PlayStation 2
Released in 2007 by EA Sports
Grade: A-
FIFA 08 is a highly sophisticated, challenging sim that’s out of its league on PS2, with a distinct “built for a more powerful console” look to it.
Where it falls in the series
It’s the eighth of 14 FIFA games on PS2. EA built a new, next-gen engine for FIFA 07 on Xbox 360, and FIFA 08 is the first on PS3.
Praises and gripes
At this point, the FIFA series is really getting serious. This game plays an awful lot like some of the superb FIFA games in the heart of its PS3 and Xbox 360 stretch. It does a great job resembling real soccer with real humans. The ball and players move with lifelike physics, the defense forces smart passing, scoring is hard, and each moment is unique.
This edition introduces the option of “manual” through passes and crosses. This means the pass will follow the exact direction you’re pointing with the left thumbstick. In theory, this gives you full control, but I found it extremely hard to use. Luckily, it’s just an option. Unluckily, I didn’t always like the crosses I made anyway.
I like how well the other advanced controls fit in. You can do a low cross by double-tapping Circle. You can hold L1 to lob any type of pass. Holding R2 makes you keep the ball close to your feet. There’s a lot to do, but each move feels natural once you learn it. Free kicks, corner kicks, and throw-ins are all engineered nicely too, giving you lots of control and leading to realistic results.
On the higher difficulties, the game is a great challenge, and for the right reasons, with a CPU opponent outsmarting and outplaying you rather than “cheating.” It helps to know your team’s strengths and formation and make good strategic adjustments. And of course, there’s a long list of teams with widely varying skills. Soccer enthusiasts can get a lot out of this game.
Unfortunately, the whole thing looks a bit off, like the console can’t quite keep up with the technology on the disc. I haven’t played every FIFA on PS2, but I did play FIFA 2005, and it has a nicer look to it. The series was maturing in both gameplay and graphics as it moved into the PS3 era, where the FIFA experience is much more satisfying.