FIFA 2000: Major League Soccer

• Release Date: October 26, 1999
• Genre: Sports
• Style: Soccer
• Similar Games: FIFA International Soccer (Sega CD), FIFA International Soccer (Sega Genesis), FIFA International Soccer (3DO), FIFA International Soccer (Super Nintendo Entertainment System), FIFA International Soccer (IBM PC Compatible), FIFA International Soccer (Game Boy), FIFA International Soccer (Sega Game Gear), FIFA 99 (Nintendo 64), FIFA 99 (IBM PC Compatible), Alexi Lalas International Soccer (PlayStation), FIFA 99 (PlayStation), Adidas Power Soccer 98 (PlayStation), FIFA 99 (Nintendo 64)

Game Description

He shoots...he scores! EA Sports' FIFA 2000: Major League Soccer storms into the millennium with a vengeance! This all-new version comes fully equipped with over one hundred real-life franchises including all 12 Major League Soccer teams, 15 international world teams including Germany and England, 45 national teams, and 40 of the greatest teams ever assembled -- past and present!

Keeping in tradition with other EA Sports titles, the developers have upped the character realism for this year's addition. Each player model features a variety of facial animations and details to realistically represent your favorite soccer player's likeness. They'll look dour on a missed play and celebrate or yell upon scoring a goal! Additionally, FIFA 2000 comes with all-new player animations for collisions, spectacular aerial shots, and falls.

There are a variety of gameplay options including the Exhibition, Tournament, Season, Training, and Team Management modes. New players should check themselves into the Training mode; this will allow for the perfection of skills through various training drills. Those interested in running a franchise would do well by checking out the Team Manager option. This mode allows players to switch formations on the fly, initiate substitutions, and modify options including half-lengths and difficulty levels.

The Tournament mode includes the Cup, Custom League, and Custom Cup options. Whereas the latter allows players to create their own league or playoff tournament, the Custom League gives you the ability to create an all-new soccer league. Finally, the Season mode involves selecting the team of your choice and taking them to the World Cup in a full or shortened season!

FIFA 2000: Major League Soccer supports up to eight players via the PlayStation Multi-Tap Adapter as well as the use of a Dual Shock Analog Controller. Additionally, it comes equipped with color commentary from announcer Phil Schoen and World Cup winner Julie Foudy!

Roots & Influences

FIFA 2000: Major League Soccer is an update of EA Sports' FIFA 99. It incorporates all-new player animations, gameplay options, and graphics. The series first began in the early to mid-90s and was met with instant acclaim.

Review: Overall

I must admit, I came into FIFA 2000: Major League Soccer expecting little if anything. Having played the earlier versions of the franchise, I could honestly say I was not terribly enthusiastic; after all, I'm not what you'd call a big soccer fan. Though I've seen a few soccer games in action, I've never been able to get into the sport. However, this game is different than most titles in the genre. I was pleasantly surprised by EA Sports' new soccer title and the enjoyment I got out of it!

The most striking feature of FIFA 2000 is the graphics engine which can only be described as stunning. With motion-captured and realistic looking player models, it looks wonderful. Player models move as they would in real-life with an impressive amount of fluidity; the animations following exemplary and non-exemplary players are fantastic! Whenever a player is called on a foul (or red-carded), he'll turn and complain to the referee. Not only does this look realistic, but it is also quite enjoyable.

Additionally, the after-goal celebrations are well done as the team tackles each other and jumps for joy! The players also dive onto the grass and run into the opponents' goal; these celebrations are rather comprehensive to say the least. What would a sports game be without some instant replays? These are equally impressive as the computer picks the best camera angle throughout the replay. It gives the player a better view of what just happened.

From a gameplay standpoint, FIFA 2000 is great. Although it does have its share of problems, this title is a blast to play as there is enough variety in the "pass-pass-pass-shoot-pass" formula to liven things up. Players are able to put spin on the soccer ball, lob it up into the air, go for headers and volleys, or execute a side-foot shot. Needless to say, you've got your work cut out for you if you're looking to master this game!

While the gameplay is fast and occasionally furious, it's a bit unrealistic. At times, it feels as if you're playing in a tough street corner game where anything can happen. Goals are scored left and right; the goalkeepers aren't quite up to par with today's AI standards. For the most part, the action takes place in the attacking zones rather than focusing on a realistic soccer methodology. While this may have been a conscious effort by the folks at EA Sports, they should have incorporated more of a defensive aspect. Not only would this have kept things realistic, it would have been more enjoyable and interesting in the long run.

Additionally, the developers realized that 45-minute halves (actual regulation length) may have been a bit too excessive for casual gamers, possibly even the fanatics. As a result, halves are set (as a default) for four minutes; however, the halves can be shortened or lengthened anywhere between two to 45 minutes. The latter time is for those who just can't get enough soccer!

Unfortunately, the commentary in FIFA 2000 isn't so good. The announcers lack accuracy with very little in the way of variety to keep things interesting. With the omission of any in-game musical tracks (though there are some interesting and entertaining musical pieces in the menus), you're better off turning the sound down on your television and cranking some tunes on your stereo.

But even with it's share of problems, FIFA 2000: Major League Soccer does a great job of brining the sport of soccer to casual gamers. Soccer fanatics will not be disappointed as it features strong gameplay and a wealth of variety!

Review: Enjoyment

This game is a blast to play with lots of options, decent gameplay, and lots of value! Playing with a bunch of friends is a riot!

Review: Graphics

With realistic player animations, on-field antics, goal celebrations, and facial expressions, FIFA 2000 looks great!

Review: Sound

Hopefully your television comes equipped with a mute button. The commentary is less than par with minimal musical tracks.

Review: Replay Value

With a lot of options to choose from and the already mentioned multi-player support, this game has got a wealth of replay value.

Review: Documentation

Though nothing special, the manual covers basic and advanced controls, the different gameplay options, and other little odds and ends.

Production Credits

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