Virtua Striker 2002 - GameCube

It's hard not to feel this is an opportunity missed. Virtua Striker 2002 has oodles of play modes for single and multi-player action, but there's something unsatisfying about the playing experience. The lack of proper challenges makes tackling an awkward affair and team members either slide dramatically across the turf or produce some kind of nervous tic which throws the opponent away from the ball. And matters don't improve when the other side gain possession. Time after time a computer-controlled friendly player will dash perilously close to a loose ball only to snatch himself away and run off in a random direction--it's frustrating to say the least.

If you can bear its inadequacies, Virtua Striker 2002 can be very good fun--it's certainly the most hilarious footy game for the 'Cube to date--but those looking for a more realistic representation should stick with the FIFA or ISS series. --Chris Russell