FIFA 2001 - PlayStation 2

A real beauty both to watch and to play, FIFA 2001 features some of the most highly detailed, smoothly animated player graphics around, and intuitive controls that are exceptionally easy to learn for a sports genre video game. The controls make this a great two-player pickup game, and even more can play provided you hook some controllers up to the separately sold Multitap accessory.

Gameplay favors arcade fun over the sober realism of some sports simulations, meaning there are bicycle-kick shots aplenty, and you can view instant replays using a 360-degree "free cam" to get a Hollywood-budget second look.

While FIFA 2001 is not without its flaws (poorly drawn spectators and untextured turf), and certainly has room for improvement ("barely there" training mode) and additions (what, no women's teams?), these gripes are relatively minor and easily overlooked in light of the major fun to be had. --Joe Hon

Pros: Great fun for both soccer enthusiasts and nonfans alike Easy-to-learn, intuitive controls Highly detailed, smoothly animated player graphics Ability to customize players, teams, leagues, and playoffs Cons: No women's teams