A solid experience, but lacking in key points...

by Amir29 Nov 30, 2008, 11:22 AM PST

FIFA 08 has changed things up with this release. This is mostly in it's new "Trick" system. Movements with the right analog stick (which requires extreme precision and patience) will help the ball carrier beat defenders. However, many will find this new control scheme to be quite difficult, resulting in a pass and run game.

Premeditated moves will be necessary in this game. The breakaway animations are for the trick system only. But, when it comes to passing and changing direction in your run, you'll find that you have to waitfor your current animation to end before you get a reaction. You'll have to plan slightly ahead as a result because if you hit the pass button twice, you may just pass to a player only to have it passed again once he recieves it.

Shooting for the goal is seemingly very sensitive. Anything more then a tap of the circle button will usually be wide or go over the goal. Basically, everything in this game screams precision. That's fine for the hardcore soccer game fans. Unfortunately, people that just pick it up to play once in a while will have a frustrating experience.

Though the roster boasts over 15,000 players, you'll still feel short changed. Many players and entire leagues are not in the game. Also, typical of the FIFA franchise, the WORLD CUP is missing. You'll have to create the tournament yourself. But, if you're interested in recreating the World Cup of yesterday, the lack of some popular leagues will leave you disappointed.

The online component is lag free and fun. However, those that have mastered the "Trick" system will easily have the upper hand. There is no known mode to keep you playing. There is no rise to the top. No career mode. No franchise play. It's all exhibition matches and tournaments.

I've only picked this game up to play a friend online. Otherwise, the game just didn't have anything to keep me interested as a single player.