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FIFA 2000
"It really doesn't get much better than this!" Image Loading...
Developer: EA Sports
Distributor: EA
Game Type: Sports
Review Date: Nov 99
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Setting the Scene:
 
      EA Sports are once again in control of that mega money making juggernaut that just keeps on rolling forward, crushing all that pass in it's way and without the slightest glance in the rear view mirror to the trail of destruction left behind.

FIFA is back - bigger and bolder than ever. The most successful and popular soccer game ever returns after two FA Premier League away games. As you'd expect, FIFA 2000 provides even more clubs, more ways to play and much more excitement. So get on the pitch and prepare to take your team to glory in style.

Sound and Vision:
 
Image Loading...      How the ............ ................ ................. ................. And ........ ........... .............. ............... ......... But ............ .............. ............ .......... ...... Well ......... ........... ............ ............ Speechless!

I actually took a glance of the 1995 Megadrive version of FIFA before loading up EA's latest incantation and the difference between the two is startling. It was like comparing The Blair Witch Project (you don't fool me!) with Tarantino's Dusk 'til Dawn... haggis with caviar (reversible)... Manchester United with every single 'humble' team who must enter the FA Cup for their kicks (that one's definitely reversible).

While FIFA visuals have improved dramatically over the later part of this decade many sports fans would justifiably argue that Konami's ISS Pro games slightly hold the edge. No more! These graphics look as good as anything you will have seen on ANY game console... including present Dreamcast and N64 systems.

Image Loading... The motion capture is excellent as players twist and turn in a realistic style allowing them to execute directional changes and skill moves in the middle of turns. There's also a wonderful new piece of animation as one player 'holds-off' another using an outstretched arm... shades of Alan Shearer I think. The players all have different heights, build and increased shading. You can even enter the custom screen and mess around with each player giving them goatie beards, changes of hairstyle and even alter their facial shape.

Speed is once again of the essence and on normal setting the players move around at lightening pace. Switching the tempo up to the fastest setting sees the ball passed around at the speed expected from that in a pinball machine.

Image Loading...The real name players (apart from Ronaldo who is mentioned only as No. 9 and another Brazilian who I assume to be Pele) strut their stuff in a selection of some of the worlds most impressive stadium from Wembley to Bratislava which are immaculately presented in high resolution. Another first is the way the crowd actually moves during a match adding further to the big game atmosphere.

The most common complaint with past FIFA games has been the long loading times. Maybe they haven't disappeared completely but the drastic reduction in waiting time while a section is booting up is certainly welcome. The front end has even been simplified making getting into a game a much quicker process all round.

Image Loading...English voice overs are once again provided by a top BBC commentary team that includes John Motson (I say... where's Des gone?), Gary Lineker (Gazza stole my crisps) and Mark Lawrenson (I once coached Newcastle United's defense and look where they are now... pet!).

FIFA games are renowned for their quality musical intros and once again EA have come up trumps. Robbie Williams joins a host of other music stars to stamp their style on the official FIFA product.
 
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