EA Sports has introduced a new member to its popular FIFA line-up in the form of FIFA 08 and with it playing football has become tougher.
Rating: 8/10
MUMBAI: EA Sports has introduced a new member to its popular FIFA line-up in the form of FIFA 08 and with it playing football has become tougher.
The first thing that strikes you about this new title is a radical change in the gameplay when compared to the previous FIFA games. Not only has the pace of the game become a lot slower, but scoring a goal has become very difficult as well. Also unlike the previous FIFA titles, the ball physics has undergone a sea change. The ball no longer remains glued to your feet and there is no guarantee that the pass will reach a particular player. Instead, like the real thing, you need to be skillful enough to control the ball, and decide when and who to make passes. In its efforts to make the gameplay as realistic as possible, EA Sports has introduced these changes. For those who were used to scoring easy goals, FIFA ‘08 is a rude wake-up call.
The other element that has been introduced is the practice session which shows up during the loading period. This segment features Ronaldinho (who you play) and a goalkeeper. You can hone your dribbling and shooting skills and practice some trick moves as well. EA Sports claims that players make 1000 decisions every second and can strike the ball in an infinite number of ways. Regardless, the fact remains that during the match, you require lot of practice and perfection.
The other highlight of FIFA 08 is the ‘Be a Pro’ feature in which you select a player, play in his position and get your play analysed. So if you choose Kaka, the camera would be fixed on you throughout the game and you would game will be judged by the manner in which you hold your position and feed passes or make those darting runs for scoring goals.
Though EA Sports has introduced commendable changes to make the game more realistic, they have ignored small things like menu navigation which is cluttered and confusing. The title features all the European leagues, top clubs and players. It also scores high on sound and graphics.
All said and done, FIFA 08 is a landmark in the FIFA series. If you want a taste of real-life football, then FIFA 08 is the title for you. If you prefer the quick pace, heavy goal-scoring and are not concerned about the subtleties of football, then FIFA 08 may seem extremely slow. The choice is yours.
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
)
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
)
)
)
)
)
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}