Don't call it Soccer!

Are you ready for some... football? EA has laced up the cleats and is ready to kick a goal past their competition. Heck it seems like every 6 months a soccer title is released by EA, so have they finally found the special formula that has led to success? The answer is a resounding yes! It's weird, as it is almost like EA Sports is listening to the fans when they referred to the company's past few years as mediocre and not up to snuff. Just look at the facts, Madden 08 is the best Madden since 05, Fight Night: R3 was incredible (where's my sequel), Tiger is at the top of his game to go along with his franchise, and even the fledgling NBA Live series finally slams one in the paint. Now FIFA 08 comes out of nowhere with a significantly improved, great playing soccer game with oodles of content to boot. Does this mean EA isn't just resting on their name recognition and really cares about the gamer? Well if I'm in hell, then a snowflake has just fallen as EA is back at top form with all their major franchises.

Visually FIFA 08 is the best looking soccer title to date, hands down. Granted there is a small bit of frame rate hiccup during certain replays, but otherwise the game on the pitch runs at a smooth 60fps in both versions complete with detailed players, stadiums, and fantastic presentation. If you know these soccer stars, you will recognize them even from a distance as most of the sport's stars are replicated well and even have some of their mannerisms and special moves. There are tons of new animations and special moves, so many in fact you many not see the same two moves in the span of one game. The arenas are like gladiator cathedrals, huge, detailed, and full of rabid fans wanting blood for mistakes. Even the presentation gets a kick as there are plenty of cut scenes from the opening lineup to the infuriating red card issuing. Audio is what you've expected from this franchise. You have some great play by play commentary that is not only informative but entertaining as well. The real ear pleaser comes from the crowd who reacts to everything that happens on the pitch. They cheer during big plays, jeer during bum calls, and even keep the home team motivated with chants during possession battles on the pitch.

Where 08 excels over previous efforts is the game play. Everything just feels right thanks to the new transitional animation engine EA has put in all their games. No longer will you miss that critical challenge or pass due to an animation finishing and transferring to another. The A.I. has been beefed up and reacts well to any situation happening in real time. Added this year is a new Pro Skills system that allows you to combine tricks and skill moves together to create signature moves. This is a huge feature and keeps the players from looking cookie cutter and running identical routes. The right analog stick allows you to switch defenders on the fly to choose who you want to defend and exactly when you want to. Top it all off with tight responsive controls and you have a soccer title worth bragging about.

There is a ton to do in this year's FIFA title that you may not need another in 6 months. Deep single player modes like Be a Pro, Tournament, and Manager modes will keep you playing for quite some time and allows you to build your skills up for the real challenge, online play! This FIFA 08 not only is online, but now offers Interactive and Online Leagues for up to 32 players. You also have up to date soccer news brought to you on the fly including podcasts and score updates. Lastly, show off that final goal or replay with the rest of the world with a video upload feature. To say the least, this is one soccer title chocked full of options.

FIFA 08 is not only the best EA soccer game in years, but one of the best soccer titles in recent memory. If you changed teams a few years ago in favor of the Winning Eleven series, this may be the year you visit your roots and give FIFA another try. Much like the other 08 sports titles, I'm pleasantly surprised and happy to say once again, "EA Sports... It's in the Game".