SGM Review -- FIFA 07

FIFA 07 is the latest in the EA Sports line of professional soccer titles. The company released a World Cup game this summer that received absolutely terrible reviews on X-Play, but that game was just limited to international (i.e. Olympic-style) teams. With this one, they return to the type of game that has built a successful franchise.

FIFA 07 is very notable for fixing most, if not all, of the bugs from FIFA 06. Among the differences I noticed right away is a much better player stat screen. In 06, players had an "OVR" rating next to their name. The game manual hinted that players played better in their natural positions (i.e. you wouldn't want to put a striker at center-back), but the OVR number stayed the same. You had no idea how the guy would play in the new slot. Now, the OVR number is divided into two. The first is the players number at that position, and the second is his "maximum" rating, allowing you to make better subs.

Also, there was a terrible bug in 06 during stoppage time where, if you gave the ball a long kick from the goalie, time automatically expired. This was good if you were ahead, but not so much if you were trying for a last second goal. They have fixed this and stoppage time is more aligned with the game clock.

The manager mode is excellent this year. In 06, the "Board Expectations" were very simple... i.e. "Finish in the top half of the standings." Now, they have been diversified. The expectations for my current season include a finishing position, winning the League Cup, signing my star striker to a 3 year contract, and spending less than a certain amount on player signings. The budgeting aspect is also more complex. In 06, you made enough off of tickets that you could load up your coaches (i.e. give players better attributes) more easily. Now, the budget is more in line and it is difficult to even upgrade the team doctor.

They have also fixed the shooting mechanism, giving you a much larger range of shot options (i.e. finesse shots and driven shots). The crossing mechanism is also much better, making offense a lot easier even on the harder difficulties.

All in all, it is a really, really good upgrade. The changes are more dramatic than the evolution from 05 to 06 and, since they dropped the price 10 bucks this year for the PS2 version, it is absolutely worth buying.

Rating: Three Count