Pity for them.

With all of the teams who qualified for this year's cup (and a few that didn't), you'll be able to recreate your own global championship. Unfortunately, in a game as specialized as WC2002, you'll probably find reruns of the real thing more exciting.

Out of the box, the game immediately limits you to two options: World Cup and Friendly. There's no season mode associated with the FIFA series, and it's something you'll long for once you've played through a round or two.

Compound that limitation with the fact that actually playing the game is more of a chore than it should be. The manual will explain the glorious things you can do, but actually doing them will test your patience - and your controller. Passes sail in the opposite direction of your intended receiver and shots fly to a corner even when you're coming down the middle of the pitch.

Even if you can't quite perform the moves you want to, you can still appreciate the animation. Every player moves with a fluidity unmatched in any sports games. No matter what angle, what direction or what you're doing, your player will move realistically. All the transition animations are superb, so you'll rarely (if ever) see any breaks.

To its credit, the game is powered by a fairly clean and smooth looking engine. Most of the big name players look much like their real life counterparts, the stadiums are large and detailed and the textures are crisp and clean. The crowd is 2D, but you'll only ever notice them as an eyesore on some of the replays and cinematics.

While you play, you'll be treated to some deliciously accurate chants and if you've got a Dolby setup, you'll feel the excitement when your team scores a goal as the crowd erupts with glee in a way only a 5.1 speaker setup can do justice to.

As in any EA soccer game, goals aren't simply celebrated, they're treated like prizes. Goalkeepers toss the ball out of the net and argue with their defender, goal scorers are surrounded by their teammates, some players even pose for photographers. Fouls are treated the same, with injured players throwing grass and the culprit arguing the call.

If you've got some friends at about the same skill level the game's fun factor jumps a few points, but after you've played with your favorite teams once or twice, there is little reason to return since you can't setup a tournament mode. Even the World Cup mode only allows one player, meaning your Italy vs. Brazil or even Portugal vs. England can only be played out on a Friendly level.

Regrettably, there aren't any Xbox specific features. The graphics certainly don't tax the Xbox's capabilities; you can't save during a game; and there's no system link play so you're restricted to only four players.

Much like the real World Cup, FIFA: World Cup 2002 is meant to be enjoyed in one short burst. The game mechanics are flawed and the modes of play are limiting. Unless you absolutely must live out your team's path to glory, you're better off waiting for next year's regular installment of FIFA and renting this one while your World Cup fever is still hot.

-Kevin Viana