FIFA 07 wants to forget about old failures and follows PES.

Long time FIFA was one of the best football simulator, but since Pro Evolution Soccer made a hit with a better game few years ago, EA tries unsuccessfully to gain the position held in '99-'00.

Even though I'm not a huge FIFA fan, I was pleasantly surprised playing FIFA 07.
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It didn't take me long to realize that without being very obvious, the physic of movement is very important for such a game. You don't feel it at once, but the way the engine simulates players' movements and movements of the ball as well, contributes to the quality of the game play. Maybe the new engine doesn't look different from the graphic point of view, but improvements can be noticed on game dynamics. This is an obvious improvement for the new FIFA and probably this is what it needed.

But the new graphic has also got weak points. Some of its aspects have remain the same for years. The stands are very crowded no matter how important or less important the match is. Bidimentional people are dressed in grey and gesture same way and same time. Photographers and security personnel on the edge tend to disappear from the wrong angle, are very static and look like cardboards. From this point of view FIFA (and other titles as well) look like games from early nineties. Stadium architecture is improved and personalized with banners and flags of the host. The panoramic images from the beginning of the match make you feel like you were on the stadium if you've got a 21" monitor.

The sounding created by fans in the stands is well created. Their shouts, approvals, songs or disapprovals sometimes cover the speakers' remarks. That reminds you of the truly derby atmosphere on the stadium. If you have three goals ahead and try a triangle pass, you'll see what I mean.

What could I tell about the speakers' remarks? If you've ever played FIFA you'll recognize them for sure. Sometimes annoying, sometimes too evasive they can be improved, but still are the best on market for football simulation.

The structure of menu is very complicated and difficult to use. If you try to save a match you'll have to pass at least three confirmations and two re-confirmations. As usually, you find different ways to play (inclusive an improved on-line mode) and of course the l "manager mode". Don't cherish illusions, you haven't bought two games in one packet, EA try to give an impression of offering little from everything. The real fans of manager type will find these attempts at least amusing. Anyway they are welcome and refreshing for the boring internal leagues. Maybe wonder why are they boring? Cause, for FIFA 07 European contests seem to not to exist. They can be created in "custom league" section, but it's not funny playing with Barcelona in Primera without the Champions League atmosphere. Another weak point is the fact that all East European countries, included Romania are forgotten, but famous teams from Mexico, by example can be find. Is it about money or marketing?

Another aspect will be the that way players look like is not similar to the real world. Important players from big clubs get distinct faces, but if they are not famous the get random ones..

As a positive conclusion I mention that the football players' skills are personalized. It matters if he is in attack or in the back, or if he has just entered the field or is very tired. And these differences can be noticed especially on high level.

FIFA might be the winner this year, but a reply from EA is expected. Till then, enjoy the new FIFA.