Solid Soccer Game With Inherent Limitations
FIFA 07 is nothing but a good update of 06. It has better graphics, new modifications to its manager mode but not much else. I havn't played 06 so I will stick to the current iteration. The graphics are outstanding for a soccer game. I do wish camera angles can zoom in more, but that would be asking too much and deviate from the proper gameplay (who needs such a closeup of the grass when you can't see the majority of the field and lose out on all the player positions?). Graphically, I was surprised that while its not unsurprisingly demanding as FPS games it managed to slow down my system and displayed not more than 35 fps. On FEAR, with my 7950gt I get upwards of 50 and 60 whereas on this game I only got 35. Sure HDR is great and the character model and details are superb, but 35? It felt like a slight letdown. As well, the crowd actions are a bit contrived. not only do they jump up and down the same way, when you see them up close on corner kicks they look so much like cardboard cutouts its depressing.
Music
The music is astounding. I absolutely loved the tracks available and the number of songs on. I also enjoyed the various crowd noises and the commentators ( always loved british accents)
Gameplay
I used a xbox 360 controller and the controls worked just fine. I wish rumble support existed, but I'm not complaining. The new addition of special moves with the right analogue was a great addition. If you've read the official review then you know what that is. Unfortunately I felt like it was a lot harder to utilize than it should have been.
Skill Level
On amature this game is a joke, you'll almost always score and almost always win. At higher settings like semi-pro and up the game becomes more challenging and opposing teammates are more aggressive, shoot more often and tackle more often(likewise garnering more penalties). However, occasionally, the AI goalie will jump the wrong way(annoying but I can deal with it...i just make excuses, ohh he was looking the wrong way).
Still, the game could have had more intelligent AI.
On that note, i wish the game allowed for practicing modes that allowed you to practice specific skills such as dribbling, passing, special moves etc., much as you would find in football games.
Overall, this game is great for soccer fans, but its slow paced, gets repetitive and isnt for everyone. Then again, thats how all soccer games are, I'm just into it because, well, its soccer.