Some shortcomings in gameplay hold FIFA '07 back from being the best, but it's still a damn fun game.
Just letting you know, when it comes to the glorious game, I am extremely passionate. And as a passionate soccer fan, I am definitely recommending FIFA '07.
FIFA '07 lets you choose one of more than 500 teams to manage. And when I say manage, I mean you're controlling everything. Gameplay, substitutes, strategy, budget, transfers, ticket price, basically almost everything that a real-life soccer manager has to deal with. You also have to deal with the expectations of your superiors. Too many screw-ups, you get the boot.
Manager mode is where you'll be spending a good deal of your time, but you'll be spending even more time out on the pitch. FIFA '07 plays a pretty good game of soccer, especially from an offensive standpoint. Passing, lobs, shooting are all very well done and intuitive. It will take very little time for you to set up through balls, take free kicks and put a few balls in the net.
Defense, however, is another story. This is where FIFA '07 runs into some problems. When you switch control between defensive players, there's a brief moment where they get themselves out of position. It sounds menial, but that's usually all it takes for the opposition to get through on goal. Moreover, those defenders you aren't controlling are just way too lazy. They don't crash the net, they don't do any physical maneuvers, they just react slowly to everything and tend to get your goalkeeper in trouble. Thankfully, goalies are usually competent and can take care of whatever garbage your defense allows through.
What FIFA '07 does really well is commentary. Clyde Tildsley and Andy Gray give fantastic opinions, and only once in a blue moon do they say something that isn't spot on. Most enjoyable are goal commentaries, especially if the home team scores first or if there is an important goal late in the game. All in all, a fantastic effort when it comes to commentary.
Others have already touched on what I left out, but I'll mention it briefly. Graphics are good, especially cut-scenes with recognizable athletes. The most striking is Wayne Rooney (Manchester Utd.) who looks almost exactly like his real-life counterpart. The lack of officials on the field is a little annoying, but it's merely cosmetic. Online modes are a great idea, but there are a lot of glitches with online connections, so it can ruin your playing experience.
Overall, a very good showing for EA Sports on this one. I would recommend this game to just about any sports fan. It has some problems, but what it does well it does very well indeed.