2002 FIFA World Cup

 Xbox
Metascore
79

Generally favorable reviews - based on 17 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 11 out of 17
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 17
  3. Negative: 0 out of 17
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  1. GamePro
    90
    The Xbox version of 2002 has the sharpest visuals of the three platforms...It would have been nice to have more teams and customizable modes.
  2. GameZone
    85
    A good soccer program, featuring excellent animation and sound and solid game play. If there is a drawback it would be the lack of gaming options.
  3. Official Xbox Magazine
    83
    This game does at times feel a tad slower than Konami's "MLS," but the pace simply suits some gamers better than others. [July 2002, p.78]
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  5. GameSpy
    83
    A top-notch effort from start to finish.
  6. IGN
    82
    The soccer engine is as solid and refined as ever but this World Cup edition is painfully bereft of features.
  7. Xbox Exclusive
    81
    The best graphics that I have seen in a soccer game thus far. It really is something to behold.
  8. GameSpot
    80
    No other Xbox soccer game comes close to matching World Cup's gameplay, sound, or even graphics.
  9. Game Informer
    80
    Evil. That aside, you will get sucked into the hype and love almost every minute. [June 2002, p.82]
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  10. Media and Games Online Network
    80
    The player models are so life like you don’t have to wait for the commentary to know who has the ball. Players like Paul Scholes and Freddy Ljungberg have a distinct look to them.
  11. TeamXbox
    78
    A good buy for any sports fan, especially because of the excitement, but be warned that you will probably be tired of it before you could say “USA soccer is about to become a power.”
  12. Game Revolution
    75
    More depth and modes would lift it to stellar heights.
  13. GamingTrend
    71
    The game is not that difficult, and the only thing you can really unlock is a few extra teams. The game is a little better if you can play it with someone else, but you will become quickly bored with it.
  14. Xbox Nation Magazine
    70
    While it may not be the deepest around, FIFA is just plain fun. [Summer 2002, p.92]
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  15. GamerWeb Xbox
    70
    Sadly there isn't much there but what there is turns out to be really quite a fun ride.
  16. GameNow
    67
    Without the hundreds of teams that the "standard" version sports, either mode can get boring. [June 2002, p.58]
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  17. TotalGames.net
    65
    A lazy PS2 port. Make no mistake this is a perfectly decent piece of software, but when you handed over your cash for the Xbox you probably weren’t expecting to be playing hand-me-downs from a machine significantly less powerful.
  18. GamePen
    60
    I give mad props to the guys at EA Sports for creating a game that so accurately captures the atmosphere of the World Cup, the only problem is, that’s all they’ve done.

Awards & Rankings

45
#45 Best Xbox Game of 2002

User Reviews

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User Score
7.5

Generally favorable reviews- based on 6 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 4 out of 6
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 6
  3. Negative: 1 out of 6
  1. UndisputedXbox
    May 10, 2021
    6
    FIFA World Cup games are normally a spin-off of the main FIFA series and are a very bare bones affair with very little replayability onceFIFA World Cup games are normally a spin-off of the main FIFA series and are a very bare bones affair with very little replayability once World Cup season is over. This game is no exception, there are only 2 game modes to play, Exhibition & World Cup, so I don't need to go into too much detail about these.

    There is one big change though, and it's not a good one. The controls have been messed about with in a way that seems more Arcade than Simulation. You use the 'Y' button to sprint rather than the trigger and that takes a lot of getting used to. The 'A' button switches player, which gets frustrating when you're trying to tackle or intercept a high ball but end up switching to a guy on the other side of the pitch. Although this isn't a game breaker for me, it's still my biggest issue with the game.

    The game itself isn't bad though, it's fast & fluid at times, and it's great to have all the real players in there (it was fun using the old 2002 England squad again) Also I love the over the top win celebrations. even after a group game, your team celebrates like they've just won the World Cup Final, with Confetti & streamers going off everywhere.    … Full Review »
  2. PeterA.
    Jul 5, 2002
    8
    A very good game. I have always been a huge FIFA fan and this one more than lives up to its predecesors. The only downside is the lack of A very good game. I have always been a huge FIFA fan and this one more than lives up to its predecesors. The only downside is the lack of options. I always like playing leagues and creating teams. None of that is available in this game. I can't ever seem to make goals with headers either. But still a great great game.… Full Review »
  3. Bamerman
    Jun 9, 2002
    10
    The best game.
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