Power bars for passes were introduced, and dribbling reduced in order to attain a higher challenge level.

[3][4][5][6] Gary Whitta of NextGen said of the PlayStation 2 version in its final issue, "With improved tactics and graphics, FIFA 2002 once again cements itself at the top of the virtual soccer universe.

[12] Air Hendrix of GamePro's December 2001 issue called the PlayStation 2 version "an absolutely gorgeous game, packing in fantastic animations, lavish player models, and stadiums with cool details like flags waving in the stands.

"[30][b] An issue later, The D-Pad Destroyer said, "The saddest thing about the GameCube version of FIFA 2002 is that it had to come out this year.

Given a little more time with Nintendo's infant hardware, EA Sports could have worked its trademark magic to get more GameCube goodness in the game.

"[32] He later gave the PC version 8.8 out of 10, saying that it "transcends previous incarnations of the sport, enlivening the screen with realistic game play, and lively graphical elements.