FIFA 07
FIFA 1 - 0 Pro Evo
"This Is The Season" ...when anyone remotely familiar with the depth of quality associated with EA Sports videogames won't require a detailed breakdown of FIFA 07 in terms of its crammed content choices, longevity-boosting Manager and Tournament modes, Fan Shop unlockables, musically eclectic Trax Playlist, and football-related EA Sports Extras.
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"This Is The Season" ...when EA's long-running (and predominantly under performing) FIFA franchise finally transcends its massive licensing, slick presentation, and top-end graphics, and becomes the footballing gameplay experience we've all craved for so, so long. Indeed, "This Is The Season" ...when FIFA convincingly shoulder barges Pro Evolution for control of the ball rather then merely chasing its shadow.
Concentrating solely on FIFA 07's vastly evolved gameplay, what's instantly noticeable against prior EA efforts is the continuous sense of freedom handed down by the action. Where other FIFA offerings have soon lapsed into bland repetition when goal scoring, a poor reliance on set patterns and movements to win games without any real sense of challenge or achievement, FIFA 07's victories are much more rewarding and, more importantly, unpredictable (as are its losses). Improved shot mechanics mean that instant snap shots are much easier to 'surprisingly' execute during a goalmouth scramble or as a weak clearance arcs out of the box to a waiting midfielder. Using the Skill Stick when controlling especially gifted players during one-on-one moments or when attempting dazzling dribbles also feels more attuned yet still inconsistent enough to create a sense of realism. A.I. team mates are actively more interested in making intelligent runs off the ball for players to pass into or use as decoys to pull apart holes in defensive lines; yet opposing A.I. is also sharp enough to inspire absolute timing and precision in order to breach its resistance or stem its attacking ability. All in all, FIFA has never felt so much like Pro Evolution before.
But, where FIFA climbs a little higher than the plateau occupied by its rival(s) is in addressing a small point of hugely influential significance: player-to-player off-the-ball transitions. Every football-based videogame has suffered from this glitch, and it can all-but ruin a player's gameplay enjoyment, as well as their suspension of disbelief. For example, when performing a pass (short or long) to an A.I. team mate, the player is meant to gain control of the receiving player and then move, pass, or shoot accordingly. Only, in other annual FIFA (and Pro Evolution) games, control of the receiving player was often delayed, or, if the pass lacked sufficient weight, then the player would be momentarily immoveable as the ball trickled to a halt a matter of feet from them and an opposing player swept in and took possession. However, in FIFA 07, once the ball has been passed, the receiving player is instantly and completely controllable, and the right thumbstick can be used to cleverly drift the player closer to the incoming ball. This makes passing and moving immensely intuitive and gives the player a much more defined sense of overall control. Furthermore, heading high balls, chest control, and physical jostling are often difficult or impossible to perform effectively in other games; but, again, FIFA 07s instant right thumbstick allows players to lean in or step in front of defenders during high balls, and even steal ahead of them in the 18-yard box once a cross has been dispatched. Plus, the same is true when defending against crosses or contesting a free kick, clearance, or goal kick.
Then, of course, EA Sports further rams home its established online and multiplayer superiority over the competition by introducing various new elements to FIFA 07. The first is a service called Online Everywhere, which allows players to connect to a dedicated FIFA website via Xbox Live and receive football podcasts and live ticker scores and news from around the world while playing. Then there's also the Squad Update feature, which will prove invaluable to serious football followers wanting to sustain the game's accuracy, as it allows players to use Xbox Live to transplant all real-life transfers into the game's database after the August 2006 and January 2007 transfer deadlines. Finally, there's the ambitious Interactive Leagues multiplayer aspect where Live players can represent their favourite team online during the season, playing the same matches as the corresponding real fixtures. A player's results are then combined with the results of all the other participating fans to decide which team rises to the top of the Interactive League. In essence, whenever a player's chosen club is in action, they play online against Live fans of the opposing team during a two-day window prior to the real match. The supported leagues for Interactive Leagues are the F.A. Premiership, French Lique 1 Orange, German Bundesliga 1, and the Mexican 1st Division.
Based on the existing competition weighed against FIFA 07, there's nothing else on the market that can stand up to its immersion, delivery, and, most importantly, its gameplay. Hard to believe perhaps, especially in light of recent FIFAs, but EA has introduced completely new ball physics, vastly improved A.I., finesse shooting and curling, and more than 1500 new player animations to complement its already intuitive First Touch feature and unsurpassed authenticity. Its more grit and less gloss attitude clearly depicts FIFA 07 as the culmination of EA Sports relentlessly studying and learning from Pro Evo's strong points - namely believably spontaneous football and absorbing accessibility - and then aiming to replicate their influence amid complete FIFA licensing and markedly superior aesthetics. FIFA 06, while far from perfection, was an ominous sign for Konami that EA was closing the gap in leaps and bounds. FIFA 07 is a firm announcement of EA's arrival as Konami's equal in terms of gameplay and fun, and its undisputed mastery in terms of graphics, sound, commentary, presentation, detailing, and licensing. If Pro Evolution 6 arrives as just another incremental season-by-season tweak on Konami's successful formula, then FIFA 07 will, for the first time, top the football game chart. But as things stand, FIFA 07 is the only complete football package in existence.
This Is The Season... where you ignore FIFA at your peril.
95%
Comments
Well, I think it is fair to say that this is a turn up for the books.
It was going to happen sometime soon... i'm just glad my loyalty to FIFA paid of better than it did to my club.
fifa sucks ass
Wow, constructive. Clearly you haven't played the game. Pro Evo fanboy by any chance?
Indeed. I, for one, found this review to be extremely clear and concise and to the point...unlike some of the biased sides taken by some EU Gaming Sites (read: Eurogamer when they gave the first FIFA on the 360 a 1/10). Nice job, guys. Also, I was pleasantly surprised to see that Ferrago has got a do-over with new staff, site, etc. Keep up the work, fellas!
pro eva is da best much better than fifa
I've always hated FIFA since the arrival of PES, so I bought Pro Evo 6 for Xbox 360 and it was terrible, Konami really shot themselves in the head by releasing such a rushed title. I traded it for FIFA 07 and it was the right choice. Although FIFA still needs to improve the realism of shooting (one on ones don't feel like real football, although volleys and snapshots are top drawer) and still improve some dribbling mechanics.
Next gen FIFA is better than next gen PES... that's coming from a FIFA hater.
hello my names wilf an this game is brilliant
I've got both games and Pro Evo on the pc or PS2 is vastly superior. FIFA has improved but it still gets boring after a while. The depth of gameplay in the Pro Evolution series is unmatchable. To say that FIFA has overtaken is frankly laughable. It depends whether you play games for the gameplay or are more concerned with asthetics and gimmmickery.
The review doesn't say FIFA 07 is "vastly superior" to Pro Evo 6--it wasn't available at the time of the review--however, it IS clearly superior to Pro Evo 5. And based on critical feedback on Pro Evo 6, FIFA may well be the better option.
The Best are pro evolution espacially the coming up pro evolution soccer 7
95%??? You cant have played pes6 yet. Fifa may have better modes and presentation, but the RAW GAMEPLAY of pes6 fast surpasses that of Fifa 07. Try playing pes6 for a few hours then go back to Fifa afterwards. Im not saying the gameplay hasnt been vastly improved since last years edition, but pes gameplay still outclasses Fifa's
*sigh* see above comments. Did you ever read the review, which plainly states that PES6 wasn't available at the time of writing.
The review does not say FIFA 07 is better than PES6.
Though you'll have a chance to jump all over me soon as I'm down for reviewing that too. I have no fear.
I am playing WE last 4 years and now fifa 2007 is so much better than WE 10 dudes ! most important thing that i will say is in WE 10 goalkeepr is crapy and stupid! Whille in fifa 2007 goal keeper is more better and more realystic! and game play is better to! in one word Fifa 1-0 Winning Eleven
I was womdering if there is an football simulation pc game which consists of creatin your own player and make him the star if tomorrow.Kind of RPG.And the user could only control himself(1 of 11 players on the field).If somebody know such kind of game please let me know
i can agree big time. the graphics are s*** although almost every shot i do from long range goes in. in the shops they make it look better than what it actually is.
I have already commented about fifa 07. But Pro Evolution Soccer 6 is exactly what it says on the case. The best football game ever.....
please give me the code of fifa07
seriously? u guys like pro evo????????? that's the worst game ever! fifa is anyday better than that useless exucse for a game. in pro veo, i go to the english premier league and manchester united and liverpool are missing. this is the case for many other teams in other leagues. i'm telling you pro evo is the game played by those who can't play real soccer!!! fifa rocks!
How do you complete this game, i've won everything but it says i've only unlocked 71/72 things, any help?
wo is der instalazions code im heft
its sick i play it every day lol
elo soccer loverrs.......well i really like fifa 07 better then fifa 08,well my playstation broke dowm and i want to download fifia 07 quikly or play it online any help?
fifa rull
Well i think i like ea games more than any other sports games..
i THInk fifa's are the best game ever!!!!
playing
fifa is d best game ever its better than pro !! trust me don't buy it and you'll do the right choice
fifa is d best game ever its better than pro !! trust me don't buy it and you'll do the right choice
i want to play fifa 07 soccer now
how can you fifa play online??
I WOULD LIKE TO PLAY FIFA 07 ONLINE
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i like this game so ur mak this very nice plz ur give me free this game
very nice
hi how are u
i want to play this game
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i tnk its best game in the hole wld
how to play fifa07 online