In this hands-on we'll only give you our first impressions of the game. We won't give you any details on the story etc.

While walking around the Nintendo GameCube stand at Milia 2002 I was very pleased to find playable versions of ISS 2 and FIFA 2002. I immediately invited Gerben to play a couple of matches with me.

The first thing I noticed about FIFA 2002 is that EA implemented a new and more realistic game play into the game compared to older FIFA versions on the N64. It took more concentration and effort to make some nice goals in FIFA 2002 than I was used to. In the older FIFA games you just pushed the right button and GOOAAAAAAALLL! Now you have to actually aim precisely where you want the ball and configure the speed of your pass/goal shot. I am not trying to say that that is a negative... on the contrary! It only confirms and strengthens the goal of EA to develop realistic games.

ISS 2 is a more arcade game, and didn’t differ much from the N64 versions. In this game it is easier for you to pass and shoot the ball where you want it. The computer automatically passes the ball to another player in your team when you press the pass button. This game is definitely easier to get used to. The controls are not too difficult and after a game or two you will probably master them enough to start a competition.

Of course the graphics of both games are astounding! I don’t think I will have to tell you that because the GameCube is a superb machine. Both games feature an amazing amount of detail varying from the cheering crowd to the facial impression of the soccer players.

Our conclusion: If you like the arcade style soccer games then I would suggest you get the ISS 2 game. If you prefer the more realistic kind of games and look for a higher challenge, then I’d suggest you go for the EA game, FIFA 2002.