This is Football 2002 Platinum

In gameplay terms not much has changed since the last version; This is Football is still a fast-flowing, end-to-end arcade romp rather than a considered simulation, though there are hidden strategic depths to discover as you negotiate the four difficulty settings. Strategies and goal scoring moves learnt from TIF 1 & 2 still work--the sprint down the touchline followed by an in-swinging cross to the far post usually results in a goal (provided you have a half-way decent striker).

The new TIF also offers real player names (no Michael Orin nonsense) and likenesses--though this becomes less accurate as you descend down the leagues (yes, this time you can play as Port Vale!) and the players become more obscure. There are a limited number of stadia offered, but these too are lovingly realised. In fact, on the eye-candy front, TIF will be hard to beat this year.

The slick presentation and accessible gameplay coupled with the wealth of leagues available (Jumpers For Goalposts is back) should ensure that, for one season at least, the race for the video-game championship should be a three-horse race. At the very least TIF 2002 qualifies for Europe. --Michael Bartley

This is football hasthe most realistic player faces I've seen on a game, as they've been mapped on they look so real. Each player has more individual stats than usual which makes each and every player different to another. The graphics are great, stadiums magnificent, gameplay extremely realistic, goalkeepers with great saving abilities and room for blunders but the best of all is the tackling. I love the way they tackle, from crunching tackle, to shoulders barges to nice conservative tackles.

The only thing this game lacks is European Competitions in the Season modes. Besides that this game has anything the customer needs in a football game. Buy it now or answer to me. :D


An excellent all round experience   September 7, 2002
 1 out of 2 found this review helpful

With all the hype surrounding FIFA and to a lesser extent pro-evolution, this title is often overlooked.

I reckon this is the best football game currently available however. The graphics are excellent (a lot of time has gone into getting accurate player likeness), the playability is good, and most importantly it is an excellent all round experience.

I would readiliy recommend this game ahead of the others - properly addictive.


The forgotten game   September 6, 2002
 3 out of 3 found this review helpful

I have played the main 2 football games, FIFA (last 3 incarnations) ISS (Pro and evolution). Yet it seems to me, that the forgotten This is football, is indeed the best football game out at the moment. ISS has perhaps the most realistic feel to a football game, but I have found that all ISS games lack in league teams and also lacking in graphics. And although the game is realistic, it is also very hard to score outside the box. And if all goals scored, are side foots past the goalie, then it lacks the feel of scoring a 30 yard scorcher.

Fifa lacks the gameplay. It has great graphics loads of teams. But the feeling that it is just too damn easy to score past the goalies. Again anything outside the box is normally saved. But when you score, you dont have that feeling that you had to work hard to get it. ISS does this well, it makes you feel that you have to work for every tackle, you have to get every pass right. But Fifa lacks this.

Now we come to TIF2002, Graphics, are perhaps not as neat as FIFA, but then does fifa have real player faces. TIF does. Perhaps not on all of them (That would be impossible, as it does have hundreds and hundreds of teams). But a few players have mapped on faces. As I have just stated, TIF has hundreds of teams you can be, International and Club (even school boy) it blows away ISS in this sense.

But the most important thing is gameplay, and you can already rule out FIFA, because in gameplay sense, it is so far behind the other two, it would be like racing a donkey in a grand national.

ISS is a great game to play, just for the gameplay. It is very realistic, but although TIF is perhaps a little more arcadey. It is a joy to play and score. When the corner comes in, and the computer defender clears it, but only as far as one of your own team members on the edge of the box, and he lets a 35 yard screamer into the net. It is very hard not to jump for joy. TIF is excellent, every goal you score is different. Sometimes you will miss a shot that you normally score. That is the best thing about the game, every goal is different. Nothing seems to get repetative. I cannot wait for TIF2003.


Best Football Game ever!!!   May 9, 2002
 4 out of 4 found this review helpful

This is the best football game on the playstation 2. I dont really like footy games ( after bad experiances with FIFA games), but this game is excellent. The graphics are good, you can be almost any international team, and almost all leagues teams from around the globe. There is also the option to create your own team! Player controls are good and a lot more realistic than FIFA games. All in all the best footy game I have ever played! (apart from sensible soccer!)


Brake away from the Fifa mould   April 22, 2002
 1 out of 3 found this review helpful

For the fanaticle Fan - a must
If like me not to fussed, just like a kick around on a sunday afternoon this is still a truely excellent game.

I love it is the best way to describe it, smooth slick graphics, with camera angles that make the game so easy to play (usless your trying to score with burnley). This really is a step away from the fifa mould. End to end action - still set patterns to score (which is slighly more difficult with the bigger opponents)

if you want a happy alternative to fifa - buy buy and with the new price tag - cant go wrong