FIFA 08 (Nintendo DS)
 |
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Editorial Reviews:
FIFA 08 can now be played on a variety of platforms including Nintendo DS. In this new version of the famous football game, EA Sports has designed an even more realistic game play, with loads of innovations such as a new shooting system. FIFA 08 has an impressive database that includes 620 teams, 30 championships and 15,000 players. You'll have to play like a pro for your team to win the cup !
Developer : EA Sports
Official site :
Minimum age : 3 years
Game setting :
Orientation : Sports
Violent : No
Multiplayer mode : Yes
Network mode :
Processor :
Memory :
Other :
The greatest battle of the new football season is not between any real world club but between the virtual giants of FIFA and Pro Evolution Soccer. Konami?s game has always been the favourite but last year FIFA closed the gap to such a degree that the title race has never been closer. This year?s FIFA uses a completely new game engine, for the first time built specifically for the next gen consoles. But improved graphics and animation are only the half of it, with just as much focus going on the artificial intelligence thanks to the new "35 point decision engine". What this basically means is that every player on the pitch is fully aware of those around him and constantly thinking about tactics and position when not under your control.
Other changes include better modelled physics for taking a shot on goal, which take into account everything from air pressure to the angle of your foot. You?re also able to create your own special moves to replicate every possible trick from real life. There are also new game modes including Be A Pro which challenges you to play the role of a single player through a whole season or career. On top of this there are revamped online leagues to play a virtual season in the Premier League, Bundesliga, French League or Mexican 1st Division against real opponents. With 620 licensed teams, 30 offline leagues and 15,000 players as well FIFA might just have made enough new signings this year to put it over the top.
Harrison Dent
Custom Reviews:
| great in arcade mode... |  |
graphically its more than enough for a handheld, being able to run one torunament at a time is a bit annoying but the gameplay is great.
at amateur level, your keeper will rush out but treat this game as an aracde score more than your oppnent and you will enjoy 4-3 matches.
auto switch is better than manual switch but only just, maybe 09 will iron out this minor problem.
| review of fifa 08 (Nintendo DS) |  |
Another thing I found appalling is that is chooses whether you win or the DS wins. If you win you win by about two or three goals. If the DS wins you do not score and they score about four goals.
| Very Poor Effort for Nintendo DS | |
Its a really poor effort.
Whats good about it.
It has lots of teams and leagues all with the names and jerseys.
It looks pretty good for a Nintendo DS Game.
Whats bad about it.
This game is virtually unplayable.
When you are playing something like the Manager mode there seems to be an inevitability about the game. If it doesn't want you to win it won't let you win. The other team can run straight through all your tackles but you can't move 2 feet without losing the ball. You can tackle the other team and they regain the ball almost instantly. It never happens the other way.
Strength and direction of shot seems to be almost random. Players first touch is random. Its extremely slow at moving to the player closest to the ball as the active player. You are supposed to press B for this to happen but sometimes when the ball moves a long distance you nearest player should automatically be the active player.
I know its an Nintendo DS and its weak as a machine. I think the DS could handle a good soccer game if they didn't make it so complicated.
I don't how you could arrange the buttons better but the tackle button is the same as the kick button so if you press it once to much after you've tackled your kicking the ball away.
FIFA 95 was better than this. They should have made this game enjoyable and not so hard and clunky. The change of direction of players is very jerky. It is really hard to smoothly move left and right. The players suddenly change directions. What you want is smooth movements. Tackling is rubbish. If you slide tackle you have a 50:50 change of being sent off. The other button almost does nothing. You "pressurise the player" which doesn't seem to do a whole lot. The other team can tackle you no problem. They run straight through your "tackles"
Its alright trying to make FIFA 08 on the playstation as realistic as possible. That means making it hard.
Even on easy level FIFA 08 is too difficult to play. Its totally biased against the person playing in favour of the DS.
I'm really disappointed with it. Its like hitting you head against a brick wall. I would have loved to have said it was good as I am a fan of FIFA games. This one is very poor. I think its the frustration is the worst part. Its just not enjoyable. You go a goal up you have lots of chances that amazingly don't go in, you just know the other team is going to equalise. All your tackles won't work. Your defenders not in your control will run away from the ball creating huge gaps. Of course they score you just know they will.
Its a pity and a shame. If anyone from EA read this please trying playing the game you created yourself first and see do you get any enjoyment from it. I hope FIFA 09 will be a better effort
| The best Football game on DS .... so far! |  |
The commentary by Clive Tyldsley is fun and usually relevant to the action on the pitch although understandably it starts to repeat after a while. The player models look ok; their faces look pretty accurate in the team selection screen although they look much less good in the matches. The replays on the top screen are fun as are the highlights packages at the end of each half.
The gameplay is fun for short bursts, everything works as it should and it won't be long before you're smashing in 30-yard screamers into the top corner. The problems come when defending where you are restricted to either pressing the "pressure" button which is almost useless, or going for a sliding tackle which often results in a foul and card. I have had a few bizarre and comedy goals which isn't quite realistic to real life, and the ball seems to hit the crossbar or post at least twice a game which is more than it should be.
The main attraction to most people is the real players and teams, which Pro Evo usually lacks. The problem with even licensed games comes when players transfer and this game doesn't have any player edit or transfer modes (that I can find, anyway!) so for example Tevez is not on Manchester United. This is I guess due to lack of memory on the cartridge, but it is an area where the DS can't hope to compete against it's PS2 & 3 big brothers.
The season mode is quite a good long term challenge which will take a long time to complete but other than that the number of modes is a little light, although obviously you can play online if you have the equipment (I sadly don't).
The touch screen is used to display formations and tactics, but trying to change them on the fly while playing can be a bit awkward! The stylus is also used more originally on set pieces, such as free kicks and penalties and although it is more of a gimmick than anything else, it helps make the game seem more fun.
Overall this is a good little game for DS and if you want football on the go, it's probably your best option for now, but don't expect it to compare to any of the console editions, especially the next-gen!
| Ok but still not great. | |