2002 FIFA World Cup

Some movie studios milk their hits with endless variations of special-edition DVDs, and EA Sports seems to be following in their footsteps with 2002 FIFA World Cup.

Along with a huge, beefy list of teams, leagues, seasons, and tournaments, last fall?s FIFA 2002 included the World Cup qualification rounds but not the actual tournament itself. This latest footballer, 2002 FIFA World Cup, zooms in its focus and offers only friendly matches and the World Cup tournament. It also throws in some minor but token new features like highlighting star players, the World Cup stadiums, and new moves like juggling?all are more flash than substance. Without any new gameplay developments beyond the Cup (which, in all fairness, should?ve been in FIFA 2002 in the first place), there?s little justification for its full-price $50 tag?it?s more like a $25 add-on pack.

That said, World Cup fever can be infectious (particularly in Europe and Asia), and this game takes every opportunity to revel in the spectacle of this event. The graphics showcase some excellent lighting and animations, but the frame rate stutters badly at times. The controls and gameplay remain excellent, and the sharp audio mixes decent commentary with player chatter from the pitch?a cool idea.

If you own FIFA 2002, it will definitely sting to fork over another $50 for what?s basically 1/3 the game. But if you want to bask in World Cup frenzy, 2002 FIFA World Cup will make a great rental.

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