• Publisher: EA Sports
  • Release Date: Nov 12, 2002
  • Also On: PC
Metascore
88 out of 100

Generally favorable reviews - based on 11 Critics

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 11 out of 11
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 11
  3. Negative: 0 out of 11
  1. 100
    Totally revamped from the ground up, and it shows. Great graphics and the best gameplay the series has seen in years.
  2. The most realistic and technically advanced soccer game to date. It's almost too real. [Dec 2002, p.91]
  3. Soccer fans will appreciate the added realism, but casual fans will probably see more of the same game as last year’s version.
  4. The best soccer game on the Xbox by a mile. [Jan 2003, p.74]
  5. The gameplay is excellent and probably comes closer to mimicking the actual sport than any other soccer game currently available on the Xbox.
  6. 85
    Probably the best pure soccer game yet -- the best since the series moved into 3D.
  7. 84
    There are still major holes like an underutilized Freestyle Control system, no non-competitive game modes and a lack of customization features (no create-an-anything or weather/time of day control) holding FIFA back from being the definitive soccer game.
  8. Perhaps the most exciting alteration in gameplay is a ball that's no longer glued to your boot. [Winter 2002, p.108]
  9. This game offers the most realistic facial models to date, with every single hairdressing error and facial tick of the FA and the 450 worldwide team members featured in stunning detail.
  10. 80
    The altered control scheme and new dribbling controls takes some getting used to, but you'll be leading teammates and setting up give-and-gos in no time.
  11. If you are outside the U.S. and have access to "Winning Eleven" or "Pro Evolution Soccer" this game isn’t going to impress you.
User Score

Generally favorable reviews- based on 10 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 4 out of 7
  2. Negative: 1 out of 7
  1. PeterC.
    10
    This is the best game in the world I love it. It is so realistic.This game changed my life. If this game is so good. Imagen how good the 2004 game will be. I'm good at this game it's not too hard it's not too easy. This game is awesome. Thank who ever made this game. This game deserves a 10. Full Review »
  2. MikeK.
    9
    Great game, much improved animation, gameplay, AI. Player faces not as good as last year but a good sacrafice for having over 250 teams compared to last years 60. Still needs a weather options mode, and a possible comeback of indoor mode. Full Review »
  3. JeffA.
    5
    5 out of 10 seems fair. The graphics are top notch and the gameplay and A.I. is solid. Would have been a perfect game if only there was a Create a Player mode and being Canadian it's upsetting to see the Canadian team left out. Full Review »