'finally next-generation football ?'
 Developer: EA
Publisher: Electronic Arts
Category: : Sports
Multiplayer: Xbox Live
Official Site
Platform: X-Box 360
Might look like: FIFA 07
Date posted: 25 January 2008 (Updated)
Written By: Bjorn
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Finally improved ?
Every year we see the return of one of the biggest football franchises for multiplatforms by publisher EA which is the well known "FIFA". This year might be something completely different since the developer, "EA" has announced a lot of changes to this 'yearly update'.
If these are well covered or not over the last FIFA game is the main question but we have a feeling that EA finally made it right.
Fixing FIFA 07
Despite all the announcement of reworked physics, better animation, better handling and much much more, most of the gamers thought that "FIFA 08" would be just another update and would fail to deliver.
Well believe it or not but FIFA 08 delivers ! It really has. For the Fifa fans, this is the game that they wanted for so long and basically its a dream come true.
While Fifa 07 wasn't really a "top notch" game, it laid the groundwork and was focusing more on ultra realism then pure arcade. The animation in the previous game was also significant better.
Still, FIFA 07 had problems with terrible defending, frustrating goal scoring, etc but it seems that with "FIFA 08" all this is fixed !
All your players move more realistically then ever, hitting the ball authentically and makes you believe it's 'real'! This is truely "next-generation football".
And for the first time, FIFA 08 is even better then "Pro Evolution 2008". Oh, that will get me into trouble with the Pro Evo fans ... sorry but this is simply the truth.
  
The game also offers new skill-moves, with tuning the right stick. It looks very beautiful but performing them in a competition is a hard job. It will take some patience, luck and good timing but when you're able to do some new moves, the satisfaction is even greater.
It looks good, plays smooth but more importantly it feels like reality.
Licenses and famous stadia
As expected with every FIFA title, this game also uses licenses for teams, leagues and stadiums. With FIFA 08, it is no exception and every League with all its teams are included.
Every world's most famous stadia is represented, even the 'New Wembley' and every one of them is instantly recognisable to football fans.
EA has also done an excellent job in recreating (and keeping) the right atmosphere. Every big team has their own unique chant and the crowd will certainly let the referee know if he did something wrong.
New mode, 'Be A Pro'
FIFA 08 gives you the usual game modes like exhibition, manager mode, season, etc but this time the developer has also included a brand new mode, it's called "Be A Pro".
In exhibition you can pit two teams together while in season and manager mode you have more control of a team throughout the entire league season. Even when playing in manager mode, you basically will have to manage finances and transfers. Properly that is.
The new mode "Be A Pro" allows you to take control of "one" player on the pitch and make him do runs around the pitch, try to score a few goals and succesfully tackle other players. The game can assist you if you want by telling you where the player should be running, if his tackling is any good, etc.
And the end of each game, you are given a rating ... and the purpose is to be a 'real' PRO. It's not easy but it can be done.
  
A new feature is also a very unique camera, the so called "Pro Cam". This camera is framing the action between you (the player), the ball and of course the goal. Whats really cool is when you are sprinting, the camera will zoom in to a more tighter view. When you are more further from the actual goal, the camera will pull back, enable you to play more tactical. It's more engaging and it's beautifully done.
Graphics & Sound
Like said earlier, it's not only in realism that FIFA 08 is really 'next generation football' but in terms of graphics, FIFA 08's visuals are astounding. The animation is perfect since you won't see a repeat very often. Character models are very good, making it very easy to see who is who. The stadions are epic in scale and pretty awesome.
Commentary in the game is superb and really gives you the idea that you're part of the show. The different sound effects and sound from the crowd is also excellent which definitely adds a plus to the realism part.
Of course, as with most FIFA games, the soundtrack features some of the world's best songs!
Conclusion
At this moment, "FIFA 08" is the best football game made, for every platform. It offers pure realism, groundbraking visuals with excellent commentary and sounds.
The new 'Be A Pro' mode is a nice addition to the already superb selection of features.
Of course FIFA's realism might not be suitable for every football gamer. Those we loved the drama of 'Pro Evolution' might dislike FIFA 08 and while there might be more 'dull' matches, as a simulation "FIFA 08" is clearly a winner.
Finally, EA made it everything right so this time we can't wait what Fifa 09 will offer.
-Bjorn
Ratings
Manual:
86 % |
Graphics:
91% |
Music & Sfx:
88% |
GamePlay:
89% |
|
This game scores
on our 5-point Rating System
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