FIFA '07

After the unsatisfying mess that was the 2006 FIFA World Cup videogame, EA are looking to get back on form with FIFA 07. The game is looking to build on what worked with FIFA 06 – hopefully EA include enough extra features to warrant the upgrade.

One of the bigger features being touted in this latest version are the Interactive Leagues (including F.A. Premier League, Bundesliga, French League, and Mexican 1st Division). This is a new online mode that lets you pit your club against other human opponents, letting you play games according to a real-world schedule. In the words of EA, you can now ‘actually take to the pitch for the glory of your club’.

The AI has received an upgrade – your 11 players will make more realistic decisions, finding space between opponents and passing the ball with skill. The Manager Mode has also been improved – player values and wages are supposedly more realistic, and your decisions as Mr Manager have far more tangible effects on player performance and welfare. Your opposing AI managers have also been made smarter to give you a greater challenge.

Beyond that, the graphics are receiving the usual polishing, something that is especially noticeable with the 360 version. Animations look like they’ve been greatly improved as well – players will skid, swerve, and slide all around the place, making FIFA 07 look like a much more physical game.

All in all, this latest iteration of the popular series looks to ticking along just fine, and should manage to please newcomers, as well as any regular fans who haven’t been turned off the franchise by FIFA World Cup. Stay tuned to NZGamer for a full review when it’s released at the end of this month.