FIFA Soccer 2004

"Still Not The Best, Nor The Worst, I've Seen Yet ..."

Since I started playing FIFA Series from EA Sports since 1996, this installment is definitely differs a lot from the others, especially there is a profile for you to create a new game on. I could say that this is one of the most unique games I've seen so far.

Yet, I have to do the patching manually to enable the controller settings, and therefore a major inconvenience to me. I had just started this game and getting a hang on to it =D

Gameplay 3/10

A lot of talking points here.

This is by far, the worst installment based on its AI. Hundred percent of my goals were from outside the penalty box, which was totally unrealistic. For every free kick and corners you take, the keeper can save ''well''.

I am also certainly quite surprised that the Cup Ceremony and the Lap of Honour were missing. Furthermore, the substitution of players were also gone !

In the practice session, you can actually get to play against the opposition ! Funny isn't it ?

Where is the European Champions Cup (a.k.a. UEFA Champions League), I could not find it! Thankfully, there were other leagues and cups we could play, separately.

However, the gameplay does not deserve a zero, because the referee was quite realistic in spotting fouls and awarding cards. Also, you can get to play a career, which follows that of Total Club Manager.

Graphics 9/10

Looks like Electronic Arts had devoted time to graphics. I must say, it is really impressive. Their faces looked really realistic. The scores on some of the the stadium's scoreboard could actually change ! The away teams would also get to put their own posters in away stadiums.

On occasions we could see the crowd celebrating after the team (usually the home team) scores the goal.

Yet, it does not deserve a ten. The knee cap on some of the players (like Ryan Giggs) are bulging.

Sound 10/10

Absolutely perfect. The commentators would sometimes crack a joke or two. Also, there were chants like 'Glory Glory Man United', which were exactly the same as that of reality. In the commentary, there are also reference to other relevant things like the World Cup too.

Value 6/10

With about US$40, it is not a good, nor a bad game. You also have to pay extra, if you want to play online that is.
I recommend you to buy the game since it would last a year till FIFA 2005 comes out.

Conclusion

If you are not a hardcore sports gamer, go and stick to Pro Evolution Soccer 3 instead. It gives you the sizzling and dazzling edge you need. However, until now they still did not have the license to publish the names of the players and the logos of the clubs. My recommend is still to play FIFA 2004, bearing the Gameplay errs.

Reviewer's Score: 7/10, Originally Posted: 11/11/03