Even though they usually don't receive as much attention as other sports games (at least in the US), soccer games can be extremely fun to play.  Of course this is assuming the gameplay is realistic and that it includes the ability to use all possible techniques actually used by soccer players.  EA Sports has finally got it right with FIFA 2002, mostly due to the addition of a new passing system and the various refinements of the previous version.

In FIFA 2001, the first FIFA release for the PS2, there were many obvious flaws in the game.  The most noticeable was the fact that you could cross the ball in front of the net, hit shoot and just about every time the result was a bicycle kick and a goal.  While it's fun to win and also to watch these cool bicycle/scissor kicks, how many goals are actually scored using this technique in real soccer games?  Some, but not as many as were possible in FIFA 2001.  Luckily this problem has been resolved in FIFA 2002 as it now takes much more hard work and finesse to get the ball past the keeper.

The major innovation in the newest FIFA release is the passing system.  No longer do passes have to go directly to their intended recipients, but instead, the players can now better receive through passes and lead lobs into empty space.  To help you out, a small dashed line appears in front of players who are about to make a run for it, which you're able to control, and you can pass the ball to where the player is headed.  This makes the game much more involved because you have to judge the strength and direction of your passes more accurately, but the passing power meter helps you keep the ball under control.  As a result of passes being harder to execute, the game is significantly more difficult overall than it has been in the past.  This is a good thing though because it now more realistically simulates resembles how soccer is actually out on the field.

There are 16 leagues and more than 400 teams (wow!) available in FIFA 2002.  This includes national teams and MLS teams in addition to teams found in the various smaller leagues around the world.   I'm sure soccer diehards are probably familiar with many of them, but most people will be a little overwhelmed with this huge selection.  Additionally, it is possible to create your own players, teams (in case 400 isn't enough), and leagues.  The various modes available to play are single (friendly) game, season, tournament, and world cup qualification.  With the new rewards system, players are also able to unlock new tournaments and player cards by winning the specified championships.

Controller button assignments can be configured to each person's liking in FIFA 2002, which wasn't possible in 2001 (if I remember correctly).  However they are configured, the controls allow one-touch shots/passes, give-and-go passes, and volley moves to be flawlessly implemented during games with ease.  Shots, lobs, and passes can all be precisely controlled by the amount of time the button is held down, which is displayed by the power meter.  Additionally, both conservative and aggressive (slide) tackles can be used on defense to dispossess the other team of the ball.  Although if a player is slide tackled from behind, the referee will surely pull the yellow card, just as he should.

Just as the previous version, FIFA 2002 is extremely configurable in just about all aspects.  Everything from the gameplay to the visual elements and stadium conditions can be changed to allow for the best possible soccer experience.

Due to various additions and refinements, the gameplay in FIFA 2002 is now up to par with the great graphics and sound found in the game.  The result is a next generation soccer game that is enjoyable to play and more importantly, an accurate simulation of how the game is actually played by the pros.  Whether you're a current FIFA 2001 owner or a soccer newbie, I'd recommend picking up 2002.

This game is rated "E" for everyone and it takes up 910KB on your PS2 memory card.
 

Gameplay: 9.5
The new passing system and the fact that goals can't be scored as easily makes this game extremely realistic and fun to play.  Who would have thought that less bicycle kicks would be a good thing?  Also, the controller configuration can be customized to best make use of the various control functions that allow for advanced field maneuvers.

Graphics: 8
While the graphics make not quite compare to other EA Sports releases, such as NHL 2002, they are still impressive.  The players are very detailed and look distinctly different from one another when viewed up close during the awesome celebration videos after goals.  Additionally, their body movements are very smooth and life-like.  The environmental effects such as shadows, lights and the sun are realistic, but the rain effects aren't quite up to par.  All the various fields found in the game seem to resemble their real life counterparts, judging by the different grasses and how they're mowed.  Instead of being flat images, the members of the crowd are actually 3D and they show their support for country's teams by waving flags and more.  It should also be noted that the cameras can be adjusted to virtually any position due to the ability to set the height and zoom amount.  This helps make the game more comfortable to play, depending on your preferences.

Sound: 8.5
As expected, the sound effects are accurate and help to make the game very realistic.  Crowd members chant phrases and cheer wildly in support of their favorite teams, hopefully instead of rioting.  The announcers, John Motson and Andy Gray (both from the UK), are very precise with their commentary and as a result speech delay is nonexistent.   The soundtrack features a song by "Gorillaz" along with songs by various other electronic style artists. 

Difficulty: 8
While FIFA 2002 is more difficult than the previous version, because of the more involved passing system, it is in no way too difficult for the average gamer to get the hang of.  Some of the advanced moves might take a little practice, but the basics can be mastered almost immediately.

Concept: 8.5
The game of soccer itself is not at all a new concept, but EA Sports has made the game more enjoyable with a few simple tweaks.  It is now less rigid in terms of the ball going directly to players and this is a better reflection of how the game is actually played.  With this they've been able to capture more of the action found on the soccer field, as more breakaways and exciting plays can now be made.

Multiplayer: 8
Although not much has changed is the multiplayer department, FIFA 2002 can be a lot of fun to play with others.  Especially since the Multi-tap allows for up to 8 players to join in on the action.

Overall: 8.6