FIFA Soccer 08 (Wii)

GameSpot editors' review

• CNET editors' rating: 3.0 stars Good
  Detailed editors' rating
  Overall score: 6.5 (3.0 stars)

• Reviewed by:
  Guy Cocker
• Reviewed on: 10/10/2007
• Released on: 10/09/2007
• Originally published on GameSpot: FIFA Soccer 08 (Wii) Review

EA Sports may release FIFA on pretty much every console going, but the diversity of hardware on the market means that each version is actually very different from the other. Take the DS, Xbox 360, and Wii versions of the game, for example--they each offer wildly different control systems, with each development team designing unique gameplay modes as well. The first version for the Wii offers a brand-new motion-sensitive control system, with shots and tackles now performed by physically swiping the remote control in different directions. EA Sports has also focussed on the Wii's family users, with the option of a two-button control system for football-game virgins. The result is that while the game can't compete with the Xbox 360 and PS3 games on features or playability, it still succeeds in appealing to its intended audience.

Utilising the Wii Remote and Nunchuk controllers, FIFA 08's default control system means that it plays very differently than any football game you'll have played before. You move players using the control stick, with run mapped to the Z button, pass on A, and through passes on B. The more physical aspects of the game, such as shooting, crossing, and slide tackling, are performed by swiping the Wii Remote itself. A normal shot can be taken with a quick upward motion, while a more controlled finesse shot is performed by moving it downward. The velocity of this movement dictates the power of the shot, while you can also change the direction of a cross or a free kick by tilting the Wii Remote as it's in the air. In a nice touch, you can also do a throw-in by putting both controllers behind your head and mimicking the move yourself. The downside is that the cable can get caught on your chin and make you feel like you're only a small step away from a nasty accident.

Thanks to this control system, performing simple moves is easy. However, if you want to do more advanced moves the combination of button presses and movements starts to feel confusing. If you want to do a long pass or a cross, you have to hold A and B together, and if you want to direct the pass to another player you have to press A while swiping the remote in that direction. And with chipped shots requiring a press of the C button while you flick the remote up in the air, you sometimes feel like you're performing a strange juggling act while your face contorts at having to remember all the button combinations. Given that these moves are effectively very commonplace in a football game, the button combinations certainly detract from the fluidity of the game.

Thankfully, things don't have to be so complicated. The new family play option means you can introduce people to the game who've never even tried a football title before. Ditching the Nunchuk controller completely and handing over player movement to the artificial intelligence, the family play control system only asks that players take care of passing and shooting. This means that you only have to worry about using two buttons, plus the relevant swipes on the remote to shoot and tackle. People with video game experience will probably become aggravated by the lack of control, but it succeeds in giving novices an accessible introduction to the game.

While a lot has been done to adapt the game to the Wii control system, it doesn't stop FIFA 08 from feeling like it's forcing itself to work with the Wii Remote and Nunchuk. Moving the ball between 11 players often feels awkward, especially if you're not using the D pad to make directed passes. Also, using the Wii Remote motion sensor to determine the power of crosses never feels precise enough, which is especially problematic if you're trying to aim pinpoint crosses. Shooting's not too much of an issue as the goalkeeper difficulty has been toned down to compensate, but you certainly never feel like you can make accurate enough shots to feel truly satisfied.

Not only is the Wii version different to others in terms of control, it also has a new set of features. Whereas the big additions for the Xbox 360 and PS3 are the new trick system and the be a pro mode, neither of these are present on the Wii. Instead, they're replaced with a challenge mode and the Ronaldinho-endorsed footii party mode. The challenge mode will be familiar to FIFA veterans from previous console versions, as it replicates a number of real-life scenarios in video game form. This basically means that you'll need to meet certain match criteria from historic games, such as "win by two goals as Chelsea against Blackburn." Instead of playing a game from the start with a 0-0 scoreline, you might find yourself in the second half with both teams having scored two goals. There are a decent number of games to play through, with 61 different individual challenges which gradually increase in difficulty. Winning also gives you points that can be spent in the FIFA 08 store on alternative kits, game balls, stadiums, and classic teams.

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