2002 is a World Cup year, and that can only mean one thing - new FIFA! So, here it is, EA's official World Cup release, and it's as detailed and thorough as you'd expect. Featuring all the teams and players from the 32 nations competing in the competition (plus a couple who didn't quite make it), FIFA World Cup 2002 provides a tempting alternative to those early-morning kick-offs.
This latest FIFA release has all the official licenses you could possibly imagine, so everything and everyone from David Beckham to the tournament mascots are faithfully recreated on your PlayStation 2. All 20 Japanese and Korean stadiums have also been digitised, and with pre-recorded chants for each country, spectacular stadium effects including laser shows, tickertape displays and more, FIFA 2002 provides a spookily accurate emulation of the World Cup's unique atmosphere.
Gameplay-wise, the World Cup edition of FIFA is similar to it's non-World Cup themed brother, which means it's an arcadey, free-flowing football title with little desire to be seen as a simulation. FIFA is all about goals, goals, and more goals, and unlike certain other football games you don't need a UEFA Coaching Certificate to put together a successful attack.
There have been some innovations since the last FIFA release, however. The most important of these is "air-play", which simplifies one-touch headers, volleys, and bicycle kicks, and makes ball-juggling possible, for those all-important showboating moments. Presentation has also been upgraded, with "moment zooms" appearing on the more spectacular replays, with motion blurs and other special effects highlighting those crucial, goals, saves and fouls.
Commentary, as usual, is provided by John Motson and Andy Gray, and is as impressive as ever. Motson commentates on the action, while Gray supplies comments and info about the history of both teams and players - an effective combination that heightens the TV-style presentation and atmosphere.
FIFA 2002 World Cup is, fairly obviously, a very similar game to FIFA 2002. There have been a few new innovations since the last FIFA release, but owners of FIFA 2002 may find this too similar for their tastes. Owners of older FIFA versions, on the other hand, can't go wrong - this is the best version of FIFA available, and does a superb job of capturing the atmosphere and tension of World Cup football.
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