Originally posted by Verbatable
I denfinetly agree with you AndrewC on how people tend to react towards big companies.
All this hatred towards EA smacks of underdog syndrom. Basically a game with a lesser following, develops a fiercly loyal fan base who find it necessary to promote their infatuation through derogatory comments directed at the biggest name.
Why do so many people hate Manchester United and Real Madrid? Because they are big clubs, because they win alot. People like to see their "team" win no matter what, and they'll jibe the other side in the process.
As far as the game goes, I think its great. FIFA 2005 is a massive improvement over both of last years offerings (euro 2004, fifa 2004)
Within the first minute of gameplay I thought the game was something special. Players move in a very fluid manner, you actually have to take into account your player's moment, direction etc... especially when dealing with defenders. Defending is somewhat of an artform now, instead of waiting and pressing a button and winning the tackle every time.
All sorts of moves, different first touches, the subtleties in the differences between players is great! You can feel the difference between Henry, Pires, Cole etc... Some control well, some tackle well etc... and to varying degrees. Very freeform.
Using the same engine as FIFA 2003 means that a lot of the old scripting and player movements are still there, but they have been greatly improved. THe whole shooting system is much better, the player AI is well done too. I actually deked out a keeper!
As for realism and difficulty... well, I turned on world class and it felt like I was playing against world class players. Not impossible, but very very difficult.
A game like FIFA 2005, which is realistically a role playing game with a twich gamer add on plays out like the real football matches I see on TV. Different players feel like they are supposed too, which is a relief, and I know I havn't even scratched the surface of the special moves.
With all the liscences EA has, and this wonderful looking new manager career mode I am extremely excited and can't wait to get the game.
One thing that the PES series doesn't have are all the liscences, and without them half the realism in the game is gone. EA has done well creating an immersive football game. A game I start to play and realise that I FEEL like I'm there, in the game, managing the real players, making the actual pass, cheering in the stands, I get quite emotional too. PES has never felt like that, too much is lost in translation in PES.
FIFA 2005 is much better than FIFA 2004 in every way shape or form. YES I will be buying it.
(A simple fact for PES zealots, if the game was so much better than anything out there, then you guys would never have to spam and flame EA and FIFA message boards. Because every one would be playing it... hope that is some food for thought)