The FIFA series from EA Sports and sports games in general get annual releases no matter what, with that comes criticism and monotony. For most games in the genre, that means derivative experiences with roster updates and the current year on the box art along with the sports’ biggest stars. While this was true for some FIFA games in the past, FIFA 11 makes leaps forward that might be overlooked by casual fans but impacts experienced players.
I should preface this review with the fact that I am a massive soccer fan who plays every entry into the series and follows the sport religiously. I grew up with the ‘beautiful game’ on the pitch and on TV and computer screens since the mid nineties.
I said that FIFA 11 makes a massive leap forward and although it might sound like a back-of-the-box tagline, I truly meant it. Last year’s FIFA made much needed improvements over FIFA 09 which had hampered the game experience quite a bit, streamlined most of the menus and the Be-A-Pro mode but still had noticeable bugs on the pitch and in the manager mode. FIFA 11 took the best parts of FIFA 10 and improved upon them with a big focus on gameplay enhancements. Players now move on a true 360 degree scale as opposed to just a few directions allowing for smother controls and better looking games as well. The physics and animations have been vastly overhauled also, players now jostle for the ball much more realistically and bigger players will win battles with smaller, lighter ones. The player models in general have increased allowing for a wide range in variation of body styles which are taken into account as well as their skill level. Again, a larger and stronger defender generally wins headers but has a lesser touch on the ball and moves more awkwardly than a quick forward like Lionel Messi.
The number of animations has been increased and improved dramatically. This shows especially when a defender bends his body out of the way of a balled played across the defensive, intended for the next player. Other great examples are players being off balance after a tackle that just missed his legs or off the dribble passes and skill moves. FIFA 11 is a well animated game. Dribbling down the field with a skilled midfielder of forward is an absolute joy, the moves look and feel much smoother than in previous games and are incredibly satisfying when pulled off. Taking on defenders with Madrid’s Ronaldo is not a win button though, picking the proper move for the situation is imperative and will provide the extra step on the defender leading to a dangerous attacking position.
The biggest improvement however, is the passing system. In all previous FIFA games the passing of the ball often resembled a ping pong game where players were able to connect passes super easily until they reached the offensive third. That was a major flaw in years prior. FIFA 11 introduces a new and skill based passing model that requires players to use precision and direction carefully. They will also have to take into account the skill rating and stamina level which effect how well a player can pass the ball. Games feel much more fluid and realistic now that the ping pong mechanic has been replaced with a deep and authentic passing system, which will take some getting used to. Once players are at ease with new level of detail in maneuvering the pitch it will be almost more fun to play keep-away than scoring goals. Finishing in this game is not too easy either but yet again another more realistic approach that FIFA 11 takes. Once players do put the ball in the back of the net though, the new celebration moves will have them smile.
The passing system is not the only massive change made in EA’s flagship franchise, Be-A-Goalkeeper has been added to the mode that allows players to take control only one player on the field. Previous years only allowed for controlling the ten field players but FIFA 11 finally makes the 11 vs. 11 experience complete and has players take control of the goalkeeper. The new mode has been implemented very well and playing as a goalkeeper works well mechanically and keeps it interesting as well. The game is centered behind the goalie whom players can move around freely and dive with the analog sticks. Players have full control over the last line of defense but can also hit a button that keeps him in the proper position in the box if needed.
Visually FIFA 11 looks a lot like its predecessor; the graphics and overall presentation are largely the same and will probably need an overhaul in the years to come. The faces of the star players as well as their overall look and feel are very close to their real life counterparts adding to the authenticity that comes with a FIFA game, including all the official teams, players and leagues with the exception of the official Uefa licenses. The soundtrack and audio is outstanding again this year completing the great presentation of FIFA 11.
There are a few new career mode choices as well. Players can now choose to use one player throughout the career without managing the whole team, be a player manager which allows for managing and starring in major games or play the classic manager mode known from previous games. While the first two modes allow for the Be-A-Pro style option, manager mode does not. Players can also play as the whole squad in the first two modes. The manager mode, specifically simulating games and completing transfers has been improved again to get rid of the annoying 5:0 losses to a team from the bottom of the table or impossible transfer fees.
The online experience is very much unchanged with the exception of the new 11 versus 11 online mode allowing 22 players to take each other on. There is of course the regular head to head as well, fairly standard mode but usually my choice when I head online to play. Lastly, EA Sports has implemented the Creation Centre for FIFA 11 which allows players to create players and full teams including ratings and uniforms which can be shared and downloaded to the consoles which is a nice addition and makes player creation easier than ever. The ‘Pro’ however has to be created on the conole itself.
EA Sports has produced an excellent game with this latest entry into the FIFA series. Even though the game has stayed visually identical with little graphical improvements, it has some many small and large improvements and additions to the gameplay that is truly is more than just another derivative roster update. The adjustment and improvements to the passing and animation systems along with the addition of the Be-A-Goalkeeper mode as well as the tune up of the manager mode make this the best FIFA game to date. FIFA 11 will more than merit the 60 Dollar purchase this year and have players coming back throughout the year.
Score: 9 / 10
FIFA 11 was developed and published by EA Sports for the Xbox 360 and PS3 on September 28th. A copy of the Xbox 360 version was provided to us by EA Sports for reviewing purposes.
