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FIFA 2000
Score: 97%
ESRB: Everyone
Publisher: EA Sports
Developer: EA Sports
Media: CD/1
Players: 1 - 8
Genre: Sports

Graphics & Sound:
Impressive. The sound track to the game is nothing short of great. The graphics, although a bit grainy, are extremely good. I found that the animations were smooth and player movements were fluid. The only thing I didn't like with the graphics was the lack of smooth detail in the close-ups. After a goal, the close up celebration shots looked blocky. Other than that, the graphics are nearly flawless. FIFA 2000 has, without a doubt, the best graphics of any other soccer game ever. The stadiums and fields look good; the players look even better. Even the play by play is nice. I really have no complaints with this one.

Gameplay:
The game play is very smooth. The player animations are accurate and responsive. Everything from running, to kicking, to head butting, to even sliding is included in the game. Just about every major soccer team, world wide, is in the game. The game modes include Exhibition, Tournament, Cup, Custom Cup, Custom League, Season, Training, and team management. The game plays, well, like soccer. The same rules apply, and apparently the physics do as well. The game was designed perfectly to major league soccer specifications. The only complaint I have with the game play is that MLS is not accessible from Season Mode. I wish that option would have been included.

Difficulty:
Of course, this game has a varying difficulty. The difficulty setting can be modified to fit your skill. The AI can be improved or declined. The rules, game speed, and game clock can also be set to fit your own style. All in all, anyone from the expert to the novice can enjoy this game. Even if you know nothing about soccer, you should be able to jump right in and have a good time.

Game Mechanics:
FIFA 2000 makes use of the dual shock control's analog and vibration functions. The game also supports the multi tap adapter for play of up to eight gamers. As with the other sports games, it is a little heavy on the memory card (if you want to save a season). The controls are simple and responsive. The characters respond instantly to the buttons, so nothing is lost. No more blaming your lack of hand-eye coordination on the game. This is one of the best put together sports games I've ever played. Even if you don't like soccer, give it a try. You might surprise yourself.

-Storm, GameVortex Communications
AKA Jeremy Kelso

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