FIFA 08 (360) Impressions
Moderators: Bill_Abner, ScoopBrady
I'm in for multiplayer. Just put me on a team with some good players so I don't drag it down 
I downloaded the patch and I can't say for sure that there are any gameplay differences. *However*, I was getting a little frustrated the other day because almost half way through a Bayern Munich season 80% of my goals were scored by Toni and too many of my players didn't have any (despite getting chances). My first 3 or 4 games with the patch and Van Bommel (1), Jansen (1), ze Roberto (2), and Ribery (1) all scored. I did see quite a few more fouls on the CPU (one game they had 3 yellows), but I think it's just because I'm getting better (you are much much more likely to draw a foul and avoid the super sliding tackle if you lay off the sprint button).
I fired up a few games of the latest PSP version of PES and drew the following conclusions last night:
- I think the last generation PES/WE titles are much better than what I've seen on the 360
- PES is indeed more "organic", "realistic", and the ball physics are substantially better. Passing is certainly better.
- FIFA is close enough that I don't care much about the above point. I've already played at least 30-40 games (a lot for me considering I spent a lot of time recently finishing BioShock) and have no plans on stopping soon.
- Soccer games are by far the best "pick-up-and-play" sports games in an era without in-game saves. Not only is it great because the games are shorter but also because I don't feel like it's the end of world because if I have to abort a game the score more often than not is tied
I downloaded the patch and I can't say for sure that there are any gameplay differences. *However*, I was getting a little frustrated the other day because almost half way through a Bayern Munich season 80% of my goals were scored by Toni and too many of my players didn't have any (despite getting chances). My first 3 or 4 games with the patch and Van Bommel (1), Jansen (1), ze Roberto (2), and Ribery (1) all scored. I did see quite a few more fouls on the CPU (one game they had 3 yellows), but I think it's just because I'm getting better (you are much much more likely to draw a foul and avoid the super sliding tackle if you lay off the sprint button).
I fired up a few games of the latest PSP version of PES and drew the following conclusions last night:
- I think the last generation PES/WE titles are much better than what I've seen on the 360
- PES is indeed more "organic", "realistic", and the ball physics are substantially better. Passing is certainly better.
- FIFA is close enough that I don't care much about the above point. I've already played at least 30-40 games (a lot for me considering I spent a lot of time recently finishing BioShock) and have no plans on stopping soon.
- Soccer games are by far the best "pick-up-and-play" sports games in an era without in-game saves. Not only is it great because the games are shorter but also because I don't feel like it's the end of world because if I have to abort a game the score more often than not is tied
So are Team Online matches ranked or are they unranked like in NHL?
Only reason to care is that they don't seem to track stats for unranked matches.
Back in older consoles, EA games would track user stats for multiplayer games, so you would see who was scoring goals and who was getting assists.
Be a Pro is like a first-person perspective or just tight around the player rather than showing a wide view of the pitch?
Only reason to care is that they don't seem to track stats for unranked matches.
Back in older consoles, EA games would track user stats for multiplayer games, so you would see who was scoring goals and who was getting assists.
Be a Pro is like a first-person perspective or just tight around the player rather than showing a wide view of the pitch?
It's sort of an overhead shot that allows you to see a lot of the pitch but is firmly stationed above your player. It's a really good camera angle, actually, and Be a Pro games are a ton of fun.wco81 wrote:So are Team Online matches ranked or are they unranked like in NHL?
Only reason to care is that they don't seem to track stats for unranked matches.
Back in older consoles, EA games would track user stats for multiplayer games, so you would see who was scoring goals and who was getting assists.
Be a Pro is like a first-person perspective or just tight around the player rather than showing a wide view of the pitch?
If Be a Pro included a season mode and some tweaks (i.e. the camera work on your own net), I would definitely play Fifa a lot. It's a really nice change from the normal gameplay we've seen for years- you think more about positioning, strategy, etc...Let's hope it's beefed up next year.seanmac31 wrote:It's sort of an overhead shot that allows you to see a lot of the pitch but is firmly stationed above your player. It's a really good camera angle, actually, and Be a Pro games are a ton of fun.wco81 wrote:So are Team Online matches ranked or are they unranked like in NHL?
Only reason to care is that they don't seem to track stats for unranked matches.
Back in older consoles, EA games would track user stats for multiplayer games, so you would see who was scoring goals and who was getting assists.
Be a Pro is like a first-person perspective or just tight around the player rather than showing a wide view of the pitch?
Edit: By the way- I can't wait to hear how the Be a Pro online works out...I would definitely be into some matches with you guys.
I have to say this is the best audio commentary in FIFA done by Tyler & Gray. On Star players not only they describe the action as it occurs but they also give you a little description of what that star player means/does to the team. Very enjoyable experience so far, if the AI on your teammates is as good as the opponent AI, if they can read your plays a bit better particularly in open spaces and maintain the depth of manager mode, EA will have a little gem in their hands next season.
Agreed 10spro. Tyler and Gray are the very best and EA finally captured the true essence of English Football.
I have a bone to pick with EA and Konami. How hard is it to call and recognize the goal keeper by name?
The last game to do that was EA's World Cup 98. Another thing they need to add in the commentary is the teams names in announcing the score after a goal. It adds to the commentary. How hard is it to say. "And that goal now makes it Celtic 1 Rangers nil" or whatever example you want to use.
I have a bone to pick with EA and Konami. How hard is it to call and recognize the goal keeper by name?
The last game to do that was EA's World Cup 98. Another thing they need to add in the commentary is the teams names in announcing the score after a goal. It adds to the commentary. How hard is it to say. "And that goal now makes it Celtic 1 Rangers nil" or whatever example you want to use.Is anyone still playing this?
Want to check out the Be A Pro Online mode with up to 5 vs. 5.
The one thing which is annoying about the demo is that it auto switches you. As you're pursuing the ball on defense ad as the ball is moving up pitch, it automatically switches you rather than allow you to pursue with the player you originally selected.
That often results in you inadvertently moving a defender out of position.
Is the full game like that as well?
The other thing is trying to pass the ball and you press X once and it will pass it and then the player will one time it and pass it ahead before you can do anything with the ball.
Often the forward kicks it ahead towards open space instead of trying to dribble it towards the box. Maybe I tapped the button more than once and it's buffering those additional taps?
Is the control of player switching and passing so clumsy in the full game?
Want to check out the Be A Pro Online mode with up to 5 vs. 5.
The one thing which is annoying about the demo is that it auto switches you. As you're pursuing the ball on defense ad as the ball is moving up pitch, it automatically switches you rather than allow you to pursue with the player you originally selected.
That often results in you inadvertently moving a defender out of position.
Is the full game like that as well?
The other thing is trying to pass the ball and you press X once and it will pass it and then the player will one time it and pass it ahead before you can do anything with the ball.
Often the forward kicks it ahead towards open space instead of trying to dribble it towards the box. Maybe I tapped the button more than once and it's buffering those additional taps?
Is the control of player switching and passing so clumsy in the full game?
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Jimmydeicide
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Change it to manual then.wco81 wrote:Is anyone still playing this?
Want to check out the Be A Pro Online mode with up to 5 vs. 5.
The one thing which is annoying about the demo is that it auto switches you. As you're pursuing the ball on defense ad as the ball is moving up pitch, it automatically switches you rather than allow you to pursue with the player you originally selected.
That often results in you inadvertently moving a defender out of position.
Is the full game like that as well?
The other thing is trying to pass the ball and you press X once and it will pass it and then the player will one time it and pass it ahead before you can do anything with the ball.
Often the forward kicks it ahead towards open space instead of trying to dribble it towards the box. Maybe I tapped the button more than once and it's buffering those additional taps?
Is the control of player switching and passing so clumsy in the full game?
There is a lot of heated discussion in this thread with all your answers.
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Slumberland
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Even on manual, I have such difficulty selecting appropriate defenders, especially on crosses or threatening balls into the box. Conversely, there are a ton of up-for-grab balls on offense where I seem unable to select a nearby teammate to corral it, often with rebounds near the opposing team's goal, and my teammate A.I. seems content in watching the opposition stroll over to it and clear.
Overall I think it's a pretty miserable game, and tremendously unresponsive, with it's only saving grace being online team play. Which in itself is only good with certain people, usually people you know. Which accounts for such a small fraction of play time, in practical terms, that it's nearly useless. Huzzah!
Overall I think it's a pretty miserable game, and tremendously unresponsive, with it's only saving grace being online team play. Which in itself is only good with certain people, usually people you know. Which accounts for such a small fraction of play time, in practical terms, that it's nearly useless. Huzzah!
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Jimmydeicide
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I really love this game in OTP, and am more than content playing with randoms online. I've run into my share of useless idiots, and worse, obnoxious ass holes, but then again I've had some incredibly great experiences with randoms as well, several times going game after game with the same group of five. What I do is custom game search with rules and injuries on, and the six-minute half setting, which seems to be the most popular. Not only are there usually a lot of games to choose from in the six-minute setting, but it's just long enough to make the game decently worthwhile, yet short enough that if it's a bad game, it's over fairly quickly.
That said, if your tolerance for the fools is low, you will find plenty of things to hate every time you get online. For me, the teamwork concept works wonders, even more so than in NHL, where even with people on my friends list I can get frustrated beyond belief. With this one, though, I don't have that problem nearly as much. Getting a group of five friends and/or like-minded, competent players (i.e., pass the f***in ball, you have to move it, you can't dawdle all the time or try to dribble the defense every time you get it, people), it can be lights out great fun to play game after game against all comers.
What bothers me most is finding games with teams other than the top six or eight regular suspects. I tend to bail out if it's the usual group of top squads, and you should hear the whining and complaining when people come into a room with odd-duck teams. With so many teams in the game, it sure seems stupid to me to stick to the same six or eight teams, but it does appear that many people think the game just won't function if they're not using Barça.
And to answer your 'is the full game just as bad' question, I pretty much agree with Slumber. The sluggishness of the controls, the 'FIFA extra touch,' the difficulty in doing anything ball-wise that involves timing, the canned 'ball ownership' issue, especially with crosses in the box, and the player switching on D are all extremely frustrating. But none of it is so bad to me that it ruins the OTP experience, not even close.
That said, if your tolerance for the fools is low, you will find plenty of things to hate every time you get online. For me, the teamwork concept works wonders, even more so than in NHL, where even with people on my friends list I can get frustrated beyond belief. With this one, though, I don't have that problem nearly as much. Getting a group of five friends and/or like-minded, competent players (i.e., pass the f***in ball, you have to move it, you can't dawdle all the time or try to dribble the defense every time you get it, people), it can be lights out great fun to play game after game against all comers.
What bothers me most is finding games with teams other than the top six or eight regular suspects. I tend to bail out if it's the usual group of top squads, and you should hear the whining and complaining when people come into a room with odd-duck teams. With so many teams in the game, it sure seems stupid to me to stick to the same six or eight teams, but it does appear that many people think the game just won't function if they're not using Barça.
And to answer your 'is the full game just as bad' question, I pretty much agree with Slumber. The sluggishness of the controls, the 'FIFA extra touch,' the difficulty in doing anything ball-wise that involves timing, the canned 'ball ownership' issue, especially with crosses in the box, and the player switching on D are all extremely frustrating. But none of it is so bad to me that it ruins the OTP experience, not even close.
I would disagree with pretty much everything Slumber has to say about the controls and otherwise, but I also took a different approach for defender switching- I turned the auto switching way up. As a result, I can just position my defender appropriately while knowing that I'll autoswitch over to a closer player as soon as the attacker begins to move away. It ends up making playing defense a very seamless experience.
Anyone tried Sensible World of Soccer? I know JRod's been playing it. I played this game a ton on the old Atari ST and on emulators so I really dig this version.
However, if you're a fan of next-gen soccer games (particularly FIFA) you probably won't like it since when you press a button it immediately responds on-screen.
However, if you're a fan of next-gen soccer games (particularly FIFA) you probably won't like it since when you press a button it immediately responds on-screen.
Does it allow head to head play over XBL? If not, I'm not interested, but if so I'll get it and look forward to playing online against y'all.Macca00 wrote:Anyone tried Sensible World of Soccer?
Having heard about the great 'career' mode of SSes of old, I was hopeful, way back when I first heard this game was coming to XBL, of an online multiplayer career/league mode for this release, but no, it's not so. The most I can hope for is head to head play, so. . . . is it there?
Zeppo is turning into an XBL snob.
Anyway, I have it. If you loved the Amiga game this is the same minus the real names and teams.
It does have online mode, but it seems to be buggy and laggy. I have no real interest to play Sensi online so it was an easy $10.00 purchase.
I play Sensi while I run Football Manager.
Anyway, I have it. If you loved the Amiga game this is the same minus the real names and teams.
It does have online mode, but it seems to be buggy and laggy. I have no real interest to play Sensi online so it was an easy $10.00 purchase.
I play Sensi while I run Football Manager.
[url=http://sensiblecoasters.wordpress.com/][b]Sensible Coasters - A critique of sports games, reviews, gaming sites and news. Questionably Proofread![/b][/url]
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GB_Simo
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There've been people over the last couple of days saying the head to head online play in Sensible Soccer is getting better as far as lag goes, but I haven't tried it - hadn't found anyone playing it on my friends list and I'm not keen on the idea of playing it against randoms.
I've got the rose-tinted specs on with Sensi, I know, but having spent a couple of hours being lashed all over the place with Hartlepool United, I think it's fabulous even though it's captured the full horror of the Pools' 96/97 squad perfectly.
I've got the rose-tinted specs on with Sensi, I know, but having spent a couple of hours being lashed all over the place with Hartlepool United, I think it's fabulous even though it's captured the full horror of the Pools' 96/97 squad perfectly.
XBox Live and PSN Gamertag: theycallhimsim
They have a full career mode, I started off managing mighty c*** of circa '96 when they were back in the 3rd Division with the likes of Fulham and Wigan. I got fired after my first season and am now managing in the ALBANIAN first divsion....lol.Zlax45 wrote:Can you play a full season including league games, league cups, and Champions League?
Love this game and it really shows how sh!t WE's Master League is when you realize this game is 10+ years old.
Simo, I've played only 1 match online and found it horrid - I even had lag in the team selection screen! That was a few days ago however so I'll try it again soon.
EDIT: LOL the forum won't let me write scu-nthorpe, rofl
