FIFA 11 Review - Xbox 360

Discussion in 'Reviews' started by MunkyMagikUK, Feb 15, 2011.

  1. MunkyMagikUK

    MunkyMagikUK Digiex Blogger

    Joined:
    Jun 1, 2007
    Messages:
    289
    Likes Received:
    23
    Location:
    Huddersfield, United Kingdom
    [​IMG]

    FIFA 11 Review

    The age-old war between the two behemoths of the Football video game genre is bigger than ever, and FIFA 11 is certainly not going to sit down and fade into the background. After winning many fans over from the Pro Evolution Soccer franchise over the past 2 years, FIFA 11 has big shoes to fill. It’s predecessor was named one of the best football games of all time, and rightly so. The game play was smooth, 360-degree control gave players unprecedented levels of movement, and it was streaks ahead of its main rival PES 2010. However FIFA 10 didn’t come without its flaws. Goalkeepers often made a hash of seemingly easy shots, passing through a team was far too easy, and manager mode was in dire need of an overhaul. It’s fair to say then, that FIFA 11, despite having a firm base from FIFA 10, certainly needed changing if it was going to stay on top. However, as always, the team at EA Canada has worked meticulously and has come up with yet another footballing masterpiece.

    What EA Canada are quite frankly brilliant at doing is listening to their fans feedback, and then putting those suggestions into the game. Things as small as being able to change the shape and tightness of the net add that extra level of detail that the FIFA team have always been renowned for. They knew that the fans weren’t happy with certain aspects of the game, and they have been able to turn them round and make them the main selling point of FIFA 11. One example of this is the Pro Passing system that has been introduced. The theory behind this is that passing accuracy is dictated by the gamers’ ability on the controller, as well as the ability of the on screen player. That means that a player from Burton Albion won’t be able to ping cross-field passes with superb accuracy like Steven Gerrard. It’s certainly noticeable when playing with my favorite team Huddersfield Town. It’s much more necessary to get your passes right and not to over hit them, or else possession is given away and you’re straight on the back foot. The game itself seems slower and with more emphasis on passing, but for those looking for a more fast paced game, game speed can be increased in the options.

    [​IMG]

    Another important addition to the game is Personality+, which reinvents how players look and perform on and off the ball, giving the game an unprecedented sense of realism. This really gives you a sense that you are playing with players such as Cristiano Ronaldo, rather than them feeling like everyone else, and the difference is noticeable. When playing as Lionel Messi for example, you actually feel you can glide past players like he does in real life, however when playing with a less skilled player, their touch is greater and you don’t have that confidence in them to take someone on. This at times can be frustrating when you want to win, but it’s realistic and you have to give to EA on that one.

    One of the main problems players had with FIFA 10 was the manager mode. Many thought that it was outdated and need of an overhaul. Again EA Canada listened and they have come up with Career Mode, a mix between the manager mode of old and Be A Pro mode. Career Mode offers a more realistic approach, with you being able to become a player (Be A Pro) a player manager (a mix of both Be A Pro & Manager Mode) or simply just a Manager. This adds greater depth to a mode that allows you to go on a 15 year long career with the team of your choice. Improved tournament structures offer that extra detail, and the ability to track other leagues than your own is also a nice touch. Having played this mode the most it certainly appears to me that it’s better than the old manager mode, however I feel that transfers can be unrealistic at times, and the stamina function needs to be completely rethought as my players often could only play 2 games in a row when the fixture list got congested.

    [​IMG]

    Customization has also been notched up a level in FIFA 11 with the introduction of a creation centre online. Here you create your players on the web and then once they are done you can download them to the game. You also have the ability to create teams, choosing their name, colours, kit, stadium and many more. For those looking for great detail, it has to be said there isn’t much. Creating players is basic, with set faces and few choices on things like hair. Team creation also suffers from this, with set kits and no ability to mix and match, and choose which colours go there. This can be frustrating for those like me who are used to the Pro Evolution Soccer editing features of old, however its still a welcome addition and obviously in it’s infancy; I’d expect a much more detailed creation centre next year. Custom music and chants are also a nice touch, allowing you to put your own menu music in the game, as well as your own chants for your fans to sing. Chants work well, mixing with the default chants already in the game they don’t sound out of place, and add a personalized touch. Again this is in it’s infancy and I would expect a more detailed and refined version of custom chants and music next year.

    All in all FIFA 11 is by far and away the best football game to date. The look and feel fo the game is fantastic; menus are easy to navigate and they look professional, rather than the rather tacky menus found in PES. The game play its self is second to none, with it being realistic yet still fun to play. Multiplayer games do not suffer from lag anymore, however online games are still plagued by people who feel the need to quit early when losing, and in my opinion EA should impose stiffer sanctions on the culprits. However the game itself is again streaks ahead of its rival Pro Evolution Soccer despite its flaws, and in my opinion, it’s still the king of football games.

    MunkyMagikUK
     
    Trebor and InsaneNutter like this.
  2. Safinn

    Safinn Addict

    Joined:
    Aug 27, 2008
    Messages:
    989
    Likes Received:
    66
    Location:
    United Kngdom
    Good review.

    It's a great game but alot of bugs and glitches which ruin it a bit. All ready looking forward to the next one.
    They also have not updated the teams from the transfers in January..
     
  3. MunkyMagikUK

    MunkyMagikUK Digiex Blogger

    Joined:
    Jun 1, 2007
    Messages:
    289
    Likes Received:
    23
    Location:
    Huddersfield, United Kingdom
    Thanks Safinn :)

    Ahh sweet, I've been waiting for the update, didn't know they'd released it yet!
    And I agree, quite a few glitches but there always are, the handballs annoy me the most I think!
     

Share This Page