FIFA 07 gameplay has been greatly improved compared to previous versions of the game. Check this review by SoccerAccess

User Rating: 7.5 | FIFA 07 Soccer PC
By socceraccess | Review Date:
We have the chance to test Full Version of FIFA 07 and we would like to share with you our experience. FIFA 07 gameplay has been greatly improved compared to previous versions of the game. Probably one of the most important improvements is related with goalkeeper´s performance. Even when, from time to time, goalkeepers make some stupid mistakes ( well, in fact real goalkeepers do it all the time ) , I believe EA Sports has found the right balance between difficulty level and goalkeeper´s behavior. I mean that when you are playing World Class level you will face excellent goalkeepers but not perfect ones. You will find that they make fanstatic saves, some of them dramatic ones ( like when they run backwards trying to catch a lobbed ball) but they are not unbeatable. You don´t need a perfect, accurate, strong shot from long distance to beat them. Another great improvement is related with ball physics, particularly when we talk about 'saves' and 'aerial game'. It seems that finally the ball has declared its independence from goalkeepers hands. When you shot on goal and the ball is saved by the goalkeeper, you find that the play does not always finish there. Because goalkeepers tend to really rebound the ball, probably too much, giving you another chance to score.

When talking about CPU Artificial Intelligence probably we face one of the weakest points of FIFA 07. CPU teams always tend to finish their plays in the same way : a cross looking for a striker´s head or long range shots. Even in World Class level the CPU makes some uncomprehensive and really wrong decisions. I have played with Zaragoza against Barcelona ( World Class Level ) and I have the ball 80% of the time! Of course that beating Barcelona´s defence was by far more difficult than beating Gimnastic one. But I had not the feeling of being facing a really strong team like Barcelona. One point in favour is that CPU makes tactical substitutions ( even when sometimes you don´t notice it, because some CPU substitutions are announced only by the commentator and not popup is shown). You really notice that when CPU is loosing it brings forward teams lines and you have more space for counter attacks.

There are some nice tricks ( 360 turn, dribbles, fakes, etc) but you really need a gamepad with right analog stick because it´s almost impossible to make them using the keyboard. New controls have been added to free kick and penalties. Before a free kick you can call a second player to join the dessigned kicker. You can use him just to layoff the ball and give your kicker a better angle for a shot or he can also be the one that kicks the ball. Now during penalties you can make goalkeepers jump along the line, wave arms or crouch.

Talking about graphics I have to say that stadiums are fanstatic, particularly Wembley one. Great details, nice textures. You can check it out taking a look at the screenshots we have uploaded yesterday. Players faces, even in high detail, are far from the quality of Pro Evolution Soccer ones ( I guess better textures should help to improve them ). A good graphic card is needed to enjoy FIFA 07 with high details but even if you don´t have it you can enjoy the game with lower settings. Sounds and stadiums atmosphere are superb. When you play international matches ( national teams ) you will hear both national anthems, when you play away you really feel like you are visitor since home fans will get angry with your fouls and they will whistle when you miss a shot.

There are plenty of tournaments, leagues, and challanges to face. Manager mode it´s probably what will keep FIFA 07 alive for a long time. You can start coaching any team you like but the you will have to accomplish more difficult tasks if you choose to manage Manchester United than if you start with Hull City. You have to arrange players contracts, sign sponsors, give interviews, transfer players, and take care of your club financial situation.

FIFA 07 is an enjoyable game, by far better than FIFA 06. The question is always the same. FIFA or PES? Even when PES 6 has not been released, it seems that Konami still leads the race. But EA Sports it´s back on track and now we have a real contender, with too much to improve, that´s true, but now going in the right direction.

This is the original attribute/rating system that we used:
Gameplay 6.5 Sound 9
Graphics 7.5
Fun 8

OVERALL
7.75

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