FIFA Soccer 2008 – A First Look

What does managers, trainers, support personnel, entourage hanger-ons, 30+ leagues and 15,000 players have in common?

They are all part of the 20% extra you get in this year’s FIFA Soccer 08. (Hmmm… 15,000 players is about the same size as the town I used to live in.) Don’t worry EA Sports FIFA Soccer 08 is the American title. In Europe it will still be FIFA 08. We all know there can be only one football!

For more details read on and for the latest news about FIFA 2008 go to www.fifa2008news.com

The Shot

FIFA Football is improving with every release, it is no different this year. In the precious version we’ve seen an improvement in ball movement and player animation. The focus in 2008 is – the shot. The difference between success and failure of a shot will depend on air resistance, backspin, player skill and the force you apply to the ball. Now you can expect to see different shots from the player’s foot depending on the situation.

If you are dribbling at full speed it will be tougher to score if you just stop, turn and shoot the ball, where as a player that has a wide open straight line to the net will find it easier. The player dribbling at full speed will have his shooting meter fill up faster, than the player moving slowly, but again it all depends on the player’s skills. In other words – tougher shots will fill up the meter faster.

Be a Pro

A new feature is the “Be a Pro” mode. So might already know it from the NFL-series (Superstar mode). You will play the position of any one player from striker to sweeper during the entire match. You are responsible for his assignments and roles, with helpfuk arrows on the pitch, that shows you, your area of responsibility and which members of the opposite team you’re assigned to cover. The camera will follow you on the pitch and with Gears of War-inspired chase cam when you break into full sprint with the ball. At halftime you get feedback on your progress and you’ll be ranked at the end of the match depending on how much you contributed. This is tied in to the Xbox360 achievement system.

The “Be a Pro” mode is only available offline, but in a few years, it is EA Sports’ goal of having 11-on-11 play online. *drool*

What else is new?

The trick system is improved. FIFA Football 2008 has borrowed a bit from NBA Street HomeCourt, but don’t expect any unrealistic double backflips and a scissor kick. As previously mentioned there is a new camera angle, inspired by Gears of War’s chase cam, every time you sprint. Running at top speed will also make you less agile and skillful. Of course, the player detail and lightning is improved yet again. How can they continue to make Wayne Rooney look more like Wayne Rooney or Shrek? EA Sports impress me with every new version. I thought David Beckham looked good in the 2004-version (please don’t misunderstand me).

As always expect FIFA Football 2008 to be out before christmas. It is scheduled to be released this fall for all platforms, Xbox360, Nintendo Wii and DS, Playstation 2 and Playstation 3, PSP and PC.

Remember to read the other posts on Connected Internet about FIFA 08:

• FIFA 08 Xbox360 And Playstation 3 Trick Moves
• FIFA 08 Which Version Will You Buy?
• FIFA 08 Soundtrack Details Released
• FIFA 08 Official Developer Blogs Online
• FIFA 08 Xbox360 And Playstation 3 Screen Shots
• FIFA 08 Playstation 2 Screen Shots
• FIFA 08 Gameplay And Preview Videos
• Football Manager 2008 – A First Look

Do you want to know more? Then please visit FIFA 2008 News to get the latest news and to discuss FIFA 08

Read Related Posts

1. FIFA Soccer 2008 – Who Will Be On The Cover?
2. FIFA 08 Release Date Is Now Confirmed By EA Sports
3. FIFA Soccer 2008 – Ronaldinho Turns Into Wii Character
4. FIFA 08 Xbox360 And Playstation 3 Demo Won’t Be Released This Week
5. FIFA 2008 Next-Gen Gameplay Screen Shots Now Available

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