GameCube

2002 FIFA World Cup

Mit FIFA Weltmeisterschaft 2002 präsentiert EA auch für den GameCube einen Grafik- und vor allem Akustikleckerbissen, der Euch eine packende Fußballshow auf die Mattscheibe bringt. Wer schon jetzt das Flair der kommenden WM genießen will, sollte sofort zugreifen. Allerdings bleibt das eigentliche Fußballspiel trotz netter Arcade-Features und vieler Top-Animationen auf lange Sicht wenig befriedigend: zäher Spielaufbau, zu wenig Spielmodi, eine kritikwürdige Ballphysik und schnell einstudierte Standard-Tore dämpfen Motivation und Spielspaß auf die Dauer. Insgesamt hinterlässt der Kick einen guten Eindruck und lässt das enttäuschende ISS2 deutlich hinter sich, aber an die spielerische Qualität und Tiefe von Pro Evolution Soccer (PS2) kommt der WM-Titel nicht heran. Aber der GameCube ist ja noch jung...

It seems like it was only yesterday that FIFA Soccer 2002 hit stores and now we've already got another soccer game from the good folks over at Electronic Arts. I purposely avoid the word sequel, because 2002 FIFA World Cup isn't really a follow-up as much as a sort of director's cut or an add-on chapter to last year's game. As the name suggests, EA's latest focuses squarely on the World Cup tournament which takes place in Japan and Korea from May 31 to June 30 of this year. Though FIFA 2002 featured a Road to the World Cup mode, players who wanted to take their favorite national team to victory were out of luck: qualification was as far as you could go. 2002 FIFA World Cup picks up where the old game left off and brings the excitement of the tournament home like no other game, but it's an upgrade and a downgrade at the same time.

While 2002 FIFA World Cup is an excellent game on its own, it doesn’t surpass its cousin, FIFA Soccer 2002. Casual players of FIFA Soccer 2002 won’t need to pick up this title, but die-hard World Cup fanatics will be engrossed in the atmosphere and authenticity of the recreated World Cup experience.

Coupe du Monde FIFA 2002 ne déroge pas à la règle des FIFA et de son optique très arcade. Si le jeu est assez réussi, les amateurs de foot plus technique et moins grand spectacle, préfèreront peut-être se tourner vers ISS 2. Par contre, si vous voulez déjà vous plonger dans l'esprit Coupe du Monde, vous savez ce qu'il vous reste à faire.

If you already own FIFA 2002, then there really isn't any reason to own 2002 FIFA World Cup, and if you don't own FIFA 2002 but are looking for a soccer game, you should get that game instead.

I'd say that the controls make for a good, not great soccer game. I think you score a bit too much, but I also don't think that your average gamer is going to want to play through a 1-0 victory in extra time. The game pales in comparison to the actual World Cup, and isn't a very good representation of it. I wished that this game would have just waited till 1-2 weeks after the Cup ended to set everyone's stats again, or ideally 1-2 months to touch up the players unique looks. So, a minor disappointment, but easily one of the better soccer game experiences I've had. If you want to feel all inspired, check out the nice Bonus Materials and find out what soccer (or football) means to people around the world. Good stuff.

2002 FIFA World Cup arrives for the GameCube less than a year since its last appearance with a fancy new look, but not much more. If you already own FIFA 2002, upgrading to the World Cup edition actually gets you fewer teams and play modes. Instead of the field of over 400 teams in last year’s edition, now you choose from 41 (plus a handful more that can be unlocked) and either compete in a Friendly match or the World Cup itself. EA makes the most of the license and does do a great job at simulating the grandeur of the experience, but it often feels shallow and forced as if the whole thing were directed by Micheal Bay. Another GameCube soccer alternative, Virtua Striker, does a much better job of recreating the rewarding feeling of earning your way to the World Cup after months of training and team management.

While possessing some nice play mechanics, FIFA World Cup 2002 for the PS2 isn't going to redefine soccer gaming any time soon. Rent it if you want, but the lack of depth makes it a tough buy.

In the future, I hope they ditch the Star Player concept completely. The world has too many arcade soccer titles out there as it is. Unless you’re a serious hardcore World Cup nut, this game is a rental at best. It’s fun for a while, but knowing the 2003 installment is just around the corner, 2002 FIFA World Cup just doesn’t have what it takes to hold up for the long haul.