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Point Blank Review: FIFA 2006

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It’s somewhat hard to believe I have already played three different FIFA games on the XBox 360 and we still have two months remaining in the year! Prior to the start of Germany 2006 (that’s the World Cup), EA release FIFA 06: Road to FIFA World Cup, where the goal was to qualify for the cup, but did not include the actually World Cup tourney. In April, EA was back at it and released, 2006 FIFA World Cup. In this version, you had the option to play through the qualifiers or you could start in the group stage of the World Cup.

Last week, EA released a demo of FIFA Soccer 07 that is scheduled for release on November 20 (although EB Games said the date is November 1). I was able to rent and copy FIFA 07 for my XBox a few days ago, in order to get a feel for how the game played compared to previous years and compared to the 360 demo version. As I have previously commented, anticipation was not running very high for another EA Sports game that chugs along due to the extreme graphic content, while the game play suffers (hint: Madden 07).

The XBox 360 FIFA Soccer 07 demo allows you to play a half of footie using one of six world class, club teams including AC Milan, Manchester U, Lyon, Barcelona and others. Hopefully there are more game options available when the full version goes retail. I was rather unhappy with the views you could play from, especially when I am comfortable with the ‘Tele’ view and not any of the dynamic views or end views other may be used to. Thankfully the XBox version had a ‘Tele’ view, so there is hope this too will be included in it’s big brother’s version.

Obviously I would be lying if I said the graphics were horrible. Again, as with other games I have rented or purchased for the 360, the graphics are rather impressive, but then again that is what this next-generation console is supposed to have, right? Unfortunately, up until now it has been the game play that has suffered due to the constant “chugging” of the graphics interfering with the game play. Madden is by far, the worst yet! FIFA did not really suffer much, but there were times you could sense it.

After completing the download, I played a few halves of soccer, checking out the different teams and views (since that was really the only setting you could change). The controls were similar to the previous FIFA games, but after flipping through the instruction booklet that came with the game rental for the XBox, there are more options when it comes to individual moves. None of these I have really ever mastered, nor do I use them much during a game. They are nice to have, but its like FIFA: Street Fighter version, you are double tapping buttons, while hold down the left trigger and then pressing ‘A’ in order to get some move or fancy shot off. Not my idea of fun. But, again, the option is there if you want to use it.

The actual game play seemed a bit “stiff” in terms of movement on the pitch. Players looked good, but it did not feel like the previous two FIFA games I had played on the 360. There was an all new feel I sensed and it did not give me a good vibe. In contrast, the XBox version kicks grass! More on that version in a minute. Player movement was fluid, but there was something about either the controls or the animation of the models that left you with an empty feeling. I do take into consideration this is only a demo and there may be more to offer in the retail version.

I was lucky to rent the XBox version and play it the past few days. And damned if I am not impressed by how it feels and plays. The same game mind you! Like FIFA 05 and FIFA 06, controls are laid out the same, but you do have a a few other options when it comes to how you want the controller set up. The menus are similar in nature as well, you can jump right into a game or take the role of a manager and play your way through a season in many of the popular world leagues such as Serie A, Premiership, La Liga, MLS Bundesliga and others. You can also go the pitch to practice.

As a game developer I have stated many times, until I am blue in the face, “it’s not about the graphics, but the game play.” This statement is true for FIFA, so what, you are not playing on a next-generation console using your 61″ plasma television, but I was quite impressed with the overall look and feel of FIFA 07 for the XBox. the players do have a new look to them, new moves and a uniqueness that is impressive to the final whistle. Of course as with any game, PC or console it does take a bit of practice to master it.

I spent the better part of 3 hours yesterday starting a season using AS Roma from the Italian, Serie A, play in the Manager Mode. Unlike previous versions, not only do you play (or sim) all the games in the league you have different tasks you must complete prior to the end of the season. You also must decide on a sponsor, who will pay your squad accordingly. You then have the “board” who will give you kudos or an ultimatium if you happen to run a streak of bad luck and start loosing. You need to learn to develop young talent and search out potential transfers from other leagues and sign them. On top of all these manager duties you must win, win, win!

Obviously the XBox crew did something right, if I was hooked from the first kickoff and spent nearly 3 hours playing and would have much much longer if I did not have take a nap prior to work. The game was challenging, I think I only had one ‘easy” victory. I even took it on the chin in a close 3-2 lose, a game in which I gave up two goals within 5 minutes of each other and was not able to come back and escape with a draw. So through 8 matches, I am 8-1-1 and second in the league. So, while the graphics are not up to 360 standard, the game play excels again and I am excited I will have a new game for the next 12 months or so.

As for the 360 version, I think I will spend the $5 spot and rent it prior to making the decision to purchase it. I have already been burned 3 or 4 times picking up a highly anticipated title only to be pissed because the game does not live up to its expectations (sorry Madden). So, if you are into footie and want a real kick in the grass, rent or buy FIFA Soccer 07. It truly is on a level all its own. As for the 360 version, I will give it a shot when it comes out in November.

Point Blank Review: Madden’07 (Final Thoughts)

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Sacked for a big loss! That is how I feel after playing the highly acclaimed and touted new offering from EA Sports. Initially, I had reserved judgment on the game since I had not spent enough time playing. But now, after a full season as the Chargers and now playing Superstar Mode, I am not at all impressed with the game as a whole. This seems to be the consensus of many of the “next gen” console games I have played to date, but for now we will stick with Madden 07.

You cannot deny the graphics of Madden, top notch, very high quality with great attention to detail in the stadiums and players. The fields look pretty damn cool as the game progresses and the dirt starts to show through and puddles pool up during the rain. But not all is great with the graphics, as the console seems to “chug” and strain at time in order to keep up with the action. This seems to be a common problem through out the entire game from initial loading, to game play. This is one of the biggest downfalls of the game in my opinion.

When it comes to the game menu and interaction, this too is quite cumbersome. Unlike previous years accessing the menus is not as clear cut and simple as it one was. Previously you could flip back and forth between teams at the end of the game with the press of a button, now you must use the trigger button and more the stick in order to scroll through team and player statistics. As for play calling, especially when playing head to head on the same screen, it’s too easy for the opposing player to have some idea what play you are calling. Sure there are other buttons to “fake out” the opposing player, but the fact that its not set up well at all.

The Madden A.I. is not what it used to be either. After getting comfortable and reacquainted with the game, I was able to rack up some pretty big statistics against the computer, coming back from as many as 21 points down using the default, 5 minute quarters. Needless to say my players led in many categories, including QB rating, passing yards, rushing TDs, catches (TE) and scoring. On the defensive side, I stifled the A.I. with a top ranked defensive leading in rushing and passing yards and total defense. Oddly enough, Donnie Edwards lead the NFL in interceptions with 12! A linebacker, he could not drop the ball it seemed.

The new ‘lead blocking’ feature did put a new spin on playing, but the novelty wore off very quickly, as rushing yards began to increase. The other offensive and defensive actions were assigned as in previous years. The ‘LB’ and ‘RB’ are a bit ackward when it comes to using them off the defensive line and were not used as often as they were in the past. Having the ability to jump the snap count was a nice, new feature, but I did notice that penalities were not called very often. When they were it was a false start or offside penalty. Downfield, the pass interference call was not often called.

Superstar mode allows you to build your own player and follow him through training camp and a full career as he works his way to possibly make the Hall of Fame. I originally started the game mode as a running back, but found it rather challenging (and this is a good thing) when not being able to see the entire field when running. Basically you could see the direction you were headed and nothing more. You hit the hole or got hit. Rarely was there any in between. As I started a new career, I selected a quarterback, drafted in the 3rd round by Kansas City.

As previously stated, the A.I. leaves a lot to be desired and being able to put up some good numbers is challenging at first, as a rookie QB, but becomes easier as the seasons go on. Playing through my firsts few full games, I was able to lead my team to victory. Scoring 40 or 50 points was not out of the question on a regular basis, including those great come from behind victories. My defense seems unable to stop anyway, again, the A.I. coming into play to decrease the enjoyablility of the game.

All in all the Hall of Fame edition of Madden 07 (additional $10) was not worth the price of admission. After only a month of owning the game, the novelty has worn off and I am serious considering trading the game in for something more impressive. But the lack of impressive games seems to be way the current selection of games are for the Xbox 360. Madden 07 is not worth the buy for the Xbox 360. If you are a hardcore Madden fan, I suggest you rent the game, get a feel for it and then make the decision to drop the coin on this dog of a game. Hopefully EA comes back with a better offering in 2008.