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| Fifa 2001 |
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| It's unfortunate that a healthy console launch means that some really good games are going to get overshadowed by a few spectacular titles. For instance, FIFA 2001 is an incredible soccer sim that will satisfy both hardcore footy fans and the casual guy who thinks it's just hockey on grass. However, Madden 2001 looks so good, and is so revolutionary, that FIFA 2001 looks a little bit like an afterthought. Don't be fooled by first looks. FIFA 2001 may not be revolutionary in gameplay or depth like Madden, but it's revolutionary in terms of graphics -- and it brings home the ultimate vision of soccer game creators better than any game before it. It may not be the title that makes people run out and stand in line for a PS2, but it will become a treasured part of any sports gamer's collection once they give it a try |
| The graphics have to be seen to be believed |
The first thing that must be talked about regarding FIFA 2001 is graphics. Compared to other, more flashy PS2 titles, FIFA 2001 won't turn many heads. At first glance it looks like a rather simplistic, unremarkable title, but on closer inspection, the graphics reveal a handiwork often forgotten in launch titles. That handiwork is what we "in the business" call smoothiocity. It's strange, actually, that the realism of the players' movements seems so natural, so right, that at first we didn't even notice what a remarkable achievement they are. The transitions between animations look good, players react realistically and the game runs fast enough that we forgot all about the limitations of a system and just enjoyed the game. The playing fields and stadiums also look so good that they're easy to miss. The crowds are active and wave flags of their favorite teams. The sidelines are jammed with extra characters and the lighting effects (for stadium shadows) are so good that no one really notices until they're pointed out. (Then it's "wow"s -- on the house.) The sound is equally solid, and almost equally unremarkable. The commentary avoids overuse of stock phrases and does not distract from the action. Crowd reactions are so realistic that it takes a moment to realize that they're not real fans. It's also great to hear the players go nuts for goals and gripe at the refs when they are flagged. We don't want to belabor a point, but the AI is just like the graphics and sound. It's good enough that we don't really notice it. It's also nasty on higher levels, which means that we'll still have a challenge from the computer months from now. As far as depth is concerned, this FIFA game is like the others in the franchise - full of goodies. It's got more than 50 national teams, 17 leagues, the MLS (as if anyone cares) -- and it's also got the requisite cups, league modes, friendly play modes and even a custom cup mode. A little more thought in the practice mode (why won't people copy Sega Sports' Virtua Tennis more often?) would have added even more depth, but that doesn't detract from the overall experience. What we liked best about FIFA 2001 for the PlayStation2 is the simple but elegant control. Unlike other sports titles that feel a need to fill every button combination with a separate command, FIFA 2001 keeps things simple but offers hidden depth to players who want it. Because of this, FIFA 2001 feels like an actual sport that anyone can play if they want. And anyone who wants to put in the practice time will be able to excel. That's the heart of a great sports game. The Bottom Line:A must-have PS2 title for sports fans. |
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| Yeah, Man Utd makes light work of this attack. |
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| Notice how Arsenal's sponser, Dreamcast isn't on their tops, fools (sega not ea) |
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| Beutiful tackle by Man Utd |
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| This shot is taken just seconds before a rather painful encounter with the red guys boot and the blue guys groin. |
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| About to kick off. |
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| Is this guy trying to dance |
| 9 / 10 Must Own |