FIFA Soccer 2004

"A good game but not quite WE series"

Fifa 2004 has finally arrived and I am quite lucky to be 1 of the first few to get it in the stores. After what I have seen on the trailer, I must really say: THIS GAME LOOKS FANTASTIC!!

First of all there's this new feature in off the ball running like NBA Live which I like too. Also the details of the players are so real that are frightening. But of course there's also some downfall of this game which I will go through later.

Now let's get down to business

Graphics (8/10)
The graphics are stunning, the players are nice, running is smooth. Even you can see the hair so detailed. The stadium are great looking too. Fifa sure sets the standards in CG department.

Sounds (7/10)
Nice as always, the music is nice and the commentry of John Motson and Ally McCoist are great as always. I really enjoy their voices. Although after hearing for something, it becomes increasing repetitive. Sometimes, you will wonder why the commentary doesn't match the situation happening on the pitch. Anyway, there's a minor flaw. Try listening to the fans chanting and singing. It's like the real atmosphere.

Gameplay (5/10)
The AI are now quicker and tougher and shoving you off the ball and also you can't really hold on the ball for too long or dribble too much. Next up, the passing has improves but the through pass as always is not pretty much useless as it is simply not effective. Unlike in WE series their through passes are much more effective in putting players through. Fifa players are rather static when they are off the ball. Luckily Fifa introduced new features as off the ball so you can move the players, that's a plus point but it will take some time to master. On fighting for headers, I do not feel really any power on the header. That's something from past versions till now and still not improved. The free kick system also leave me with much to desire as it's not really good from my point of view as well as the corners. Once you play World Class mode, the AI even with slower speed can somehow ''upgrade'' their speed and give you a good chase. Their corners are incredibly good.

Summary
For true Fifa fans, this game will be welcomed with open arms. They have so many leagues to enjoy plus a new career mode aka TCM style where you manage a team over a few seasons. But if you really into true soccer simulation, I feel Winning Eleven 7 (the latest) still has an edge over Fifa in terms of gameplay wise.

Reviewer's Score: 6/10, Originally Posted: 10/30/03