It does require a fair bit of patience to get into it, but the rewards are worth it. ![]() Sure, not everyone can be Christiano Ronaldo (mercifully), but even being the unsung left-back that performs a goal saving tackle is so satisfying in its own right. At first, it is an incredibly weird experience, as it involves getting used to being one cog in a much larger machine, as opposed to the norm of having total team control, but when perfected is a unique and rewarding multiplayer experience. Previously, the “Be A Pro” mode allowed 5 players a side to play against each other online, each playing as an individual, much like ancient PSOne title Libero Grande, but in the space of a year EA have managed to get a fully manned game of football up and running. The big new feature is the inclusion of the 10 vs 10 online mode. As expected, every important team, league and cup competition is included and, officially licensed, of course, and all of the modes from last year are still here. So, now out in front, EA have decided to keep the quality gameplay from the previous game, tweak it and slap on enough extras that you’ll be left wondering if there is anything left for other football games. Pro Evolution Soccer 2008 was more of the same, meaning it was a perfectly enjoyable kickabout, but perhaps Konami were starting to rest on their laurels a little bit, much like EA did with FIFA, costing them their crown in the first place. Sure, it still had their usual high-end presentation and authenticity, but for once FIFA was no longer the inferior title, but instead a genuine alternative. FIFA 08 was a complete overhaul of EA’s football game engine, creating a more cerebral, more real footballing experience. However, in recent years, things have changed. Sure, it may lack the official licenses, proper kit sponsors and whatnot, but it played a better game of football, which was surely the point? It used to be a very clear cut situation – FIFA was always the inferior game once the champion, but after years of updates full of gimmicks rather than real innovation, it became the one that mothers would buy their ignorant children for Christmas, mainly due to red-faced Manchester United fatty/striker Wayne Rooney’s gurning mug gracing the cover, whereas Pro Evo was always regarded as the connoisseurs’ choice. Both always have excellent opening weekends and debate over which is the better of the two floods the internet for days afterward. ![]() ![]() Here in the UK, FIFA and Pro Evo’s annual October release is practically a national holiday.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |