This new offering from EA Sports has definately been improved since Fifa 2002, but let's face it, they couldn't really make a worse game could they!!! If, like me, you absolutely hated the new format used in Fifa 2002 (CPU making un-defendable long balls and scoring from 40 yds out etc...) then you probably won't like this too much either.
There is a definate improvement in the gameplay and just looking at the screenshots you can see that the graphics are much improved too. However, as many people have already pointed out, there are many aspects of the game which leave much to be desired. Playing on beginner and amateur levels you'll find the game a breeze. It's easy to complete passes, make forward runs, tackle opponents and most importantly score goals. You may be fooled into thinking, "Hang on, I think EA are back on track". But when you progress (as I was advised to by the EA Assistant) to Professional level, then things take a turn for the worse. 1) You'll find that as in Fifa 2002, the CPU will manage to easily keep possession of the ball. 2) The CPU will win nearly every 50-50 ball. 3) Your players will all become intoxicated and will be falling all over the place when you are attempting to tackle your opponents. 4) If you do make a tackle, there always seems to be an opposing player available to take the ball before you get to your feet.
There are improvements. Players make more realistic runs for you to play the ball through to them and are tracked by defenders, unlike in Fifa 2002 when the CPU would play the ball half the length of the field to a player in acres of space. The actual player movements are more realistic. You'll see players slide towards touchlines to keep the ball in play and also the player's control of the ball looks a lot better.
The graphics are extremely good with players faces looking frighteningly life like. And although this obviously makes the game more realistic, unfortunately for EA, you can't compensate for the lack of quality gameplay with good looks.
As far as sound is concerned, I can't really comment as there isn't a demo available with working commentary although the stadium atmosphere is good enough to experience the game.
It is a step in the right direction from EA Sports and you can say without doubt that it is better than Fifa 2002, but my advice is try before you buy. Definately download the demo and have a go before you splash out £35 or whatever for it.
RyNo
There is a definate improvement in the gameplay and just looking at the screenshots you can see that the graphics are much improved too. However, as many people have already pointed out, there are many aspects of the game which leave much to be desired. Playing on beginner and amateur levels you'll find the game a breeze. It's easy to complete passes, make forward runs, tackle opponents and most importantly score goals. You may be fooled into thinking, "Hang on, I think EA are back on track". But when you progress (as I was advised to by the EA Assistant) to Professional level, then things take a turn for the worse. 1) You'll find that as in Fifa 2002, the CPU will manage to easily keep possession of the ball. 2) The CPU will win nearly every 50-50 ball. 3) Your players will all become intoxicated and will be falling all over the place when you are attempting to tackle your opponents. 4) If you do make a tackle, there always seems to be an opposing player available to take the ball before you get to your feet.
There are improvements. Players make more realistic runs for you to play the ball through to them and are tracked by defenders, unlike in Fifa 2002 when the CPU would play the ball half the length of the field to a player in acres of space. The actual player movements are more realistic. You'll see players slide towards touchlines to keep the ball in play and also the player's control of the ball looks a lot better.
The graphics are extremely good with players faces looking frighteningly life like. And although this obviously makes the game more realistic, unfortunately for EA, you can't compensate for the lack of quality gameplay with good looks.
As far as sound is concerned, I can't really comment as there isn't a demo available with working commentary although the stadium atmosphere is good enough to experience the game.
It is a step in the right direction from EA Sports and you can say without doubt that it is better than Fifa 2002, but my advice is try before you buy. Definately download the demo and have a go before you splash out £35 or whatever for it.
RyNo