of the game but the music is top class not surprising given that it is provided by the Ministry of Sound. The music can be played during the match on top of the commentary and the realistic sound effects which is an ace feature.

You've got your usual league, cup and world cup qualification tournaments. All top club sides and international sides are included.

Where this game completely falls down is in the gameplay. The single most major problem is the camera view. You have about 9 camera views to play the game in but all of them are inadequate. Most people will use the Tele cam which is adjustable by the player but even then it is nigh on impossible to make a well judged pass or tackle when the game is being played on the far touch line as the camera just doesn't zoom in on the action enough. The player movement off the ball is awful as they tend to remain in formation rather than find space so most times you'll lose possession because you can't see any midfield players who remain just off screen so the defence just make long hopeful passes (even after making tactical/formation changes or having the scanner on).

The cross/lob system in this game is atrocious. No matter what you do the crosses tend to have no proper height or direction it's as if the CPU chooses a predefined route for the ball after you pressed left and Cross. You can try and press other buttons or move the analogue stick after making the shot but it makes no difference. What really sums this game up is during certain moments in the game if someone scores from just outside the box the camera isn't able to keep up so all you'll see is the ball bouncing of the net to the ground and totally miss the shot flying into the goal.

I could go on and on about all the problems in FIFA 2002 but my advice to you is don't be fooled by the excellent presentation and poor gimmicks of this EA game. If you do want to buy it then go and pick up the FIFA 2001 and FIFA 2002 boxes, read the descriptions on the back and ask yourself why is it that EA say the same things each year and always disappoint.