Until recently, I'd have told you that those in the latter camp are a bunch of idiots who don't know anything about either computer games or football. Since the last couple of releases of the EA game though, I've shocked myself by becoming increasingly impressed with FIFA (largely because it's becoming more like Pro Evo, I would argue). FIFA 08 is by far the best release to date and it seems that the game has finally come of age.
FIFA 08's gameplay is more fluid than ever and thanks to some tweaks to the shooting mechanism, defending pressure, player attributes and even the influence of air pressure, it's now a very realistic simulation of the beautiful game. The graphics are smooth, detailed and well animated and the commentary and crowd effects make it seem just like you're watching it on telly. Always having the benefit of licensing on its side, FIFA 08 has a staggering 620 teams from 30 leagues, and a total of more than 1,500 real players at your disposal.
The management mode from the previous version stays, and FIFA 08 has introduced a new feature that I've been wanting from a football game for a long time. The so-called "Be A Pro: Co-op Season" mode sees you create your own player profile, then play just as that player for the season in a team with your pals, or with others online. It's an interesting experience that gives you the opportunity to prove how good you really are at the game and develop your skills as an individual player.
With the usual slick presentation and infinitely customizable options, Pro Evo 2008 is really gonna have to go some in order to top FIFA 08.
Kyle Juffs
Kyle Juffs combines more than 15 years of gaming experience with a background in digital marketing. He specializes in writing about games, technology, and online marketing, producing long-form content that is both authoritative and approachable, with a focus on clarity and reader engagement.
Pros
Mind-blowing graphics and sound
Cool new co-op mode
An incredible selection of real-life teams and players
Highly realistic new playing engine
Cons
Becomes a little easy to score, as is FIFA's eternal problem
Get closer to the action than ever before by mastering the skills required to play like a real professional football player in FIFA 08. Step into the boots of a professional player through a new mode called "Be A Pro: Co-op Season" that challenges you to master the same disciplines as a real professional football player - from positioning and tackling to reading the field and passing.
Step onto the field with your created player to play an entire game as that footballer, and develop him into an elite player over the course of the season. Never before have you been able to approach the game this way, improving your abilities one skill at a time just as if you were a pro. Play with up to three friends playing all fixed to their players on your favorite club, complete individual challenges to develop your player attributes and win glory for the squad, while competing with your friends to develop the best player by season’s end.
From the moment you step on the pitch, FIFA 08 challenges you to think and react like a real football player by giving you complete control over all of the action. New manual controls enable you to dictate the play with control over through-passing and crossing. Control the goalkeeper in one-on-one situations to deny the striker yourself.
Take ultimate control over your defenders with new manual controls that enable you to use the right-stick to quickly switch defenders and choose exactly who you want to control when defending. Plus, now it is more strategic to break down the opposition than ever before with new defensive and positioning logic that ensures players are in the right place at the right time, constantly considering all threats and opportunities.
Intelligently manage your club by preparing for each specific opponent using new custom formations. Design your own unique strategy to create the perfect formation and tactics. Assign roles and move players to the exact position in relation to teammates to undermine the opposition.
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