Outstanding!
FIFA 08 is a handsome title, and the character models don't suffer from as much of a greasy effect as they did in overly bloom-lit predecessors. The game runs at 720p native for PS3 and 360, although 360 owners with high-end HDTVs can take advantage of the system's 1080p upscaling. PS3 owners can rightfully gripe that the framerate isn't as smooth as in the 360 version, although it's not something that renders the game totally unplayable. The action on the pitch looks great; it's significantly better than rival Konami's Winning Eleven: Pro Evolution Soccer title, and we can finally see the number of animations that have increased from last year's game to this years. Overall, it's good to see that models aren't as ugly as they've been in past years.
Two years ago, we complained about the implementation of the "new" controls, calling them a pander to Winning Eleven fans. Since then, we've softened our stance a bit, and frankly, outside of the touted skill feature, the ball handling in FIFA 08 is much better than last year's, in which the physics had far too much float to them. It no longer feels as though you're kicking a volleyball; instead, it has some heft and weight to it. The through ball has improved from past games, too. In the past, a grounded through pass tended to feel a bit like a crapshoot; either it was too loose and became a strategic crutch, or it was an open invitation to switch to defense. It's much more balanced here.
The new skill moves feature, however, doesn't work as well on the pitch as it does in the game's menu. Ideally, with either the L trigger or L2, you set up a modifier that allows you to perform a variety of cool-looking tricks with the right analog stick. Skill moves should allow you to perform lots of feints, flicks, and cool stepovers anywhere in the gameplay experience. In reality, they're not ideal in a one-on-one situation, and the average North American FIFA player probably won't use them very often. It's still fun to practice crazy stepover moves and trademark feints while you're waiting for a game to load, though.
EA has never skimped in the presentation department, and FIFA 08 is no exception. Podcasts are back, but this year, there's even more in store. Not only can you get sports updates from ESPN, you'll have British, French, German, Spanish and Italian podcasts that discuss the beautiful game. The amount of integration across the boards with EA's servers shows off the evolution from the cruder EA Nation online matchmaking found in the likes of the PS2, Wii and handheld games. EA Sports Football World tracks every stat of every game you play, as well as your Achievement (Accomplishments on PS3) progress, Manager mode, and both Be a Pro and Challenge mode. The breadth and depth of what's on hand, as well as its integration into the game's official website, are well-polished and should keep you busy for quite some time.
