PSP

FIFA Soccer

Still, we can't help but recommend you snag a copy at the earliest possible convenience. You'll want to link up and leave friends screaming with rage post-haste. We're floored by the effort; if EA Sports can fix a few minor niggles and implement ongoing audiovisual upgrades, we expect big things from the series.

When all is said and done, then, FIFA Soccer for the PSP is not only a great portable sports game, but a great sports game in its own right. If you can come to grips with (or are happy to completely ignore) the idea of using both the PSP's directional pad and analog stick, and aren't worried about any of the minor failings that we've mentioned, there's really no reason why FIFA Soccer shouldn't be the next game that you play on your PSP.

Another brilliant effort for EA, as they are proving to be a lead developer in the early stages of the PSP. I am curious what EA has in store once they have tinkered enough with this device to where they can push the limits of it.

Some hefty load times and dekes awkwardly mapped to the d-pad are my only major complaints in what is otherwise an excellent handheld presentation of the sport.

Despite its few imperfections, FIFA Soccer for the PSP is fun enough to keep devoted aficionados happy. There are just enough options, impressive lineup of teams and fun-to-get-into modes in this portable version. Sure the controls could have used less analog control and the multiplayer could have been handled differently but this is still a solid soccer game worth the price.

FIFA Soccer is rough around the edges but definitely had a good first showing for the franchise on this new handheld. Of the two soccer games currently out for the PSP, FIFA Soccer is hands-down the victor. No portable soccer fan should do without this one.

Imperfections aside, when all's said and done, FIFA Soccer is a worthwhile addition to any avid gamer's PSP library, providing hours of unparalleled handheld soccer gaming bliss.

So how does FIFA stack up on the PSP? Well the controls and frame rate issues really do limit the title incredibly. The game doesn't feel anywhere near as fluid as it does on home consoles and Pro Evolution feels a million times better. However, the potential is there to improve and hopefully as EA master the PSP hardware, future versions will allow us to enjoy portable football wherever we choose.

Soccer fans rejoice! The PSP has gotten its second soccer game since its release, so you folks will be bursting at the seams with pleasure like a jelly-filled donut topped with sour cream and licorice-like sprinkles. Sports games are very popular on any console, so EA Sports has decided to dip their money vacuum into the PSP market with the release of FIFA Soccer. This title is remarkably similar to other PS2 soccer games, with stupendous graphics, tubular tunes, and really realistic real-like realism and realness.

FIFA Soccer will certainly appeal to fans of the console FIFA versions who can't stand to be without their soccer, even when they are out of the house, but newcomers should probably steer clear of this title or just play it on the console where it plays the best.

Although FIFA Soccer has some great things going for it, I find the game very hard to recommend considering that FIFA 2006, the next edition to the series for the PSP, is already on shelves just a few months after this game's release. Assuming that FIFA 06 makes up for many of the original's shortcomings, it is only logical to purchase that game, even with the $20 price differential. On the flip side, for $20 cheaper than 2006, FIFA Soccer is a fine game for any footy fanatic. Just don't get too excited.

FIFA Soccer for PSP is a decent initial effort on the PSP hardware. I have no doubts that Electronic Arts will take their initial effort, polish it to a high sheen, and release it again next year as a much better iteration of what we’ve already seen. If they can reduce the load times, clean up the graphics, and iron out the little mechanical issues in the game, they’ll have themselves a solid soccer game. Right now, it’s just an average title that true soccer fanatics will enjoy, but everyone else will likely abandon after just a few matches.

Despite all this, it's a decent effort and it is still the best soccer game on the PSP at the moment. The problems with the title are all technical and limited to the PSP version, and don't reflect on the gameplay itself. I have a lot of fun with the game, and the widescreen format of the PSP is a perfect match for team sports games, but I do have to wonder if I would enjoy it quite so much if I were only a casual fan of the sport and not a rabid fan of an English soccer team. Unless you're a real fan of soccer, it's hard to recommend buying the PSP versions at full price ﾖ wait for the bargain bin, the next version, or buy it on the bigger consoles without the technical problems.

In the end you'd have to be a true FIFA 2005 freak to get satisfaction out of FIFA Soccer for PSP. If there was a franchise mode beyond the basic single season mode, I could see the appeal of being able to manage your franchise to greatness anytime anywhere. But there isn't and the problems we had with First Touch control basically make that feature non-existent. Which means we might as well be playing FIFA 2004, which is not good for anybody. It just seems like the whole effort with the PSP FIFA Soccer was either rushed or the finer points of portable soccer where simply neglected. The pieces are here there's just not enough polish and attention to detail to make this a heavyweight PSP soccer game.

FIFA swims in the glitz and glamour of big budget gaming, serving up all the amenities you'd expect on a bigger disc: a ton of real teams and real players with realistically rendered faces, and a hip soundtrack (The Streets, Morrissey, Air, etc.) that only plays in menus. The polish wears bit thin in the control department, but soccer fans will find plenty of meat to chew on here.

As far as console-to-portable ports go, FIFA is on the lower-end of the list. I'd like to see next year's game make strides, because there's plenty of potential there. Still, don't get me wrong, FIFA's a playable title with enjoyment to be had. It's just not the wisest choice for a game that will cost you $50. If you're a soccer fanatic (or rich), check FIFA out.

Ultimately, although FIFA Soccer may impress more for its presentation and add-ons than its performance on the pitch, it does impress nonetheless and while not destined for top of the PSP footie league it will keep its fan satisfied.

It's not a total loss, though - the game is fun; and it looks and sounds very good on the whole. I can honestly recommend this game to any soccer fans that absolutely need a fútbol title for their PSP - it'll do the job, but it's not wholly satisfying. To anyone else, however - I'd say to wait for EA to get used to the PSP and consider it's limitations better for the next iteration - which will hopefully address these issues and restore FIFA Soccer to the greatness it deserves.

Despite all of the window dressing, FIFA Soccer is a very basic game. It's got more in common with FIFA 2003 and I don't want to spend my money on something that's already been done, and not done very well.