First Impressions: You may refer to football as “soccer,” but it’s just not right.
Once again, the almighty Electronic Arts sets out to push the envelope of football simulations. Or should I say, “sets out to bring more money to its already bulging pockets?”
Although some people would beg to differ, last year’s FIFA outing was a disappointment. After having gone forward in the animation and gameplay departments with every installment in the series, EA finally let it drop and made a football game not worthy of much recognition. Of course, it’s the PS2 version on which I base my judgment, but I can scarcely believe that the GameCube offering was that much greater.
So what will EA bring to the table this time around to help satisfy the cravings of football fans around the world? Well, for starters there are going to be real player names and stadiums. We will again have the customary colour commentary and the usual moves and techniques. Then there will also be the Tournament Mode, which is set up just like the World Cup Tournament (which is actually coming later this year). This is probably the title’s main attraction, and taking your favourite team towards victory will most certainly be an enjoyable event.
It looks like the graphics are receiving a makeover this time around and 2002 FIFA World Cup looks better than any previous installment. Let’s hope for new dribbles and improved player animations as well. The sound department promises superb dynamic stadium and crowd effects, with fans of different teams acting and sounding noticeably unique. If your favourite team plays excellent, or is perhaps a disappointment, your fans will act accordingly. It all boils down to an atmospheric setting that football enthusiasts should appreciate quite a lot.
Just because graphics and sound seem to be far above average—which is usually the case with FIFA games anyway—that doesn’t mean that the game will come out on top. There are a couple of issues that need to be addressed to make the game worth a purchase—player animations and tuning of gameplay and speed come to mind. This is especially true for those of you who already bought FIFA 2002, but until we play the final build we will simply assume that EA fixes everything.
There are quite a few good football games out there at the moment, but no excellent ones yet for GameCube. Arguably FIFA 2002 is a first-rate footballer, but there is so much room for improvement that above average sounds might be more appropriate. 2002 FIFA World Cup might do better, but if it doesn’t I would suggest that the development team takes a long, deep look at This is Football and Pro Evolution Soccer on PS2. Thier animation routines are top notch, the AI likewise, and the pace of it all is just right. The features in both This is Football and Pro Evolution Soccer come together to create a quality experience, something that the last FIFA title didn’t quite manage. We’re crossing our fingers for 2002 FIFA World Cup, though.
