FIFA Soccer 2004

"A nice goal from EA Sports"

Here we are again, every year EA Sports presents us their upgraded version of FIFA franchise football game. (I'm european, so I'll use ''Football'' instead of ''Soccer'')

This time it's FIFA 2004, and like every year, there have been some changes. For the best or for the worse? FIFA 2003 was pretty good, and with the forthcoming Pro Evolution Soccer 3 to PC, EA had to commit themselves.

Controls - 8/10 (with gamepad) 6/10 (with keyboard)

So, let's start with the controls. Rule number one: get a gamepad. Nowadays, playing a football game with a keyboard can be a pain. And how do our virtual players behave on the field? Well, not bad. It lies in the same basis as the previous FIFAs, though the through ball (which was a serious defense-killer) has been somewhat toned down. Also, there is the Off-the-ball mode, which allows you to control a player without the ball. Well, that's a good idea, but unfortunately, it makes the game a bit too complex, and really, it isn't that useful. But generally, the controls work well.

Gamplay - 6/10

Well... I was hoping for something better here... the ball control is pretty lousy, making it a bit difficult to make hit and run passing. Also, there are several places in the field from which you can shoot and always score a clean goal. In real life, goals aren't pre-fabricated... But not all is bad, the players have excellent AI, the defenders can nick you the ball quite easily if you aren't paying enough attention, you can make your own moves in free kicks in the training mode, which is also a good addition. But even though, EA could have done better in getting the ball control closer to the real deal.

Sound - 9/10

The music is awesome, the environment is awesome, it's like as if you're really in the stadium! The only reason I won't give a 10 it's because the commentary seems like copy-pasted from FIFA 2003. But John Motson still gives that extra edge to the action.

Graphics - 10/10

I was completely surrendered to the detail in FIFA 2004. Most of the main players around the globe are accurately portrayed, and the same goes for the team kits. And now I have to beg your pardon, but I must compare the player models to Pro Evolution Soccer. I mean... the players are supposed to look like people, not Street Fighter animated characters... FIFA 2004 players look like people. They get their kit dirty. They pull up their socks, and the socks can really fall down. You could almost forget it's a game.

Replayability - 8/10

The new career mode lets you manage your team for a 5-year period in a quest for success. It works pretty well, and it does give a new depth to the game that was kind of lacking in previous editions. And with all those teams in the game, you'll just want to play it over and over again.

Overall - 8/10

So, has EA finally come up with THE football game? Not yet, but the improvements show that they are on the right track. perhaps next year... All in all, a good and enjoyable football game, that will keep you for hours in your seat.

Reviewer's Score: 8/10, Originally Posted: 01/07/04