FIFA Street 2

"A good pick and play game, but don't expect anything else"

When it first came out, reviews were actually pretty bad. Can't deny that those kept me away from this game for a long time, but as I was looking for a good pick and play soccer game for the PSP, tried the FIFA 07, FIFA 08, PES6 and PES2008, none of them were really that easy to get into (I'd rather the console version of those games) then my only choice was give FIFA Street 2 a try, even after reading the disappointing reviews and low scores it is given in most sites.

And even though the game isn't by any means perfect, let alone flawless, I decided to make this review because I truly believe that this game is slightly underrated. Sure you won't remember it as the greatest game ever for the PSP, but it's great to spend a couple of minutes here and there playing this game any day.

Now, let's see some of the ups and downs of this game.



Graphics

People that played any FIFA game from 2004 to date will find the graphics very alike. Sure the PSP can't handle the more refined graphics you will find in the XBOX360 or PS3 versions of FIFA 08, but if you played the original FIFA Street for PS2 or the original XBOX, then you already know what to expect in terms of graphics.

With that said, is that a good thing? Yes and no. It is good because you are already used to how the game looks, so you know exactly what to expect. And it is bad because the FIFA graphics aren't impressive to say the least (and some glitchy sometimes). I won't get into the debate of which game has the better graphics, is just that the graphic engine is starting to show it's age, so there you have.

I would give this game a 6.5 in terms of graphics.


Sound

This is a very subjective point. If the sound is good, usually you never notice it, but if it turns out bad you will be complaining about it all the time. From my own experience with this game, I have no complains with the quality of the sound. I must add that since there's not much action going around and outside the pitch it was pretty easy to come to this conclusion. The sound of the balls being kicked, the sound of the players doing tricks, the fouls, even the game breakers sound kind of ok. But nothing awesome either.

I give it a 7, as I said, I have no complains about the sound, it does its work and does it ok.


Music

Unlike PES games, FIFA has always been known for bringing extensive playlists and giving a full range of variety in that regard. I was expecting to see a reduced playlist in the PSP version, but turns out that it comes with enough songs to play it for hours before you have to listen to the same song again. At least this time EA didn't filled up the game with tunes with that brazilian style, and although there are a couple of them, this time we have more variety, which is a big plus for me and I'm sure for many more people.

I give it a solid 8 in this regard.

Gameplay

As stated from the beginning, I consider this to be a decent pick and play game. No matter if you haven't played the previous FIFA Street game, you will be doing tricks and scoring tons of goals in a matter of minutes. I'm not saying that it lacks any difficulty, just pointing out how easy is to get into it.

It comes with a few game modes, being Rule the Street the main mode in the game. Basically it's the same as the previous FIFA Street, you are given with a couple of cities unlocked and you need to play several matches before you can enter the final tournament for each city. In the way you can unlock new players to improve your squad.

Also there are a few minigames that are fun enough to keep you busy during a while.

In terms of gameplay, I give this game a 7. Could be worse, but also it could be better, so I will stick with that score.


Overall

This game was panned by reviewers, and I give them some credit, people were expecting a major improvement over FIFA Street, but instead were given with a game that other than the minigames and a few glitches solved, is basically the same than his older brother.

But if you play this game for what it is, a simple street soccer pick and play game, not expecting anything else, you have a good game that will make that 20 minute trip to school or job more enjoyable ;)

Reviewer's Score: 7/10, Originally Posted: 05/15/08

Game Release: FIFA Street 2 (US, 02/28/06)