Boards
FIFA 08
I got this for the Playstation 2, and I must say, massive thumbs down. It is basically just Fifa 07 but much much harder, and not as good. Harder and not as good mainly due to the fact that :
i) The AI is just shocking. It is basically impossible to score or even have the opportunity to score. None of the strikers play on the last man or make runs, they are always playing far too deep.
...and when you combine this with the fact that...
ii) All teams you play against defend unrealistically deep. At any time there are about 8 players behind the ball, and 4 players surrounding you. So if you try and play through balls or long balls, they don't work because your strikers aren't far enough forward, and if you try and run with the ball, you get completely isolated. The only way to get anywhere near the goal is to play a Milan style short passing system where you inch forward. And then by the time you get near the goal there are so many defenders back, and so deep that you don't have any choice but to try and fashion a position to shoot from outside the box.
I have played about 25 games now, all split between semi-pro, pro, and world class, and there is basically no difference. All but about 5 or 6 games have ended 0-0, the others either ending 1-0 to the opposition after my defence parted for no apparent reason, or 1-0 to me after I've rifled in a speculative 30 yarder, or scored from a free kick. I think I've had one 1-1.
Before you say "you need to get used to it", I was pretty good at FIFA 07 (got to the stage where I could beat just about anyone with anyone on world class), and the game control-wise is exactly the same (apart from the fact they have inexplicably changed the "finesse shot" and "chip" L buttons around.
And to anyone who says "Fifa is shit, get Pro Evo", that's shit as well, and has been since Pro Evo 5. FIFA 07 was actually the best football game I have played. Also I've played both the new ones on the XBOX 360 and Fifa is actually really good, and much better than Pro Evo.
I'm going to camp outside the shop so I can return it tomorrow I think.
RANT OVER
Anyone else have any opinions on this particular edition of the game for the PS2?