EA powers up FIFA Street 3

Despite the efforts of larger-than-life British sensation David Beckham, Major League Soccer remains far less popular in the United States than other professional sports. To the rest of the world, though, the pitch represents the great equalizer of nations, raising mere men to demigod status. EA, naturally, is running with that perception of the game for FIFA Street 3, due out for the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 in spring 2008.

After a year hiatus, FIFA Street returns with a greater emphasis placed on the superstars of the game. FIFA Street 3 renders more than 250 soccer stars drawn from 18 teams across the globe as "stylized caricatures with heroic qualities." As with other arcade sports titles from EA Sports Big, gamers will be able to select their playing style of choice, with FIFA Street 3 featuring tricksters, enforcers, playmakers, and finishers.

As detailed in GameSpot's recent preview, the game makes use of NBA Street Homecourt's engine, lending the game a stylized look. Also ported over from Homecourt is the new Gamebreaker mechanic, which gives gamers special abilities and power-ups to better embarrass their opponents. EA will also make use of its new soccer AI engine, first seen in this year's FIFA 08.

FIFA Street 3 has not yet been priced or rated.