FIFA 07 (Xbox 360)

• Platform:   Xbox 360
• BBFC Rating:
• Media: Video Game

The lowdown:
Every new FIFA game gets its expected improvements in graphics and presentation but this year the success of Pro Evolution Soccer seems to have driven EA to concentrate just as much on the gameplay. As such the game features better passing, crossing and free kicks as well as greatly improved goalkeepers. There’s also a new "finesse" shot if you get the time and space to use it, while every kick is calculated in terms of space, composure and technique so that it’s accuracy is determined by exactly what’s happening on the pitch and not just some random factor. Add in completely new ball physics, more than 510 teams, 27 leagues, 4,000 licensed players and all new international crowd reactions and you’ve got EA’s most concerted attempt yet to make the definitive football game.

Most exciting moment:
As well as all the individual improvements to ball and player control many of the game’s best strikers have their own signatures moves and free kicks, such as Ronaldinho, Frank Lampard and Roberto Carlos. This includes the ability to, quite literally, bend it like Beckham.

Since you ask:
As befits its global reach FIFA 07 has perhaps the most multinational soundtrack ever in video games, with everything from Argentinean rock band Bersuit Vergarabat to Spain’s The Pinker Tones and German group d.o.c.h.! (As well as Britbands such as Muse and The Young Punx.)

The bottom line:
FIFA gets serious in its attempt to out-football Pro Evolution Soccer
.HARRISON DENT

Manufacturer's Description:

The release of FIFA 07 on the Xbox 360 videogame and entertainment system heralds the start of the next generation of football gaming.

The players in FIFA 07 now include 'football brains' never before seen in a video game – and we've given them a brand new ball to play with. For the first time ever the ball is alive with its own independent physics, resulting in truly unpredictable gameplay.

FIFA 07 on the Xbox 360 system moves away from the traditional animation-based game engine and now enables raw physics and data to drive the action, creating true-to-life movement and stunning visuals never before seen in a football game. Player characteristics are based on brand-new traits and twice the number of attributes, so you won't see two players moving in exactly the same way. Instead they look and behave like the athletes we see gracing the pitch week-in, week-out.

This vast wealth of data gives you the power to make real tactical decisions when managing your players. Track your player performance and scrutinise every event via a wealth of stats to aid your half-time decision making. Up to now you've substituted players because they've run out of gas – in FIFA 07 you’ll be able to measure their performance on the pitch before deciding whether to haul them off or give them time to prove their worth.

FIFA 07 on Xbox 360 also includes comprehensive online features that keep you up to date with the world of football. Choose your favourite club and get the latest information, including results and breaking news as it happens.

Easy to use, difficult to master – this is the season for the evolution of the world’s greatest sport for gamers everywhere.

Features:

• Fluid ball control: Improved fundamental controls plus enhanced AI enables you to truly enjoy the virtual recreation of football. The ball and players react to your slightest touch with an unprecedented level of responsiveness, for complete control.
• Real-time player analysis: Monitor how each player performed in the game by viewing passing, shooting and defending stats.
• Advanced team management: All-new detailed player styles, full list of attributes and an advanced formation editor. Make the tough decisions to influence the match – take off an underperforming player, switch formation and control your defensive line with one button press.
• Next Generation Manager Mode: Undertake a campaign to win the league armed with all of the new analysis tools at your disposal.  Develop players by earning experience points in games, than purchase attributes to create world-class talent.
• Man of the Match: The FIFA 07 game engine pulls together all the facts at the final whistle to accurately rate the best player in the park and award him the ultimate accolade – Man of the Match.
• Challenge Mode: Undertake 80+ challenges to test your skills and earn Achievement Points. Challenges range from winning a key match to using a substitute to score late in the match.
• FIFA Football 07 Lounge: Take on up to eight friends in the FIFA Lounge. Earn rewards to help you win future matches after every game.
• 4 vs. 4 Online*: Play with four friends against four other players simultaneously

*Internet connection required for online play.

• PC & Video Games > Games > Sports > Football