23.1.2008

This has to be one of my biggest surprises since owning a Wii (for about a year now). Originally after reading the negative reviews, I wasn't inclined to buy the game. But to be honest, i'm not a hardcore gamer - I literally play for a little bit in my spare time, so after looking in the Game store the other day, I decided to at least try it out. Probably the best decision i've made in a long while!I've been playing FIFA for over 8 years now across many formats, but have found this edition to be the best yet. Why? Quite simply because it's been made to give the gamer(s) in question some fun and excitement. This has rarely been a route for EA,as we've seen in the past few years their attempts to copy the Pro Evo series by targeting the games for hardcore footie fans. This year however, they had the perfect opportunity to use the Wii!From its opening menu, you already get a glimpse this game is 'not' to be taken too seriously. It's something that should be enjoyed - not to get frustrated and throw your pad around. To enforce this concept, a Wii-only feature for this game is 'Footii Party' - a nice section of the game were you have 3 different games; Table Football, Juggle It, and Boot It. All of these are fun games. Boot it requires you to beat the opposition player (a friend, for instance) in goal from the penalty spot by hitting targets. The more targets you get, the more points, etc etc. Juggle It, I hope, explains itself, while the Table Football is a nice idea, but is maybe just to restricting for the Wii remote. All in all, this section of the game that springs at you when you first play this is a fun, bright, and great way to have fun with friends and definitely family!Then their is the online feature. For those who don't have their Wii connected to the internet, you may want to skip ahead, but for those who day, I can say it's a fantastic mode that allows you to play games with other people across the world for free. It's fast, smooth, no lag times, and is quite a buzz when playing, because you realise that someone out their is playing against you! In nice Nintendo fashion, the other player remains onoymous, and thankfully, unlike the Xbox 360, you don't have to use a headset to receive abuse from other people in America (happens all the time - lots of complaints). This is feel is a great move - you just get on with the game, and its safe for anyone! All you need to do is set up a username and password on the menu, then your away.But of course, I haven't even mentioned what the gameplay is like during a match! As you have probably heard by now from other reviews, this games unfortunately doesn't have a full 'season manager' mode, but you can still play a season, though it's a little more basic obviously. Again, referring back to how this ties in with the Wii, this is probably a descent move. This isn't a hardcore football game - it's something to pick up and play.As soon as the match starts, you're greeted with fast frame-rate animation of the players coming onto the pitch, the camera moving around etc, which for a few years now is a first - usually, the the frame-rate tends to get slow, but this game looks as though it's just been recorded of a camcorder, so smooth. Unfortunately, I did find the physics of the game (when running/turning) a tad stiff/slow at times during the internet play, but slightly less during a standard CPU game. For the average user, it's obviously not a big deal, but it's just strange as previous version have always been very smooth, particularly the Gamecube versions. However, the rest of the graphics are extremerly impressive - whichever reviewers say that the graphics are "rubbish" or "not good enough" obviously need glasses, for the detail on the kits is extraordinary compared to the previous generations of consoles. People forget the graphics chip in the Wii is 3 times more powerful than that of the Gamecube, as we can see in games like Resident Evil 4.Their are also nice sub-animations during the game, such as a player thinking its his throw in, and refuses to give the ball to the opposition. Or a funny one is if you take a corner, and bring your keeper up, you see him 'leg it' the full length, with a camera-shot of him!Commentary wise, it's also a definite improvement of past editions. Again, i'm not too bothered anymore how accurate it is, but I can say that it's no longer annoying. And thankfully, John Motson has retired, and given way to Clive Tydesly... ly (how do you spell that damn name?? "It's nice passing from (team X), which is important in these kinds of games" and my favourite "And now the keepers coming up! The dieing few seconds of the game, can he make a difference?"And the controls? To be honest, their isn't alot to say. Too many people have been making a big deal out of it, but when you get used to it, it's second nature, and far better than twiddling thumbs and fingers. What also helps though is the fluency and movement of the players - I felt past editions have been very rigid, but this fast flowing version is perfect for waving your Wii Remote around!The music, for a change, is also fantastic. I used to hate the horrible sounds of annoying foreign vocals and instruments, but this disc is packed with indie bands, and great British songs from last year! What a relief...So overall, FIFA 2008 is probably quite a decieving game. For those, like me, who don't game very much, FIFa 08 is perfect for just switching on, then playing a match seconds later. If you're a hardcore gamer, then this is obviously not the game for you - I won't even try to deny that. But if you keep an open mind and realise this is what the Wii is all about - making gaming not just fun, but available to everyone, you'll realise this is a very clever, quirky, and enjoyable game!Just one negative - it's particular over-priced! I'll imagine the RRP will drop in some time, so just wait a little longer!

2.4.2008

Ok, so we got the game last weekend, and my wife and I havent stopped playing it since. Let me try to be neutral and not get carried away with all the fun we have been having.Game ModesThe options here are Arcade, Challenge, Tournament and Online. To start play straight off, the Aracade is the best option. Challenge is only once you have good control on your game. Tournament option is good except there is NO World Cup which is a bummer! The tutorials are fantatsic. It easily takes over an hour to come to grips of all the controls and moves possible, and thats not the end of it.ControlsHere is one true fact - If you want to be a master and score goals freely and win every match,

7.4.2008

Is it just me or does this game become annoyingly hard when you progress to semi-pro level? In amateur mode I can easily win about 8-0 over a 12 minute game yet if I progress to the next level I'm lucky if I can even win a game. The other team players all have an extra yard of speed and when you do get in the box you always get tackled before you can pull the trigger. It is so annoying it makes me get quite angry and if that's not bad enough, when you manage to get a shot in Clive Tyldesley starts making sarcastic comments like "He's never going to beat the keeper from that far out it barely reached him..." and I'm thinking "well yeah so stop making it so difficult for me to shoot then!!!"Also is it just me or is it almost impossible to score from a free kick?

4.11.2007

I actually bought this game as an impulse buy after being a dedicated Pro Evo zealot for the last 10 years. I played it a bit, thought the motion controls were mind boggling, (There really is a lot to remember, and this is coming from someone thats being playing games for far, far too long to remember)and so it went back on the shelf and gathered dust for a few weeks while I played through Halo 3 and Phantom Hourglass, not to mention PES 2008.The other day I brought it out again determined to get the hang of it, and I was utterly shocked. Once you get the hang of the controls (and believe me, it does take a LONG time for them to become second nature), its absolutley brilliant.

2.10.2007

People keep complaining about the lack of manager mode, edit or create team or be a pro. So What! I know It would have been good but not all things are greener on the other side. The Xbox 360 Version has all that and the game play is very poor and the pace of the game is slow and boring.The Wii version beats it by miles. I would rather play a game of football thats more entertaining and different to a game that is just the same each year with a few extra quirks.Waving your wii remote around doing tricks and scoring from 30 yards seems more satisfying that just pressing a button.Other people also mention that the camera angle is poor and you can't change it.Maybe those people should check the

8.10.2007

The one thing that sets the Wii apart is control, so that's where the games are won and lost. This one gets it mostly right. Forget about the family mode, its so basic as to be useless - you cannot control pass or player direction - all you appear to be doing is helping the CPU along by hitting a button here and there.The 'advanced' mode is where all experienced fifa players will be. The nunchuck controls direction and player speed whilst the remote controls the feet (passing, shooting, corners, free kicks, tackling) and together they control throw ins (you can guess how!).Mainly it works, although flipping the remote up is a "finessed" shot,

29.9.2007

I have had the pleasure of playing this game for one game only thanks to the dwindling battery for my Wii Remote that is being recharged as I write this. But I did enjoy what I have played of this game so far.This is the first Fifa game for the Wii and as such vast changes to the set-up were to be expected. The graphics are a change and are simply sublime. I was impressed so far with the player likenesses and kit/name licenses. The squads are almost up to date from the August transfer window allowing for a near authentic Fifa experience.I agree that the Manager mode in Fifa is a miss, but this is merely a minor detail. (You can play Football manager for that).As for the controls they are looking very good,

3.10.2007

Over the years now I have played many different football games, and I have always liked Fifa, although PES has always been better, except last year for me as I thought Fifa 07 was brilliant on Gamecube, even better than PS2's!! I was looking forward to Wii's Fifa 08 and all the modes on it, and I had pre - ordered the game 3 months before its release, and it arrived just today which I wasn't happy about. But after playing on it for a bit, I must say and agree with most reviewers of the game, it is hard to get used to. You will get used to it after a while, just like any other game when it takes time to get used to due to new controls, but it is very hard, some people might be ok with it within a few minutes but to me it was hard.

29.9.2007

I think people are slightly missing the point of the Wii version of Fifa 08, and the Wii in general. It is not a hardcore gaming machine, but a console aimed at the whole family. As such EA have done an excellent job of producing a family version of Fifa. It doesn't have years of manager modes, whcih most people don't have time for anyway, but it does have all the usual leagues and cups from around the world, and you can transfer players as well. The controls turn what on other consoles/PC is just another rehash of the same old game, into a new and fun challenge. Flicking the Wiimote down to do a slide tackle, or up to shoot hard, and even putting the controllers over your head and 'throwing'

10.10.2007

I really enjoy this game.I played the version on ps3 and Ps2, and to me, the wii version has the same graphics as the PS2 version, and i found is more fun than the ps3 version.Being able to do the motions (E.g finesse shot Remote down) is much better than just pressing a button.Having the cups is much better, But i haven't found the Carling cup, but every cup is there, even my backyards, A-League...The graphics are better then I expected, except for the legs that move slowly as the Fifa 07 issue was on Ps2 version.Whats lacking is Manger mode, would've loved to see that, but hopefully it'll be in the next Fifa installment for the Wii.The only issue is that I cannot do any moves!I try to trigger a step over,

30.9.2007

If you already own a Wii then there is no point in thinking about all the other console versions. You've made your choice and you pretty much know what you're getting & what the limitations are. Once you've done this, you realise that the Fifa 08 Wii game is what you have been waiting months for and it doesn't let you down. Sure, the controls are hard to master initially - but there are so many options available, and there is always the simple mode where you only worry about passing/shooting. But persevere with the advanced mode and you will soon revel in the control you have over the players. Sure, there is the party mode which is not really the spirit of Fifa, but who cares,

30.9.2007

I agree with an earlier reviewer....some people just don't seem to 'get' the Wii. For many years I was an ardent gamer...then I just grew out of it (shock horror, cue people hurling abuse). I decided to buy a Wii as it would be something fun for my wife and I to enjoy and when friends come over. As such, I don't see the disappointment with FIFA. I couldn't care less about the management side of things (I have management games on my PC), I'm only interested in picking up a footie game that I can play with friends etc. FIFA achieves this and more. It plays well (after the intial adjustment to Wii controls) and looks good. To all the whingers I ask: Why buy a flamin' Wii in the first place???

10.10.2007

The controls do take a great deal of getting used to as obviously it is completely different to playing on other consoles. Once you have the grip of the basics, it is a very enjoyable game. I have played about 30 games so far and I'm nowhere near to learning all the moves (tricks especially) - and there are alot of moves!On-line gaming is probably best feature - there are some very good players out there! Just been thrashed by some French dude playing with Marsaille (I was Man U)!Graphics are good enough though not the best feature. Worth the £30 I paid for it. Will be recommending my mate with a Wii buys it.

29.12.2007

As far as soccer games go pro evo has always proved to be better than fifa. But after fifa 08 on the wii everything has changed, fifa have got evrything right in the game from the way the players look to the way the players kick the ball.But there are a few things about fifa i was annoyed with like the FOOTII PARTY was awful it was easy and really just a massive let down plus on the wii they dont include the stuff they have on other consoles.In conclusion if you want i realistic sporting game for the wii buy it becauses it maybe the best sports game wii has to offer.

13.6.2011

FIFA 08 is a fun game, and football fans will definitely keep coming to play this game. Controls, however, are not easy to master. The "family" controls are even worse: it does make controlling players much easier for those who are not familiarized with this franchise, but players will rarely do what you intend them to. But the "normal" controls will respond reasonably, although it will take some time to master.So, FIFA 08 is a good, fun game, but if you can get a more recent version (FIFA 09 to FIFA 11), then you should!

FIFA 08 (Wii) - Reviews

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