Reviews, reviews and reviews
Posted by @ 4:03 AM, EDT
Added some reviews:

2002 FIFA World Cup

Gameplay has never been an issue for EA Sports but rather than sit back on its laurels, the developers pushed forward to refine the physics and improve the passing system which now rewards accuracy and practice over aggressiveness and blind button mashing. The play is similar to this year's FIFA 2002: Road To The World Cup with the addition of 'Air Play" which delivers intuitive one-button headers, volleys, scissor kicks, juggling and more. The game is definitely easy to pick up and play for anyone. This bodes well as the most fun to be had with this game is surrounded by friends.

The sound in this game will score high marks in this category. The music in this game is great! It is great to see how this title has implemented classic music into their own story line and have it so entertaining. Young audiences will be introduced to the great Ludwig van Beethoven, Piotr Tchaikovsky, Johannes Brahms, and other great classical music composers. The music is very vibrant and mood setting to the story line of this title. Another great feature that was neat to see was whenever the music is not played properly, then you hear certain instruments that begin to sound off key. The audience reaction is very much in tune with the musical performance. Which in turn goes along great with the visual presentation of the performance and story.

The game plays fairly well considering the onslaught you must endure to move the ball up and down the field. Thankfully the developers have included a number of special moves and shot options for the offensive strategy. This in turn makes the game fun to play and experiment with. There are some nifty camera movements when certain button combinations are pushed. This time-warp camera effect delivers realistic replay animations and allows for increased shooting velocity when gamers approach the scoring range. The actual control is easy enough for anyone to pick up and master in no time. The key is learning how to be efficient with all of the special moves as not to get burned by your opponent. To do this, players must use their turbo and associated super human moves conservatively and timely.

The gameplay has a surprisingly arcade feel to it. It is sensible, easy and fast to utilize. The best feature to hit a golf game and it has been a long time coming is how EA Sports has changed the shot interface. The usual triple tap golf interface that has been used for years has now been replaced by a more sensible method that utilizes the Dual Shock 2's analog stick. To swing you simply pull back on the right analog stick, and then push forward. This gives the player the ultimate control to perfect shots.

The fielders move like they are jogging through wet cement and when they finally reach the ball they pause for no apparent reason before throwing it to the necessary cut-off man. To try and snag a long hit ball with finesse rarely occurs even when using speedy outfielders. On the positive side of things the commentary is now covered by long time sports veterans Bob Costas and Harold Reynolds. Since this is Costas' first time out in a video game it is quite obvious as his announcing does not come across real enough. It sounds very staged and he does not sound to be into the project.