Metascore
81

Generally favorable reviews - based on 13 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 10 out of 13
  2. Negative: 0 out of 13
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  1. If it weren't for the lack of an ability to adjust team strategy on the fly, pick your own teams for tournament play, or perform special dribbles with any sort of effectiveness, FIFA 2002 would be approaching perfection.
  2. It doesn't have Madden's depth, but then, it doesn't have Madden's Mt. Everest learning curve, either.
  3. netjak
    88
    This is the best crowd animation that I have ever seen.
  4. 86
    The game boasts intuitive, tight controls, players move with a realistic sense of physics and inertia, the passing system works without a hitch and purists will find the statistic tracking fully in place.
  5. Nintendo Power
    86
    Equally stunning is the dual color commentary, which seamlessly strings together on-the-fly play-by-plays without ever skipping a beat or sounding choppy. [Jan 2002, p.127]
  6. The pace seems faster than last year's version, which is definitely a good thing. Playing multiplayer is a lot more fun because of it.
  7. The players look amazingly real with fluid human like movement. The close up celebration scenes are terrific and mimic actual celebrations in the real game.
  8. 82
    With excellent controls, graphics, sound, and a huge variety of gameplay modes, this one is a game you should pick up.
  9. Game Informer
    80
    The only gripe I have here is that you have to double tap for special moves. [Feb 2002, p.87]
  10. A sports title that is not to be missed. You needn't be a hardcore soccer fan to appreciate the realism, tight mechanics, and rich, vibrant graphics that EA SPORTS has brought to the GameCube.
  11. It’ll certainly keep you busy, until the next FIFA game comes out (in a few months), just don’t expect to be too excited by it.
  12. Electronic Gaming Monthly
    70
    I swear, you could probably nail players in the groin nine times out of 10 with these controls if you practiced enough. [Feb 2002, p.164]
  13. 70
    World Cup–level graphics and realism have to struggle to make up for controls that keep getting yellow cards.

Awards & Rankings

9
16
#16 Most Discussed GameCube Game of 2001
User Score
8.3

Generally favorable reviews- based on 8 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 7 out of 8
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 8
  3. Negative: 1 out of 8
  1. Aug 26, 2020
    9
    EA Sports had a big year in 02 and this game was a huge reason for that.

    The game is fast paced and loads of fun! Played it in 2014 and
    EA Sports had a big year in 02 and this game was a huge reason for that.

    The game is fast paced and loads of fun! Played it in 2014 and still had a blast!

    Fifa 02 has the charm of a classic sports game in the same fashion as NHL 94
    Full Review »
  2. May 12, 2011
    8
    Old School!Old School!

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    Full Review »
  3. MattR.
    Feb 28, 2002
    9
    Best soccer game in the FIFA line, ever. Solid graphics, deep gameplay. Menu screens are confusing, but that's about it!