FIFA Soccer 08 Xbox 360 Review

Last year EA’s FIFA series took a giant step forward to being a well rounded game. After attending the community event last year for FIFA and seeing the final retail game, I was impressed. In past versions you never had control of the ball or many options in defensive plays. Fortunately, this was not the case last year. This year once again I was invited to EA to take a look at the game and have time with the team.

Again FIFA 08 is revamped and even more so than the 07 version. Due to some scheduling conflicts the community day event was missing some key members of the team I wanted to speak with. I still liked what I saw in the game though and knew once it was in the hands of gamers; EA would have another hit on their hands. Read the full FIFA Soccer 08 Review and see why it is the best overall soccer game around.

Gameplay

Last year EA introduced two main changes to the series including the trick system and a new playing style. It took time to adjust to both but with some practice the game was fun and the best FIFA game of the series but it was still missing a few things. Overseas the game is perhaps even more of a top seller than the Madden Series is in the US. So EA wanted to up the ante, so to speak, and add all they could to this year’s version.

They added a ton of new modes in the single-player and beefed up the AI and the trick system. When I say tricks, please don’t mistake this for some gimmick you would see in a Street game. I mean real soccer moves you pull off by the use of the trigger and stick. In fact the trick stick is now called the skills system and it makes a little more sense as well as adds a more realistic feeling to the game. While it is still has a high learning curve, it was a move in the right direction for the series.

Also new this year is the Be a Pro feature where you play one position and are graded and score points based on how well you play that position and what you do for the team. I like this mode and it fits perfectly into the franchise. In fact the trick stick is now called the skills system and it makes a little more sense as well as adds a more realistic feeling to the game. While it is still a high learning curve it was a move in the right direction for the series. Also new this year is the Be a Pro feature where you play one position and are graded and score points based on how well you play that position and what you do for the team. I like this mode and it feels like something that fits perfectly into the franchise. The offline or single-player mode is loaded with modes and overall a huge improvement to the total gameplay offered.

The offline or single-player mode is loaded with improvements to the total gameplay. It is apparent that EA wants to try and make soccer more popular in the US and I think they are on the right track. While I doubt it will ever reach the appeal of Madden, it is a great game and offers players several different modes and new features. While playing offline, you can host mini-leagues and bring in friends to the practice field. This all helps learn the game’s controls and help make the game stand out more. One thing you will not find in this version is a World Cup league or mode and the reason is simple. EA has the exclusive rights to this and with the World Cup and the Olympics being held next year, EA wants to bring out another game using the exclusive rights. I don’t blame them for this move since the game already has more modes added than any other soccer game out there.

Control

Learning the basic controls and rules will take most players about 20-30 minutes. While learning the full set of skills is an ongoing process, the only way to learn them is by playing. Overall the controls are responsive and work great. The best way to learn how to pull off a trick or skill is by practicing in the arena prior to a game mode.

I like the fact EA went for a more realistic approach to the game and the controls. I think most gamers will agree, but there is a level of frustration until you learn the controls. Overall it is a great set-up and fits the Xbox 360 controller well, but it will take practice to master.

Xbox Live

While EA slowed down the gameplay both offline and online, the game has an aspect of wanting to promote league play this year. The lobbies show this and you can join a league or start your own with ease. I would suggest playing a few games with a friend first, then going into ranked play before starting league play. FIFA 08 really deepened the online play aspect this year and introduced some new modes that make it stand out.

They kept in the instant updates and you can choose from every team out there. It does seem that they want to promote the new MLS teams though. I can see why with the sport catching on in the States. Overall, the online play is solid and no issues with slow down. They also allow players to track their favorite team’s stats, scores and events while online. This is a nice added touch that only helps the game feel more realistic. This year’s online mode is the most solid and deepest to ever be seen in the franchise.

Graphics

You will notice the presentation of the game has changed and for the better I might add. They still use the side view, but then it switches to an over the shoulder view. This view makes the trick system even more of a huge difference since you’ll see when a move or skill is pulled on you or vice versa. They also added new animations and a camera angle that sort of reminds me of the break-away cam that was used in past NHL games. It only triggers at times and you’ll see a lower camera shot from the field.

EA is trying to get the same realistic look to the FIFA series as their other sports games. They added more facial expressions and sweat, but at times the look is not perfected yet. Sometimes it looks great and other times look a little odd. I do like the new camera presentations and angles. The field and stadiums look great also.

Audio

The Commentary is realistic with the team of Martin Taylor and Andy Gray. The two have a good chemistry but at times tend to drone on a bit too much. I know their style is different and like golf at times they use terms and humor that may seem funny to them but not the person playing. A nice job but if EA wants to make Soccer more mainstream in the States, they also need to make adjustments in the commentary. Overall the crowds and chants sound great and have the effect of the stadiums that also help create a realistic feel.

Replay Value

Without question FIFA 08 offers more replay value than any other game in the franchise history. They offer league play, Management modes and an online mode. The real issue here is for those who follow soccer; they will be in heaven with everything added. For those new to the sport, they may get a little overwhelmed. Those just learning the sport of soccer will need time to get the full replay value. Of course this is true with any sports game. I still think they need more tutorials added to help gamers learn how to make use of all the modes. Overall it certainly is loaded with replay value!

Bottom Line

Overall Score: 8.4/10.0

Additional Comments

This is the best FIFA game ever made but they may have overloaded things a bit. Normally new modes and features are great but again soccer is slowly catching on here in the States. FIFA is onto something and has a solid game that has depth I think they need to add a few more tutorials to really help make it a huge success here in the US.

Links

• FIFA 08 Official Website

Filed under: Reviews • Xbox 360

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