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86%
Visually Great
Hundreds of Teams
Strong Online Play
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The whispered release of Konami's Pro
Evolution Football 3, had certainly pushed all the right buttons at EA.
Football gaming is cetainly big business and FIFA football for the first
time delves into team management like never before. The 2004 release of
FIFA promises a nice selection of new features and polishes over last years
predecessor. What pricked my ears was the option to play as lower Nationwide
teams and just scanning through the team selection really hits home how
much depth EA have gone to this time around. The players and grounds are
remarkably detailed and accurate giving a little glitter to the 350 or
so teams in the game. Unfortunately for me, Notts County, my closet favoured
team are a little too accurate and once I accustomed myself to the usual
FIFA control scheme, took a pasting from our Nottingham rivals. But how
did it play? Pretty good. Players responses are more dependent on their
abilities this time around and you will find a noticable difference in
a players reaction off the ball as well as with the ball at his feet. As
you experiment with the better teams, you'll notice increased level of
interceptions and zonal positioning and you really have to think about
your formations and what your fellow players are doing on the pitch.
Visually, the game is fantastic
and by far the best looking football title money can buy. Ruud van Nistelroy,
Thierry Henry, Michael Owen are all instantly recognisable and even your
lower level boot room boy-come-reserve is there. The camera work this time
round also feels that more intelligent and works well with replys and set
piece perspectives. Sound-wise Motty and Ally McCoist do a decent job.
While people often knock it, EA probably do the best vocal support in their
games than any one else out there. This time around the seems decent variety.
I've played twenty or so games and only now found noticable repeats, but
nothing irritating.
Multiplayer online is well supported
with instant messaging, password protected game rooms and user blocking
all featured. Game options include knockout tournaments, online leagues
and simple quick-play one off showdowns. EA have whispered the addition
of downloadable content in the near future. This is particularly useful
for any new game modes and keeps the game fresh in terms of those mid season
transfers.
While FIFA 2003 was a good step
forward in game visuals and mechanics, this years title certainly raises
the football sim bar that little bit higher. The game polish truely does
shine and gameplay aspects which have been added will now offer the hard-line
football fan more bang for their buck. Add the inclusion of the lower Nationwide
teams in the English divisons and the well supported online multiplayer
experience and even the fringe footy fan is going to find something to
whet their pallet here.
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