FIFA Soccer 2002

Some games are a kick to play; others require some skill and forethought.

FIFA Soccer 2002 from EASports, for the PC, puts all three into action. This game transcends previous incarnations of the sport, enlivening the screen with realistic game play, and lively graphical elements.

Games have been a part of the cyber world for a long time, but most fallen well short of actually portraying the complexities of the game. Take the game of soccer, for example. There is so much more to the game than passing and shooting, or slide tackling. This game involves trapping, passing through to spots rather than straight to players. A through-ball can accomplish so much more, if the intended receiver is on the move, than a direct pass.

EASports has upgraded an already solid game by incorporating a one-touch, or two-touch passing game with through passes while continuing to actualize players in a realistic manner.

In previous incarnations of this game, players were always on the run, drawbacks (toeing the ball backwards) were somewhat nonexistent, and little items, like chest traps, were rare.

Welcome to the new world of FIFA soccer. This game has managed to take the finer points of the game, and bring them to cyber life. Which actually means a better game.

Let’s talk about the options package first. This game feature 400 teams, some of the game’s biggest stars (though most will be unfamiliar to U.S. gamers), 16 leagues, multiple camera angles, several playing options, and team management options. The games are well commentated by a United Kingdom duo, and you can actually create a team, set the strategy and key kick takers, as well as move your team through a seasonal lineup to vie for the World Cup.

The player interface is very easy to navigate through, and the program allows you to save all options as you move through the menus.

Controls options are set up to allow players to custom-configure them. Whether you are a keyboard player, or like the freedom of a game pad, this product will allow the freedom to set the game at the level, and with the parameters that you enjoy.

Graphically, this game is very well done. The environmental graphics are solid, though weather effects are somewhat typical for most sports games, and the animation is very realistic.

The sound features terrific play-by-play and color commentary, average game effects, and a terrific soundtrack.

This is a game rated for Everyone, but requires reflexive skill and instantaneous mental abilities.

If you enjoy soccer, like a solid challenge, and enjoy terrific graphics, this is a game you will enjoy.

Install: Easy
This game can require more than 500 megs of hard-drive space, but installs quickly.

Gameplay: 9
This game is very smooth, from the beginning of a match to its end.

Graphics: 8.8
The movement of the players is very realistic, and the game has finally managed to put most of those movements into the hands of the game players. Environmental graphics are good, while weather effects are standard.

Sound: 8.5
The in-game effects have changed little, the music is very good, and the game commentary is solid.

Difficulty: 8.5
There is a difficulty level to challenge just about anyone, the options package is solid, and the controls will take some getting used to but are well realized.

Concept: 8
The improvements to the game are very good, and while the game of cyber soccer has been around for a while, this is a vast improvement on previous incarnations.

Multiplayer: 7
The game supports many styles of multiplayer gaming, such as LAN, serial and Internet. The game, while quite strong in single player action, is particularly interesting in multiplayer gaming.

Overall: 8.8
This is one of the best soccer games ever programmed for the PC. It features realistic game play, solid graphics and audio, and a great challenge. It’s about time that the finer elements of the game were accurately portrayed.