FIFA 07 (360) Thread

GB_Simo · Post by **GB_Simo** » Sat Oct 28, 2006 8:48 pm

Two days in and I've not found anything gamebreaking yet. I'm struggling to believe it myself.

Here's what I make of it so far:

- The Achievements seem like a laugh. 50 Man Of The Match awards for a defender, midfielder and striker on semi-pro, an entire unbeaten season in Manager mode, scoring in 50 consecutive matches...if you're into farming your games for achievement points, you'll have to hang on to FIFA 07 for a fair old while.

- Defensively, the game is improved from past iterations. No holding down the tackle button and waiting this year - tackling successfully requires both good positioning and good timing, but you'll probably need a few matches to work out when and how to go for the ball. So far, only about 66% of my tackles have been successful - I'll go over how I know that in a minute.

- The goalkeepers seem a little better than on current-gen, but they're still prone to the odd embarrassing blunder. In general they stop everything you'd expect them to stop and have a good go at reaching everything else, though every so often the 'keeper will get his hands onto something and succeed only in deflecting the ball in when it seemed he ought to have kept it out. They still don't come off their line quickly enough, but should you bring the goalie out manually he stands a chance of making a save. On current-gen platforms, bringing out the 'keeper is the easiest way to concede without resorting to deliberate own goals - good to see that's been improved.

- I love how this game plays when you're in possession. You can beat a man while dribbling, but it requires some skill and a little thought. Since player and ball aren't tied together with invisible elastic, you can elude defenders with all sorts of smart little moves and first touches - things like sending the ball to one side of a defender while running to the other. Passes are precise and generally go to the intended recipient, though the game does get confused if there are two teammates wide of you - play a diagonal lofted through ball to the furthest man away and there's an evens chance of the game passing it to the man nearer. With the passing assistance slider turned down, passes aren't on rails and you can ping balls to just about anywhere you want, though it does take some getting used to. I played 3 matches as Arsenal against Sheff Utd on Professional difficulty to get some idea of how turning down pass assist affected things, deliberately picking substandard opposition to allow myself some time on the ball. I lost two of them.

- Referees are generally good, but occasionally produce a ludicrously harsh sending off. The advantage rule is applied very well, but the game is more tolerant of forceful jostling than you might expect - sometimes players look to have stopped chasing the ball and started wrestling, but play will continue.

- Shooting isn't massively changed from current-gen IMO, though shots do seem to have a bit more weight behind them. The differences between standard and finesse shots have been made more apparent, but the basic mechanics are unchanged. Corners and free kicks are taken in the same way as before, though free kicks are not the automatic goal that they were on PS2 and XBox.

- The AI is solid. When attacking, it'll dribble straight through you if you allow it to, but is equally happy to play possession football if you pressurise the ball carrier and cut off his forward passing options. Possession isn't given up cheaply, and is won back fairly. I've also seen more than one desperate last-ditch lunge as I've fired a shot off, where the defender has little chance of getting a touch but feels compelled to try - a nice touch that makes the experience more convincing and has a real "Ha, got him..." feel to it. Your teammates are capable of looking after themselves too - the only problem I've found is that they're occasionally a little less willing to make a run than their XBox and PS2 counterparts, but more often than not they're where you want them to be.

- Stat tracking. If you're into that kind of thing, there's a lot to look at - the standard post match shots, fouls and possession summary, graphics showing where on the pitch both teams are creating chances (useful for working out where you're being beaten and by whom, if you've not managed to work it out while playing), individual stats for every player on the pitch and a Man Of The Match selection, complete with figures justifying the choice. The game also keeps track via your profile of every shot you've had, every pass you've played and every tackle you've made since you started playing FIFA 07. Apparently, in two days I've scored 15 goals, conceded 9, scored with 22.1% of my shots, inflicted injuries upon four CPU-controlled players and failed with 34% of my tackles...

Better than Pro Evo? Pass - it's all subjective, after all. This is the first time, though, that I've had more fun immediately after launch with FIFA than with PES.

10spro · Post by **10spro** » Sun Oct 29, 2006 1:31 am

Thanks for your impressions GB. The game comes out this coming week in N/A and with another B-day on monday, I have my wife spoiling me with this title. Now, I know that you're happy with the EP League but I understnad that the 360 comes with only 6 of the 27 leagues available in the current Xbox. WTF? While I think that it just sucks for EA to constantly shorthand the 360 in features, based on your impressions and the seemingly new ball engine it may just justify the purchase, as a worthy one.

Playing the demo, and with the passing sliders off, I liked the free flowing passing and movement of the ball between players across the field, bringing a level of realism to the series that's been missing in the past, although I saw an improvement already in RTWC. It just seems that the momentum of the player is much more realistic this year.

How about the audio department? I wished they had an option for other language commentators because Martin Tyler and Andy Gray just bore me. Anyhow, it's nice to know that the gap is definitely closing and based on early previews on WE 7 for the 360,(which is quite a stripped down version) Fifa may just take the crown this year.

GB_Simo · Post by **GB_Simo** » Sun Oct 29, 2006 8:10 pm

To be honest, I'd be happier if the entire Football League structure was still in the game, since I support a League Two club and not a Premiership one, but you're right - the only time I use a club outside of the Prem is if I'm playing two-player matches and we're using the randomise feature. It does seem daft, though, that so many leagues had to go missing for whatever reason.

The audio is very good. The crowd noise and chants seem improved to me, and the commentary is fine. Martin Tyler's delivery is spot on, and it always seems like he and Andy Gray have something to say - my only criticism of Tyler is that he's never been that thrilling to listen to where someone like Clive Tyldesley is, even if Tyler tends to talk a bit more sense.

davet010 · Post by **davet010** » Mon Oct 30, 2006 6:02 am

Played this with my cousin on saturday, and i haven't had as much fun with a FIFA game for a long time. Using default sliders and 8 minute halves, we played a best out of 3 series of Borussia Dortmund vs Schalke 04, with Dortmund winning 2 games to 1 (2-1, 0-2, 2-0).

Excellent variety in the game play, but the referees are a bit strict.

I'm now trying to decide whether to pick up the xbox version for the extra content (since I'll be using manager mode entirely) or the 360 version. Other than the graphics, has anyone noticed significant gameplay differences ?

davet010 · Post by **davet010** » Mon Oct 30, 2006 6:12 am

GB_Simo wrote: . Martin Tyler's delivery is spot on, and it always seems like he and Andy Gray have something to say - my only criticism of Tyler is that he's never been that thrilling to listen to where someone like Clive Tyldesley is, even if Tyler tends to talk a bit more sense.

Tyldesley ? Probably the most biaised gobshite in British sports commentating.

His only use is as a source for a sweep as to the earliest mention during his commentary of any European game of 'that magical night in Barcelona' (ie the '99 Chumps League final, when his beloved MU pulled off a highway robbery of scandalous proportions). He can usually smuggle this into any Euro game, and seasoned players of the sweep game can start to spot the beginnings of his contortions as he seeks to work it into commentary of a game involving neither MU or Bayern.

JackB1 · Post by **JackB1** » Mon Oct 30, 2006 2:08 pm

with PES sounding unimpressive for the 360 and FIFA being much improved, this may be the year that most DSP'ers migrate back to FIFA 360...leaving thier beloved Konami game for EA???

We shall see what happens......

10spro · Post by **10spro** » Mon Oct 30, 2006 2:18 pm

JackB1 wrote:with PES sounding unimpressive for the 360 and FIFA being much improved, this may be the year that most DSP'ers migrate back to FIFA 360...leaving thier beloved Konami game for EA???

We shall see what happens......

I wouldn't go that far. I mean it sounds that's quite a stripped version for the 360, but the main core gameplay is always there. But those fans that think EA is still behind Konami should give themselves a bit of a shake, because the gap is that much closer.

Leebo33 · Post by **Leebo33** » Mon Oct 30, 2006 2:23 pm

Not trying to threadjack, but I figure all the soccer nuts are probably checking this thread out and a new thread probably wouldn't draw much interest.

Anyone try FIFA 07 on PSP?

Post by **ScoopBrady** » Mon Oct 30, 2006 2:27 pm

Leebo33 wrote:Not trying to threadjack, but I figure all the soccer nuts are probably checking this thread out and a new thread probably wouldn't draw much interest.

Anyone try FIFA 07 on PSP?

I picked it up and have had some fun with it. I haven't played FIFA on the PSP since the first one and I can say that this one is definitely way better than that one. The ball physics seem improved, jostling for position is handled better, the refs actually call fouls, dribbling in space doesn't result in an instant turnover which really opens up goal variety, and crosses aren't nearly as effective. It's nice having a ton of leagues available too. I can finally play as my grandfather's native team, Vincenza, as well as they've finally been included in Serie B.

Leebo33 · Post by **Leebo33** » Mon Oct 30, 2006 2:31 pm

Thanks, Scoop! How does it compare gameplay-wise to the 360 demo? Same tactical options or no? Is there any play in midfield?

10spro · Post by **10spro** » Mon Oct 30, 2006 2:36 pm

Leebo33 wrote:Anyone try FIFA 07 on PSP?

I played it and other than the new leagues, I found the gameplay similar to RTWC, in other words not too shabby, yet nothing to get too excited either. I found scoring on the easy side, refs are too lenient but definitely not the jump in gameplay that we'll see for the 360.

seanmac31 · Post by **seanmac31** » Mon Oct 30, 2006 2:36 pm

JackB1 wrote:with PES sounding unimpressive for the 360 and FIFA being much improved, this may be the year that most DSP'ers migrate back to FIFA 360...leaving thier beloved Konami game for EA???

We shall see what happens......

I had every intention of purchasing both, but at this point I may hold of on WE and just grab FIFA 07. I still have my backwards compatible WE 9 should I want to play Konami's game, but judging from how much I love the FIFA demo, I suspect I'll be more than happy with just one next gen game. If the impressions are universally strong for WE I might change my mind, but I can see this being a reprise of NHL 07/NHL 2K7.

GB_Simo · Post by **GB_Simo** » Mon Oct 30, 2006 8:33 pm

davet010 wrote:Tyldesley ? Probably the most biaised gobshite in British sports commentating.

His only use is as a source for a sweep as to the earliest mention during his commentary of any European game of 'that magical night in Barcelona' (ie the '99 Chumps League final, when his beloved MU pulled off a highway robbery of scandalous proportions)

Absolutely, though at least he doesn't pretend otherwise - if it's not that, it's Man Utd 1-0 down with 2 minutes to go and "Manchester United have to score - they always score", which occasionally links up well with That Magical Night in a stunning display of flowing attack-minded bias. I find that more entertaining, though, than Motson becoming a parody of himself, Martin Tyler (who, granted, is much better at the job) or Ian bloody Darke. And I have won that sweep once, and only once.

Unless Konami are doing something quite drastic to their game prior to the North American release, then you might be just as well off picking up a cheap copy of WE9 rather than shelling out for WE10 on 360. Haven't played the PS2 edition so I can't comment on whether there's a lot of difference there, but only one of the next-gen footy titles shows enough improvement on past form to really merit a purchase, and it isn't Pro Evo.

Dave, the only differences I've came across between the XBox and 360 Manager modes so far are the number of teams available and the difficulty level. I'm only 3 games into my 360 Manager mode, mind, but the features and setup seem the same and Man Ure have just tortured my Wigan 4-0 at Old Trafford on Professional, which is a change from scoring 90 in 21 World Class games on XBox.

JackB1 · Post by **JackB1** » Tue Oct 31, 2006 12:41 pm

Anyone picking this up today? (or is it tommorow?)

seanmac31 · Post by **seanmac31** » Tue Oct 31, 2006 12:44 pm

Should be out today. I plan on swinging past Best Buy to grab this on my lunch hour.

Leebo33 · Post by **Leebo33** » Tue Oct 31, 2006 12:44 pm

seanmac31 wrote:If the impressions are universally strong for WE I might change my mind, but I can see this being a reprise of NHL 07/NHL 2K7.

I really think Konami is in trouble. I picked up the PSP version of FIFA 07 and I think it is really good. It's 10x better than the previous FIFAs on PSP and easily a much better game overall than WE9 PSP. The next version of WE on PSP almost has to be perfect for me to switch back because of the differences in licenses. Considering that the 360 Demo is substantially better than 07 on PSP, I think EA is back in the game for sure. If WE 360 is basically a port, it will be tough for me to justify a purchase this year if FIFA 360 stands the test of time.

Post by **ScoopBrady** » Tue Oct 31, 2006 12:57 pm

Leebo33 wrote:
seanmac31 wrote:If the impressions are universally strong for WE I might change my mind, but I can see this being a reprise of NHL 07/NHL 2K7.
I really think Konami is in trouble. I picked up the PSP version of FIFA 07 and I think it is really good. It's 10x better than the previous FIFAs on PSP and easily a much better game overall than WE9 PSP. The next version of WE on PSP almost has to be perfect for me to switch back because of the differences in licenses. Considering that the 360 Demo is substantially better than 07 on PSP, I think EA is back in the game for sure. If WE 360 is basically a port, it will be tough for me to justify a purchase this year if FIFA 360 stands the test of time.

Glad you like it Leebo. I was hoping I didn't lead you astray since I've always been more lenient on the FIFA series than most. One of these days we'll have to try and play this online.

Zeppo · Post by **Zeppo** » Tue Oct 31, 2006 1:18 pm

These absurd and ridiculous impressions from Adam really have me worried. Adam, is everything OK in the home? Are you eating enough? Felling light headed, confused, can't remember your name?

Seriously I am thinking about taking in some games I never play anymore but still have just-in-case, like GRAW, and grabbing a copy. However, the one thing the demo has done for me is rekindled my ML in WE9. There are a lot of little control-related things that are so much better in WE and I miss them sorely in FIFA. It's nice that they are finally trying so hard to ape what WE does, but they don't seem to be quite there yet from the demo. And the shooting remains a real mystery to me in FIFA. I feel disconnected from the shot, not really understanding why the ball behaves as it does. That and the lack of headers - seems like most of the crosses I send in end up at feet.

But the shooting; funny that someone would mention maybe FIFA vs. WE is like NHL2K vs. NHL07 this year. For me, what makes NHL07 so damn fun, despite a plethora of problems, is the indivuidual player control and especially the shooting which are made possible with the new stick controls. Shooting is a lot of fun, makes sense, feels really good, has a ton of variety, and is by far the best part of the game. For me, WE still has that area covered quite nicely for soccer (or 'ball-physics simulation game'), and the FIFA demo leaves me feeling disconnected from the shooting.

Let me tell ya, if this game had multi-console multiplayer, I would buy it in a heart beat, since even the worst FIFA played a fun game of something 2 on 2. Head to head has always been not terrible in FIFA, so that tempts me a bit as well. Can sliders be used online? Like, the passing control sliders, can they be set by the host, or can each player set it how he likes, or are they disabled?

Blublub · Post by **Blublub** » Tue Oct 31, 2006 6:51 pm

For the first time I'm starting to worry a bit about the future of WE/PES. WE9 was a classic, and IMHO all they needed to do was fix the imbalance in refereeing decisions. Instead, the massive gameplay changes in WE10 for PS2 left me cold and after a few matches it's been collecting dust. I think it took the series into a new darker direction, at the same time FIFA is headed toward the light. I guess it didn't help that they succeeded in foiling the kitmakers with WE10 - the lack of endless modding capabilities alone took a lot of the fun out of it.

My FIFA 360 version should be here tomorrow. Anyone interested in a DSP League?

GB_Simo · Post by **GB_Simo** » Tue Oct 31, 2006 7:03 pm

Blublub, from what I'm told PES6 is changed from WE10 - don't know how, but those who've played both seem to much prefer WE10.

That feeling of disconnection from the shot you mention, Zep, has been what I've had with PES6 so far. I swear there are shots ballooning over from all manner of distances and angles without there being any logical explanation for it. From the WE 360 IGN Review thread:

England are up against the Ivory Coast, and 20 minutes in a swift counter-attack sees Rooney play in Peter Crouch, 8 yards out with absolutely nothing between him and the gaping goal. Fair enough, he took it left-footed (an odd thing to do, given that in order to do that he had to first let the ball go past his favoured right foot), but you or I would have buried the same chance. It's not even as if it clipped the bar or anything like that - it was yards over.

That's not an isolated incident either, far from it. Doubtless there's some knack to it, some way of being able to predict with confidence where the ball is going to end up when you strike it, but at this stage I honestly don't know what it is. Nor do I know why you'd want to include a quick free-kick feature in the game if you're not going to give me any sort of control over where the ball is passed. It's odd - it still feels like PES, but some sort of pre-release build that they never quite got around to finishing up. I'm halfway to trading it in this week, and I can barely believe I'm considering that.

I know what you mean with FIFA, though, and it's not something I think is massively improved on 360, but at least when I put one over the bar I'm left with some idea of why I missed.

Jimmydeicide · Post by **Jimmydeicide** » Tue Oct 31, 2006 7:06 pm

Zep it has been tweaked since the demo i think so the shooting and few other things are improved on the demo.

Im getting it no matter what for online against my brothers in England so i hope its as good as everyone is saying.

10spro · Post by **10spro** » Wed Nov 01, 2006 1:17 pm

Anyone got the game yet?

seanmac31 · Post by **seanmac31** » Wed Nov 01, 2006 2:18 pm

Release got pushed back to today. I'll be grabbing it.

10spro · Post by **10spro** » Wed Nov 01, 2006 8:01 pm

Reviews are coming in and this time even IGN has a few doubts.

Everyone will have their opinion on the new ball physics and gameplay but I feared the audio department:

"The commentary is some of the worst I've heard in years -- Andy Gray and Martin Tyler do a fine job for Sky Sports in Europe, but in FIFA 07 they are dull and lifeless, often falling behind the action."

http://xbox360.ign.com/articles/743/743010p1.html

GB_Simo · Post by **GB_Simo** » Wed Nov 01, 2006 8:33 pm

Andy Gray's game commentaries have never been brilliantly delivered, as I somehow failed to mention when you raised the topic earlier, 10s. Martin Tyler, though, sounds pretty much the same in-game as on television, and I've not noticed them falling behind the action with any more regularity than other in-game commentaries.

Much of what the IGN review mentions, I've touched on somewhere in the thread, but his description of the shooting, from what I've played, is flat-out wrong (misses inside the six-yard box? Really?), nor have I ever been frustrated by the passing. Still, we're all different - looking forward to seeing what you lot make of it.