It's no surprise that EA is continuing their soccer franchise on the PS2 but even though this will be their first soccer game on the new system, it is already being retouched and tweaked for the US debut.

There were a few problems with the Japanese version such as a lack of player variation, and a glitchy through-passing system. Fortunately, EA is hard at work fixing these problems and improving the game quite significantly from the Japanese version. There are now 200 different faces for the players instead of just a few they had before which helps get rid of that cloning look. Overall, the graphics have been improved including more realistic and detailed players and new crowd animations. Through-passing, which is a very useful move in soccer and which was implemented very well in International Superstar Soccer has been improved so that it is more accurate and effective.

For FIFA 2001, you can expect to see the traditional authentic atmosphere to return with licenses to use real player names, stats and real-life stadiums from around the world. The game also looks to be the most realistic soccer game yet, now that it is on PS2. The series is looking better than ever featuring crisp, detailed players composed of 20 times more polygons than any other player models, with real-time generated shadows and beautiful field textures and stadiums. Hopefully the game will look even better in motion. The AI has been enhanced to give teammates the intelligence they need to properly support the player with the ball so passing options should be more accessible. This should also enable players to use some real fancy tactics for getting past their opponents. Players also stay in position more often and don't get all bunched up on the field.

There is a unique feature in FIFA 2001 that hasn't been used before called dynamic living environments. This creates more depth perception on the field and uses more dramatic camera angles and cut scenes. It also makes lighting effects more realistic by providing real-time, dynamic shadows of players on the field. EA pays close attention to what's happening on the sidelines as well with players on the bench cheering on their teammates and television style camera views from the camera men themselves.

There are many ways to play FIFA 2001. Game modes include: Exhibition, World Cup, U-23 World Championship, League and a Training mode. In exhibition, players can match up any combination of teams in the world for a one-on-one "friendly" game. You can also play in the World Cup Finals or U-23 World Championship which is a competition between the 16 top Under 23 National teams. League mode takes you through an entire season controlling your team of choice. Finally, the training mode lets players practice specific skills like kicking, corner kicks, penalty kicks, throw-in's etc.

One of the things I particularly liked in the FIFA games was the thorough team management system. Although not much has changed from previous games, just the fact that this soccer game has such a great management system is a major plus. It includes options to modify team strategy, formations and even individual player customization and it can all be done on-the-fly so it gives players complete control over every one of their players on the field. The game's music will be from Jamiroquai and the popular European DJ Paul Oakenfold. I always noticed that EA's soccer games have good music, especially for the menu screens, so it looks like they will continue the tradition of having good tunes. Unless of course you don't like those artists. There will also be commentary although I don't know if it will just be the odd comment here and there or if it will be full play-by-play announcing.

FIFA 2001 looks like it may be another stellar launch title so you sports and soccer fans may want to give this one a look.