World Tour Soccer 2003

As the most popular sport in the world, soccer is only now getting serious attention from numerous publishers. Although there have been solid games in the past, the competition is heating up with others like Midway giving stronger performances. Similar to other more popular sport games, this is causing developers to specialize in one area with games focusing specifically on detail, realism, or arcade styles. With EA Sports already delivering a soccer game focusing more on a realistic experience, Sony apparently decided to lean more toward an arcade style of play. Even though lacking in complexity, especially on the field, Sony does present a soccer game that is easily played without overly neglecting the finer points of soccer.

World Tour Soccer 2003 may lean toward arcade gameplay but that doesn't mean it's missing features. Loaded with the full compliment of gameplay modes, all the options associated with most sport games are included. The career mode however will end up being the focus for single players as it starts you out in the amateur leagues as you work toward the pros.

Once playing, the arcade style of play will be more apparent as you'll notice the game mechanics are picked up with ease. It is a definite advantage if multiplayer games will be a possibility as friends that come over will be able to compete better with games being more evenly matched. Over the long term, you'll find however certain aspects of the gameplay too simplistic as well, mastering the gameplay faster and wearing the game out quicker. For instance, passing is done far too easily and moving the ball up the field can be accomplished with little effort.

The graphics look good however with the stadiums being particularly impressive. The players also move naturally and most are clearly recognizable. Unfortunately the audio or lack thereof doesn't meet the same standards, as sound effects are noticeably missing and generally unimpressive. The commentary does work well though and does a decent job of calling the game.

World Tour Soccer 2003 puts together a solid game that will appeal more to those who play multiplayer games. Although the single player modes aren't bad, the simple gameplay won't be able to compete with other soccer games on the market.