EA Sports’ FIFA series hasn’t been at the top of its game recently, getting outplayed every year by Konami’s acclaimed Winning Eleven series. However, EA Sports has got Winning Eleven’s number with this year’s fine entry to the FIFA series. Whereas previous entries to the series on next-gen consoles have been spotty at best (often devoid of many big features offered in the current-gen iterations), FIFA 08 offers a ton of new teams and many new features, making it the first truly next-gen iteration of the franchise.

The first big change that FIFA fans will notice is the sheer number of new teams added to the roster. More than five times the team count is offered in FIFA 08 over 07, with 300 teams from a variety of different leagues the world over hitting the pitch in this year’s game. With the addition of whole new leagues in the game, you’ll be able to play through real league tourneys, or even create your own tournament by selecting the teams that you want in the competition as well as special rule sets that you’d want in effect. 

Ball physics have also been updated substantially, and your shot success will be determined by a variety of factors, from defenders and field position to wind resistance. It’s possible to slice a shot like a golf ball, depending on how you shoot. Also, the game has a very deep trick system in place, letting you evade defenders by flicking the right thumbstick.

The Be-A-Pro mode is a nice touch for those looking for a bit more practice on the pitch. In this mode, you’ll pick one footballer on the team and play as them for the entire match. The point of this mode isn’t to simply rush the opposing goal with your character, but to make sure that they employ proper teamwork skills and position abilities. You’ll actually be graded on the moves that you perform and how they pertain to your character’s position. For example, if you’re playing as a single defender and you keep trying to take shots on the goal, then you’ll lose points, but make a good tackle and you’ll earn points. Adversely, if you are a striker, than you’ll earn points for taking shots and avoiding defenders. The camera will go into an over-the-shoulder “combat” mode when you attempt to perform tricks to outsmart your opponent, which is a nice touch. This mode is a good way to hone your skills on either side of the equation, and working on the elements that may weaken you in league play.

However, the Be-A-Pro mode has one fatal flaw: you can only play through it for one game. It feels like there was a real missed opportunity with the Be-A-Pro mode, as it could’ve been extended to a full career mode, allowing you to take your one player to stardom. However, for this year’s entry, we’ll have to accept that the Be-A-Pro mode is offline practice and possibly an indicator for something to expect in FIFA 09.

Another problem with the game is that the learning curve is incredibly steep for newcomers. Getting down the new trick mechanics just right can be a pretty laborious process even if you’re a FIFA vet, and if you’re a newcomer it can be downright frustrating.

The online component features some great new additions, namely the introduction of online leagues. EA has been bringing this element to their ’08 sports line-up to great success, and FIFA 08 is no exception. One cool online league element are the Interactive Leagues, which allow you to select your favorite soccer club and pit them against other teams in the same league, allowing you to represent your team against their real life rivals (well, their fans at any rate).

Graphically, the game looks great, with smooth animations and some very accurate player models that benefit from realistic facial mapping and intricate details. The action also unfolds very smoothly, with a 60 frames per second framerate that stays solid throughout.

The soundtrack is also great, featuring a wide array of artists from around the world, with tracks from bands like CSS, Simian Mobile Disco, Noisettes, and Datarock rounding out a good mix. The crowd cheers are appropriately dynamic, changing with the mood on the field. The commentary is also nicely done, but there were a few odd delay issues in the review build.

FIFA 08 is a solid entry to the franchise, if not the best one in years. The new additions are a godsend for the series, and could give the series what it takes to bring down the Winning Eleven series.

Gameplay: 8.0
A huge increase in the league count allows you to play as tons of new teams as well as partake in more than 50 different tournaments. The ball physics have been greatly improved, feeling more realistic than ever. The Be-A-Pro mode is a great, albeit very limited, addition.

Graphics: 9.0
FIFA 08 is the best looking iteration of the series ever, with accurate player models, smooth animations and a solid framerate.

Sound: 8.5
The soundtrack is a great mix of songs from a variety of different artists from around the world. The crowd cheer is also great and very dynamic, and the commentary is varied but a little delayed.

Difficulty: Medium

Concept: 8.5
FIFA 08 brings it this year with some great new additions and many new leagues.

Multiplayer: 9.0
FIFA 08’s online component is very solid with online leagues added to the mix.

Overall: 8.5
FIFA 08 was long-time coming, bringing the series back to fine form and giving a much-needed challenge to the reigning Winning Eleven series.