WC2002 has the same old EA soccer engine behind it like the remainder of EA's soccer franchises. In essence this game is FIFA 2001 in a slightly different body. Regardless of the same roots though interestingly enough it feels like WC2002 is actually the opposite of the FIFA label. What do I mean by that?
In legacy FIFA games, semi automation and ease of controls have become a staple. In WC2002 EA has put the finishing touches wholly in your hands. In order to carry out a header or even a simple shot you yourself have to guide the direction, strength and spin of the shot. Automation has left WC 2002 almost entirely (from offense and manually carrying out attacks to defense, hustling after the attacker and field positioning); you are on your own – originally this makes for quite an annoying experience (especially for the series veterans), but eventually this responsive/flexible gameplay fixes the biggest slam against the FIFA label – that you can beat the game by exploiting automation glitches.
Another WC 2002 upgrade compared to legacy is how improved the graphics and commentary have become. This doesn't mean that the announcers never repeat the same saying twice but the embarrassing monotonous comments that were trademarks of the past seem to have diminished here quite a bit.
Unfortunately even when it comes to the pluses WC2002 feels different. Unlike a regular FIFA title WC2002 doesn't even come close in the number of teams, modes, and stadiums to play in. Here you are restricted only to World Cup play and only to the World Cup finalist teams. The only replay value stems from winning it all with different teams but even the staunchest fans will miss the season features for sure.
Last but not least – this is the official game of the World Cup 2002 and it's a good game at that. This is the official game of the most popular sports event in the world – it's worth a buy for collection purposes alone if nothing else (especially now with the price down to $20).
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