It may not combine simulation and action together but it is in a different position, one that is amongst the elite.
The game is no more or no less than any other footy game, the game is surprisingly good. Why Pro Evo fans will say? Football games have been far too similar and dont bring much different features except the usual pass, lob and shoot. I would rather see us, the fans, be able to pull off moves we dream about along with long range shots, exceptional free kicks from the likes of Ronaldinho.
In FIFA we can do this but with a bit of diffilculty. The options of indicating runs to tell your players run down the flanks, calling another defender to press at the attacking players and introducing a handball A.I. system just adds excitement and realism. The way to go about the game is to learn controlling the ball from defence to attack, there were, on many occasions on FIFA 2005, where players kept on losing possession and at times you felt frustrated. You do feel abit of this in FIFA, at times, failing to control possession is sometimes down to the A.I., simply not the best but certainly vastly improved in areas of goalkeeping and defenders. This game is at a faster pace but also allowing the slow option within the Options menu. Mutliplayer against your friends is nothing short of briliance, being able to take on some of the best as well is fun.
There are newly improved features such as Career Mode. Although I do feel at times that things do get a little unrealistics but I will not take away the idea, the idea of bringing in new players with a division 3 team and being able to take them to the top. Flaws such as the value of players, even some of the best are reasonably cheap are only minor ones, I find it hard to believe that the whole Career mode is kaput, purely a new idea like EA always have done is try and bring something new.
Having new ideas is one thing, implemenating them is another, one of these features the style of shots and penalties. I could not quite believe my eyes when Van Nistelroy pulled off a Di Canio style penalty and embarresing me whilst I throw myself to the left. The penalties are power and accuarcy come into play, thats the difference, its exciting and more interesting knowing who can take penalties and who can't, Pro Evo lacks this, FIFA does not. Free kicks is a new type calibre, go up for a slow high shot or go low for power and less accuracy.
I will go back, recreate plays and goals that brought me to FIFA rather than sit and take the ball simply from A to B, its has both, you play at your pace and style, take time to expose the flaws and learn the new moves that you can pull off. It takes time and patience, if you are not patient, then this game is not for you, if you are, you will play with awe and excitement.