Gameplay 8.5/10
Still some minor imperfections but the game is simply amazing to play again your friend. The players feel much more free, and the ball doesn't stick like glue to the player's feet. The return of the 1-2 is also very good, though it's a lot more harder to pull it off now then it was back in 2002. The AI of the goalkeepers has definitely increased over last year and the demo as well. There is room for improvement as always, but a GREAT deal forward from 2003.
Graphics 8.5/10
Could've been a 9 or even a 10 itself, but how the living HELL can you possible screw up 2 of the best teams in the Portuguese Superliga's kits? They can get Beira-Mar all down (excluding the Aveiro text on the shorts) but they can't even get the lettering on SLB or SCP's jerseys straight? Putting SLB's names on the bottom!? EA-Are you mad? Granted graphics don't make the game, but when you're bringing in a new league you might as well try and get it near perfect. Other then that everything is pretty accurate, good details on the faces, bad details on others, but overall, again, well done.
The Freekick System 6/10
Honestly, it was a LOT easier to pick up last years freekick system. Hopefully this is just the beginner's effort talking. Also in the future, STICK with the same freekick system for more than a year, it's not hard.
Passing 10/10
Possibly the best passing system I've seen in a football game. No pass is gaurenteed, no pass is going through some oppositional player's legs, very good work. The off the ball system adds a nice touch as well. This is probably the biggest key part of the game, it's added a nice flow to the game.
Crowd/Commentators 7/10
Crowd noise? Overhyped. I played the game at the bigger stads HOPING the crowd noise would liven me up like in the videos that were released... no, no they didn't. Commentating is a huge factor for the rating. A lot of improvements from last year, it does flow a lot better, but there's still the minor imperfections in the commentator's tone, and sometimes they cut themselves off to go on about the game, they should add in sound bites for next year, where they have the commentators saying oh wait a minute, great move by so and so, goal, yada yada yada. That way it would flow even better, but still an OVERWHELMING improvement over last year.
Tackling 8/10
Every single tackle from behind is now a foul, regardless if you get the ball or not. However the tackling is improved a little from last year. Now there are 3 types of sliding tackles that your player might perform pending on the situation he is in. Well done, but the fouling with the tackles needs a fix.
For now that's all I feel I can comment on about the game, since I'm still figuring out the corner system, and also working on the shooting still. Look for an update soon though.
Still some minor imperfections but the game is simply amazing to play again your friend. The players feel much more free, and the ball doesn't stick like glue to the player's feet. The return of the 1-2 is also very good, though it's a lot more harder to pull it off now then it was back in 2002. The AI of the goalkeepers has definitely increased over last year and the demo as well. There is room for improvement as always, but a GREAT deal forward from 2003.
Graphics 8.5/10
Could've been a 9 or even a 10 itself, but how the living HELL can you possible screw up 2 of the best teams in the Portuguese Superliga's kits? They can get Beira-Mar all down (excluding the Aveiro text on the shorts) but they can't even get the lettering on SLB or SCP's jerseys straight? Putting SLB's names on the bottom!? EA-Are you mad? Granted graphics don't make the game, but when you're bringing in a new league you might as well try and get it near perfect. Other then that everything is pretty accurate, good details on the faces, bad details on others, but overall, again, well done.
The Freekick System 6/10
Honestly, it was a LOT easier to pick up last years freekick system. Hopefully this is just the beginner's effort talking. Also in the future, STICK with the same freekick system for more than a year, it's not hard.
Passing 10/10
Possibly the best passing system I've seen in a football game. No pass is gaurenteed, no pass is going through some oppositional player's legs, very good work. The off the ball system adds a nice touch as well. This is probably the biggest key part of the game, it's added a nice flow to the game.
Crowd/Commentators 7/10
Crowd noise? Overhyped. I played the game at the bigger stads HOPING the crowd noise would liven me up like in the videos that were released... no, no they didn't. Commentating is a huge factor for the rating. A lot of improvements from last year, it does flow a lot better, but there's still the minor imperfections in the commentator's tone, and sometimes they cut themselves off to go on about the game, they should add in sound bites for next year, where they have the commentators saying oh wait a minute, great move by so and so, goal, yada yada yada. That way it would flow even better, but still an OVERWHELMING improvement over last year.
Tackling 8/10
Every single tackle from behind is now a foul, regardless if you get the ball or not. However the tackling is improved a little from last year. Now there are 3 types of sliding tackles that your player might perform pending on the situation he is in. Well done, but the fouling with the tackles needs a fix.
For now that's all I feel I can comment on about the game, since I'm still figuring out the corner system, and also working on the shooting still. Look for an update soon though.
Though I would agree the game is bounds ahead of FIFA 2003. The ball is free and it is much harder to string passes together. I'm enjoying the game so far except for my online formation problems.
