FIFA 2001
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By: Matt Holme
Date: Wednesday, 03 October, 2001
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FIFA 2001 |
| Game Type: |
| Developer: EA Sports |
| Publisher: EA Sports |
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We here at Sports Goal have been lucky enough to score an early BETA version of FIFA 2001. Over the next couple of weeks, our experienced FIFA writers will be giving their thoughts and opinions on how they found their first FIFA 2001 experience. These thoughts are only a brief description of many of the new features in FIFA 2001. We will be constructing an indepth review of the game as soon as it is released.
It was as if Christmas had come early, as the man carrying a FedEx parcel addressed to Sports Goal arrived at the door later yesterday afternoon. I snatched it off him and ran to my PC as quickly as my legs could carry me. After entering the usual series of registration keys and secret passwords most BETA copies carry, I was about to experience FIFA 2001 for the first time.
Before I did though, I took some time to look through the options. After years of fast paced action, I was delighted to be able to change the Game Speed to "Slower". Anticipating the new larger field I changed the camera angle to "Tower", and decided to experiment with the new "On Field" sounds option.
As they game began I realised my dreams had come true. On top of this, I was filled with excitement as realisation of just how enjoyable the upcoming FIFA 2001 season will be for not only the fans of the game, but the vistors to this website who will be able to expand a game, which in all honesty is magnificent in it's current state, to near perfection.
The pitch was big! I pinched myself then looked again, and I wasn't imagining things, but the pitch as we've always wanted it to be: the size of a real football field. As I kicked off, and passed the ball back to one of my midfielders, I was amazed at the new feel of the game. No longer did I feel like I had to get rid of the ball as soon as it hit my feet. I was able to stop it, look around for options, and if no one was open, lazily lay it back to one of my defenders. The new "Slower" game speed was working like a charm.
I had set the difficulty mode to Professional and was finding it tough to get through the CPU's defense. I finally made it through... sprinting into a gap I got into position, lined up my shot, and as I have done in all other FIFA games, smashed my thumb onto the shoot button for the hardest possible shot. To my disbelief,the ball didn't even trouble the keeper, infact the only person in the ground it would have troubled would have been the fan in Level FF, Row 64. Aaaahhhhh, this must be the new "Shot Power Bar" I thought to myself. It took me some time to get the hang of it, but once I did, goals began to flow, and I found myself comfortably winning my league games in Professional mode.
Having only had the game for 24 hours, I am yet to step up to World Class mode, and from what I have heard, I am set for shock when I do. The challenge is still certainly there when I take on harder teams like Man U and Arsenal, so I think I will stick to Professional for atleast a few more days while I am still enjoying scoring goals and watching and listening to the new celebrations.
The "On Field" sound mode is a great new feature. I find it to be a pleasing change from the commentary which, incidently, has improved this year. John and Mark's chemistry is better and they talk amongst one another quite often.
All in all, my first FIFA 2001 experience exceeded my already very high expectations, so much so, that I find myself rushing to finish this article to that I can load the game up again.
Get excited ladies and gentlemen, get very excited. FIFA 2001 will rock your world and have you locked in your computer room for days on end. If the awesome new gameplay and visual eye-candy is not enough, just wait until the new internet support feature is enabled in the full version.
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