XBOX 360 Who needs scoring?
EA Sports’ “FIFA 08” may be that rare sports game where that could be said. If you’ve played other games in the EA Sports catalog, you’ve most likely grown accustomed to scoring points by the armload. Even their hockey title, “NHL 08,” lets players streak down the ice and score with relative ease. It isn’t uncommon for a game to end 7-6 or some other outrageously un-hockey-like final. But with “FIFA 08,” not even the computer seems capable of being able to rack up goals — or gols, depending on your native tongue.
This most recent edition of the soccer mainstay is about as close to reality as they come. Most matches either end in a 1-0 outcome or head into penalty kicks following a scoreless defensive battle. Even the Samba Boys of Brasil aren’t really apt to put up goals in bunches. The only way to ensure a good scoring side is to pit a lowly club team against a national powerhouse like France. Put the San Jose Earthquakes up against the national side from England and then, just maybe, you’ll have a laugher depending on what side of the ball you’re on.
While soccer isn’t really Americans’ favorite sport, the world is crazy for this kind of stuff. Most of the citizens of planet Earth would much rather see a hard-fought 2-1 match than a scoring orgy. It took some time for this American to get a taste for it, but once I did, I couldn’t help but be wrapped up in a grimy low-scoring affair. Sure there are exceptions, but let’s just say that this title is as authentic as they come.
Even some of the side features really help reinforce this notion. The most notable of the special features allows a gamer to select just one solitary player and stay that guy for an entire game, or even season. It’s called “Be a Pro” and allows you to control one player from the opening kickoff to the final whistle. It’s an interesting tilt on the gaming experience, but can get to be a bit of a drag. You’d think being Ronaldinho would be worth the trouble, but even a truly gifted player like him is a bit boring to control off the action.
There is one advantage to being just one player, though. It is easier to set up scoring plays when your teammate has the ball and is driving toward the goal. This really works well if you’re a defender or midfielder and crash the goal area, something the computer wouldn’t necessarily have your players do when your team has control of the ball. Of course, if this ploy doesn’t work, you’re a man short on defense and the other team has an easier path to the goal. Trust me, it happens and the results aren’t always pretty.
Aside from being just one footballer, “FIFA 08” offers quite a few more interesting features. According to the press release, it offers something dubbed “Intelligent Soccer.” It includes artificial intelligence with a 35-point decision engine which allows players to process 1,000 potential options and reactions in real time. I’m not sure what technology is behind this feature, but it supposedly adds to the realism in gameplay and makes it all the more authentic.
As with all EA Sports games, this title allows you to play online against other gamers and participate in pretty elaborate leagues and tournaments. It even allows you to upload your favorite highlight video from your personal experience to the game’s Web site to share with the world. This title is available on all major platforms.
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on November 10, 2007. Read the original PDF.