I am not sure whether it is Sega coming into the third party market or that EA Sports really cares about putting out top quality product again. As I have mentioned in previous reviews of EA Sports product this year, the company has gone back to the drawing board in many of its franchises to rework games to get past what really was a lukewarm season last year. FIFA 2002 is no exception and as a result, this is the next generation footie game we have been waiting far too long for. Only in soccer can you have such high and low emotions and these real feelings have been incorporated into every aspect of FIFA 2002. From missing easy shots, to taking your dream team through the World Cup Qualification, everything is here.

Upon first look, the graphics look quite similar to last year's effort but after sitting down with the game for a few moments the vast improvement becomes obvious. The grass textures have been increased to give a an almost realistic appearance. Again the limited RAM in the PS2 restricts the developer from getting more out of the textures. The player models have also been improved with more polygons and intricate details. Every jersey is represented from their real-life counterparts. Even faces of the more well known superstars have been rendered accurately. Beckham is now easily recognizable. Most improved is the atmosphere of the stadiums. This year the crowd really feels alive as they chant popular songs, wave flags, light off flares and react to on field action. Even the camera angles have been revamped and are fully customizable. The result is amazing as the gameplay is more strategic than in the past. The aural end of things is a mixed bag. The commentators call mostly the basic action and their analysis is generic and too repetitive. The soundtrack on the other hand is brilliant and uplifting. Finally, someone recognizes that there is some great talent out there. Tracks from progressive house and trance groups such as Gouryella, BT, Gorillaz, Schiller, DJ Tiesto and more are featured.

As mentioned above, the gameplay is definitely more strategic than in past years. The control has been overhauled to include an innovative new passing system. The new system incorporates an open-ended and flexible passing model. Pass the ball into space, utilize through-balls and one-twos. Direct your teammates on strategic runs through the defense. This new system allows players of all skill levels to enjoy what the game has to offer. Kick and Pass strength meters have also been added this year to give players more control over their shooting skills. A new tackling and referee model make things more interesting. Now, the timing and angle of your tackles will determine the success and the potential ramifications from the referee. Players will be fully responsible for the behavior of their team, gauging risk versus reward. Even the right analog stick is used this year for easy give-and-go passes. My only complaint is the lack of special moves. There are only a few present while a few more would have been welcomed. Regardless, the new control system allows players to play the game in any manner which they feel comfortable with. As they gain more experience, they can explore the intricate passing and scoring options not the mention the slew of offensive and defensive strategies that can be utilized in the team menus.

Replay value is high thanks to the number of modes available this year including: Friendly, Season, Custom, Tournament, Training and World Cup Qualification. The only thing missing is the World Cup itself which I imagine has it's own licensing fees to be in a game. However, you can simulate the World Cup by setting up your own Tournament in Tournament Mode. By playing through the World Cup Qualification mode, you can unlock up to 5 bonus tournaments. At the outset, only the European Champion's Cup and the EFA Trophy are available as tournaments. The Creation Center allows you to customize almost every aspect of the game, from creating your own league down to the colour of your favorite team's socks. Adjust individual player skills to create a player who excels in his position. With so many options, players can change the look and feel of the game every time they play. Add to this outstanding FIFA support in terms of 16 leagues and over 500 teams including over 175 International sides and ten tournaments. Also the FIFPro License that includes all the names and likenesses of FIFPro's member player associations.

FIFA 2002 is the definitive soccer game this year for the Playstation 2. It is a must buy, not only for footie fans, but for anyone looking for a solid sports title in a rather watered down market.