Thursday 18 November 2010 16:00, UK
Dave Milner finds out if the latest incarnation of the Fifa series can match the entertainment value of its predecessor.
I'm not embarrassed to admit that I have followed the Fifa video game series since its inception in 1993 with FIFA International Soccer. In fact, I think that adds some weight to this review, but it's also important to point out I'm no Fifa fan-boy. In recent years, the emergence of Pro Evolution Soccer has challenged this series and even at one point taken the crown of best football video game (unofficially). So, let's see how the latest incarnation of the Fifa series measures up. Firstly, its predecessor Fifa 10, in my opinion, was nothing short of brilliant. It had - maybe for the first time in the series - produced everything you could ask from a football video game. It was fast paced, accurate, entertaining and extremely addictive. Plus, the visuals had stepped up to the capabilities of the Playstation 3 and Xbox 360. Fifa 11 has some big shoes to fill and once you've reached perfection, is it possible to improve upon? First concern is the inclusion of Kaka as the cover star. To the best of my knowledge, the Real Madrid midfielder hasn't really replicated the ability shown at AC Milan since his high profile transfer to Spain and is not as highly rated as he was. Secondly, maybe I'm asking too much for an exciting introduction to the game, I remember the days when you'd be hanging off the edge of your seat watching the opening video to this series. No such luck here, just (again) Kaka walking down a stadium tunnel with the sound of the crowd in the background.
Without dwelling on these little details we're straight into the game. It has the Fifa look and feel and I immediately know where I'm heading. For me, it's the career mode with Huddersfield Town. Now, if you'd told me that I could play any video game with the Terriers 10 years ago, I would have either a) thought you winding me up or b) wondered if HTFC had finally reached the heady heights of the Premier League!
Unfortunately, the latter still hasn't happened so thanks to the amazing work of EA Sports, the game features all the English Football League clubs, in immense detail. No other game on the market can rival this.
The gameplay picks up where Fifa 10 left off, and where better to start? EA Sports has listened to its users and tweaked the areas which needed attention. Pro Passing is a new system which allows more control of each pass and the 360° dribbling system provides the flexibility you desire while playing a football game.
These improvements make a big difference, they more or less complete the football gaming experience. The only downside is that I'm losing sleep trying to perfect my shooting and improve my passing accuracy, but this is what it's all about.
Using 'Virtual Pro', you can also add yourself to your favourite club. This is great fun, create yourself as a player, inputting details such as weight, height, preferred position and the game will give you moderate ability in all areas. It is then up to you to improve your character by giving him a run-out throughout the season. If you choose, there's also the option to apply a photo of your face to the character, just so you can enjoy those game changing moments even more!
The option to play career mode as a manager, player or even player-manager is now available, so all the bases are covered in that department. As manager you are able to buy and sell players in a realistic fashion. If you're in charge of a lowly League One side you won't be able to attract big names until you gain a reputation they respect. I managed to achieve promotion in my first season albeit through the play-offs and it really felt like I'd worked for every point, so if you put the time in, satisfaction is guaranteed.
When it comes to playing online there are a few options. They vary from a quick match against a random online opponent or the 'Ultimate Team' add-on pack. This uses a clever trading system which takes the form of playing cards to build your online gaming side from scratch. By playing other teams online you earn coins to buy new players, or if you're a wheeler dealer, you can trade cards (players), by finding someone who wants your cast offs.
If playing online isn't your cup of tea, 'Lounge mode' allows you to create a mini league so you can invite your mates around and face off against them while trying to destroy their confidence with constant jibes, something not available over the internet.
Other new additions include the option to 'Be a Goalkeeper' although why you would want to do that is beyond me. If you ever had to suffer the humiliation of being in goal at school, surely games like Fifa are here to put those demons to rest, not bring the nightmares back!
In summary, Fifa 11 is the complete football game. It offers a level of detail which is unrivaled and a gaming experience which is thoroughly enjoyable. I'm not sure how it could get any better but that's not my job. EA Sports have set the bar high, I only hope they can continue to raise it.
