2002 FIFA World Cup

Pros • Fun and challenging game that includes plenty of options. • Enough meat to challenge serious gamers, but enough fun to interest anyone.	Cons • I wish the United States team was stronger. • Not actually a simulation, but who cares?
Bottom Line Super soccer game. Although more of an arcade game than a simulation, the game still has serious depth, and is a blast for soccer players or casual fans alike. The USA Today claims that soccer is American youth's (8-16 year olds) favorite sport. I'm not surprised, the sport stuffs speed, agility, and power into a game full of non-stop action. It's never boring, always exciting. The same could be said of 2002 FIFA World Cup. An excellent game that well models the beauty of soccer, 2002 FIFA World Cup is a must have for soccer fans and gamers alike.

It's World Cup time in Japan and Korea--an unlikely pair of hosting partners to be sure. A field comprised of hundreds of hopeful soccer teams has been whittled down to 32. These teams will, in turn, play two, tension packed rounds to decide who will hold the coveted World Cup. 2002 FIFA World Cup lets you recreate that tension and much more in a dazzlingly good game.

The disc is stuffed with all of the 32 World Cup teams. From Argentina and Brazil, to the good old United States of America, if the team is in the World Cup, the team is in Electronic Art's game. Also included are several other squads that didn't make it to the final 32, but probably had the talent to do so. There's a kit-bag full in all, and more than enough to please any soccer fan.

2002 FIFA World Cup differs from last year's edition of FIFA; the sports branch of Electronic Arts has done a masterful job of improving the game without losing the essence of its fun, fast-paced style. Most noticeable are the differences in passing. Last year a pass was damn near an automatic action. Now, however, there is a bit more skill involved. You must not only aim the ball as you pass it, but tweak exactly how much power you will put into the pass. That may seem complicated, but it is an action that is quickly mastered and one that lets you lead the player to whom you are passing (watch out for offside penalties).

Also new are "one-twos.' These are quick passes executed with the by lightly flicking the right analog stick in the teammate's direction. This shuttles the ball to the teammate, who in turn will quickly return the pass to you. It's a cool touch and one that makes it much easier to blow by solitary defenders. You'll need that help because scoring is more difficult than ever. Yeah, pressing the default button sends the ball in the general direction of the goal, but if you want a good chance of scoring you'll need to not only aim, but modulate the strength of your kick. It's difficult to master, but adds depth to the game.

Also adding depth are the game's star players. Each is present in 2002 FIFA World Cup and brings their inherent skill with them to the big screen in your den. Each "star" has enhanced abilities in either shooting, passing, or sprinting, and these abilities can mean the difference between a score or not. In addition to special abilities, players tire and if a tired player is not soon rested he will cease to be of much help.

For sure the game looks as well as it plays. Make no mistake, the animations are superb. Players heading the ball actually look like they have struck a leather object, and the post-goal celebrations are exciting. Neither do the players kick and run in a vacuum. The stadiums are well detailed, crowd noise believable, and commentary insightful.

In fact the entire game is a kick-butt tour de force. No, it's not a simulation. The gamer's skill can significantly change how well a team plays, but who cares? It's fun, it's exciting, and it's challenging -whether played against the artificial intelligence or your big sister. So if you like soccer, get 2002 FIFA World Cup. It's a kicking good time. Sorry, I had to say that.

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