Amazon.co.uk Review
Determined to squeeze every last ounce out of the FIFA licence, Electronics Arts have released yet another footy sim for the PS2--and oddly enough it concerns the World Cup. Taking the essence of
FIFA 2002 and modifying it for the world's greatest tournament, EA have restricted the scope of the game, offering only two modes of play (full tournament and friendly) and the 32 teams which are taking part in the tournament. That said, it still plays the same as its older brother and the look and feel given by the inclusion of the new stadia and enhanced sound effects really brings the game to life.
Owners of the full-fat 2002 game will want to think very seriously before paying out for this "special" release, but for those who've not come across the franchise before, or those looking for a break from Pro Evolution Soccer, this game has entertainment by the sackload. Graphically it looks the business and the pre-match build-ups are eye candy to please any jaded palette. In-game, too, the player graphics are nicely detailed and there are some wonderful individual animations covering all manner of complex looking moves, swerves and dives. In fact, the only thing that really lets the side down is the speed of the game during more hectic midfield moments, when the framerate stutters appallingly--a little poor for a game that's been through so many development revisions. Control is nice and simple and it's a breeze to pick this title up and start booting the pigskin around the park within a couple of minutes, though mastering the finer points of ball control and the elusive "lob in" will take a good deal longer.
2002 FIFA World Cup really does have a lot going for it. It's not as technical as the ISS games, and it doesn't have the scope or gameplay modes of FIFA 2002, but it does have atmosphere by the bucketload. If you've a newcomer to the franchise or you've missed the last couple of major releases then it's certainly worth a look.--Chris Russell
Product Description
The only football game licensed to use the official 2002 FIFA World Cup insignia and mascots, and the 20 new World Cup stadiums in Japan and Korea, promises to capture all the excitement of the tournament. Teams will be met with a rising tide of crowd excitement with thousands of fans sporting team colours, country-specific chants, and an explosion of special effects including lasers, confetti, streamers and flags.
2002 FIFA World Cup is based around a seven-game series beginning with round-robin play, followed by playoffs leading to the final match with a progressive story line and a rising intensity as you advance; you'll find lifelike representations of all the star players, combined with the exceptional individual talents that characterise their style of play in real life. Accessible new gameplay delivers intuitive one-button headers, volleys, scissor kicks, juggling and more. Showboating and high-tempo, high-impact play is straightforward from the first touch of the ball, and new player-to-player animations result in aggressive jostling for the ball both on the ground and in the air.
Key dramatic moments during the tournament are highlighted by epic cinematics--player animations, original scores by the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra and special effects underscore the emotional range of play with increasing intensity as games become more important. New camera angles and replays capture the intensity of World Cup games as they dramatise nearly missed shots, fouls and goals by focusing on players' facial animations as they grimace and fall to their knees in frustration or pump their fists and cheer in celebration of a goal.
