FIFA Soccer 08

1UP (A)

Beyond that, the subtle workings of the game are fantastic: Exerting your authority against a lesser team, wearing them down, and earning top chances is absolutely rewarding. You can work the ball in and really press. And a goal feels like a victory of its own, as it should. This is the time of the year (and the part of our annual FIFA review) where we usually tell people to hold tight until Winning Eleven's release. But not this time. FIFA 08 is a superb and strikingly polished game. And for once, soccer fans everywhere don't have to watch their clocks waiting for Konami to release its competitor.

Vgames (91 out of 100)

אז למרות הבעיטות החופשיות, פיפא 08 בגרסת הפלייסטיישן 3 הוא משחק כדורגל משובח. את השיפורים באינצטליגנציה המלאכותית כבר הכרנו וגם מנוע המשחק השתפר מאוד, אבל כשהכל מגיע בחבילה אחת עם יופי גרפי ואינספור שיגועים ותרגילים - גם מכור פ.א.ס. כמוני מוצא את עצמו חולק שבחים לאלקטרוניק ארטס. תחרות זה טוב, כמו שכולם יודעים.

UGO (UnderGroundOnline) (A-)

Some might find some faults with this installment of FIFA, but few will argue the game isn't significantly improved over last year. The gameplay is considerably refined, making for a much better game. FIFA 08 delivers a high quality game for soccer enthusiasts.

GamerDad ( )

Every year I review the new FIFA soccer game, and every year I compare it to the latest Winning Eleven, and say that FIFA comes close but is still second-best. This year is different, and in short I recommend FIFA 08 to any fan of the round-ball football, and doubly so if you're playing on the PS3.

GameSpy ( )

After four iterations, FIFA Soccer 08 feels like the first title to live up to the "next-gen" name. Besides visual horsepower, the number of possible modes and EA Canada's strengthened emphasis on incorporating online interaction with the game have gone a long way toward improving the experience. Also, even though the online update for Be a Pro will allow greater depth for the mode, it's tough not to feel as though EA is holding back until next year's game to flesh it out fully. However, the improvements to Challenge mode, a significantly improved online multiplayer experience and the overhaul of gameplay give it a polish that has been sorely missing from the series on Xbox 360. And in spite of some frame rate shortcomings, it's still a solid debut on PS3. It's got some issues that keep it from decisively winning the domestic league, but finally, with FIFA 08, EA qualifies for a Champions League slot, if not cup finalist.

GameCell UK (9 out of 10)

This is the definitely the real thing, encompassing all the beautiful (and the ugly) aspects of the game, and if Fifa 08 loses a few fans by being less carefree and “pick up and play”, it will gain many like myself by delivering a refined, custom-built experience. Add to this - the always welcome - properly licensed teams and players and you just about have the total football that Cruyff would be proud of.

3D Juegos (8.9 out of 10)

El primer FIFA de PlayStation 3 es un nuevo triunfo de EA Sports como empresa, y de la propia saga FIFA como franquicia. Un juego que ha sabido reinventarse a si mismo con el paso de los años y que, paso a paso y mejora tras mejora, va camino de quitarse de encima la injusta etiqueta de juego fácil y simplón. Seria advertencia para la edición de este año de Pro Evolution Soccer que puede empezar a ver como se resienten seriamente sus ventas con esta dura competencia. Si te gusta el fútbol, FIFA 08 es un auténtico imprescindible.

Gamesmania.de (88 out of 100)

Da muss ich wohl als PES-Dauerzocker über meinen Schatten springen. Nachdem ich jahrelang der FIFA-Reihe ihren Realismusanspruch absprechen musste, überzeugt mich FIFA 08 völlig überraschend fast vollständig. Die vielen kleinen Änderungen gegenüber dem Vorgänger machen aus dem hübsch anzusehenden Ballgeschiebe eine waschechte Fußballsimulation. Besonders angetan hat es mir der "Be a Pro"-Modus, der mich noch intensiver in eine Partei eintauchen lässt. Da Umfang, Präsentation und die Lizenzen bei FIFA ohnehin immer superb ausfallen, ist FIFA 08 für mich das beste FIFA aller Zeiten. Ob PES 2008 in wenigen Wochen zurückschlagen kann, wird sich zeigen müssen, so knapp war die Entscheidung um die Fußballkrone jedenfalls noch nie.

Playstation Illustrated (88 out of 100)

For a casual soccer fan, FIFA 08 probably isn't a good choice, at least if you're not willing to delve a little deeper into the sport's mechanics. FIFA 08's learning curve is steeper than past games which felt a little more "arcade-y". On the flip side, hardcore fans who generally overlook FIFA for those same reasons may want to give the '08 edition a look.

PSX Extreme (8.7 out of 10)

In the end, those who have long wanted the FIFA series to turn pro will be ecstatic to know of the progress FIFA 08 makes. The game is leaps ahead of past iterations, and is without question the finest footy sim out on the market. The tweaks to the gameplay and A.I. really make FIFA 08 stand out from the pack. Furthermore, the bevy of gameplay modes makes this one punchy and valuable package that you'll be deep into all the way until FIFA 09. Visually, it's pretty good stuff, but I really wish we could have more sports games (especially football/soccer) running at 60 frames per second. Footy fans, FIFA 08 is the game for you.

GameZone (8.7 out of 10)

FIFA 08 is a solid, entertaining and challenging title. The presentation is first rate, the football is well realized and the look and feel of the game is emblematic of the sport. Any fan of the sport would do well to check this one out.

Game Over Online (85 out of 100)

Overall, FIFA 08 is a wonderful soccer game that improves on its predecessor in almost every way. It looks great, plays great, and is back on the right track for taking the crown back from the Winning Eleven series. This is an easy recommend for any soccer fan.

Video Games Daily (8.5 out of 10)

Last year's reworking of FIFA really worked for me, and this is a minor refinement of the gameplay from there with some nice new touches. Hardly reinventing the ball, but FIFA 08 is certainly a worthwhile purchase for those with a passion for the beautiful game.

Meristation (8.5 out of 10)

Acabaremos por destacar, en cuanto a control y respuesta, el gran trabajo que han tenido los tiros. Estos han recibido un especial trato en su física, dotándolos de un realismo que anteriormente no poseían. Para que un tiro sea efectivo necesitamos tener al jugador en la mejor posición posible: encarando portería, con su pierna buena, libre de marcaje y sin castigo físico. Todo lo que perjudique estos parámetros redundará en multitud de resultados en los tiros, todo un logro y una sensación de realismo que no habíamos tenido antes con esta serie. Cómo no, tendremos también esos goles “de churro” que a veces entran, pero lógicamente en cantidades muy pequeñas. Un gran avance en la saga.

Jeuxvideo.com (17 out of 20)

Le choc opéré par la profonde refonte du gameplay de FIFA est un véritable tournant sur ce marché hautement concurrentiel, qualitativement parlant tout du moins. D'autant que cette attente date de plusieurs années et qu'elle réunissait à la fois les fidèles de la série et ceux qui souhaitaient voir PES davantage chahuté sur le rectangle vert. On accueille donc à bras ouverts ce FIFA qui laisse derrière lui un passé récent délicat et un profil qui ne sera désormais plus le sien. Une vraie bonne simulation affichant le réalisme que tout connaisseur réclame.

GameSpot (8.5 out of 10)

EA Sports has taken substantial risks with this year's FIFA, but the resulting game can certainly be considered a successful experiment. It plays a more difficult and more refined game of football than its predecessors, and while it should be emphasised that the game is perhaps too difficult at times, it will reward players who put in the practice. The sheer number of game modes make FIFA the most complete football game on the market, while the authenticity and quality of presentation continue to enhance the package overall. It may fall just short of greatness, but it's a FIFA that's well worth trying out for anyone who's been avoiding the series.

Deaf Gamers (8.5 out of 10)

PlayStation 3 gamers have had to wait a while for the FIFA series to make its debut on the console but the wait has been worth it. Likewise, Xbox 360 gamers have had to wait even longer for a FIFA game that isn't light on game modes. FIFA 08 on both systems is a very enjoyable game that will not only please fans of the series but may also please those who prefer a football game that more closely resembles the real-life sport rather than a game that has fictitious teams, players and an unrealistically high tempo. The presentation, as always, is impressive and the amount of official teams, stadia and competitions is superb. The way the game plays has definitely improved and it's fair to say that this is the best FIFA game we've played in a long while.

Wonderwallweb.com (8.5 out of 10)

Although this years version of FIFA provides a great improvement over previous versions, I still feel that it’s not enough to convert fans of Pro Evolution Soccer, FIFA 08 is a sturdy football game in every sense and as usual it’s presentation is unrivaled, however it still seems to be missing the one thing that makes the Pro Evo series so great, I just can’t put my finger on what that is, but perhaps in next years version of FIFA, EA will.

Game Chronicles (8.5 out of 10)

I hate to look like I am fawning over a game – much less a sports game – but FIFA 08 is by far the best release in this long-running series, and one of the best sports titles on the PS3 thus far.

Cheat Code Central (4.2 out of 5)

FIFA Soccer 08 is another solid entry in the long history of the soccer franchise. FIFA 08 is far superior to last year's addition, but don't expect magic. A lot of the gameplay issues remain unresolved, but the overall setting and presentation are second to none. The online component and interactive leagues are outstanding additions that are sure to be included in next year's versions. If you want a soccer game that can actually last you more than a year, then FIFA Soccer 08 is a good choice. You'll get your soccer fix with good controls, great graphics, and tremendous license support.

Gamers' Temple, The (83 out of 100)

FIFA Soccer 08 is a little overwhelming at first to non-soccer fans but with a deep control system, good graphics, and a bunch of modes, those wanting a full soccer game will be happy.

VicioJuegos.com / uVeJuegos.com (82 out of 100)

En definitiva, FIFA 2008 parece haber encontrado el camino acertado para llevar la saga al camino que parecía perdido. Una jugabilidad más lenta y acorde con la realidad es su principal baza para esta temporada. Ver resultados con goles será en esta ocasión incluso un logro.

Fragland.net (81.5 out of 100)

FIFA 08 is certainly an improvement over last year's next-gen FIFAs. Despite being the first football game on PlayStation 3, FIFA 08 manages to do most things right. However, some changes are clearly a double-edged sword. The increased realism and difficulty makes it a very worthy alternative to PES (especially with EA's truckload of official licenses), but it also makes this a tough nut to crack for beginners. And that's something I never thought I'd say about a FIFA game.

Computer Bild Spiele (1.94 out of 6)

Electronic Arts hat Fifa für Konsolen mit heftigem Antritt versehen. Das Spiel macht Anfängern wie Profis gewiss gleichermaßen Spaß. Ein alter Hauptkritikpunkt, die eher kleine Zahl der Teams, hat sich erledigt. Auch machen kleine, aber feine Neuerungen das Spiel interessanter ohne es zu überfrachten. Wenn deutsche Fußballteams so erfreuliche Fortschritte machen würden, wie in "Fifa 08" die virtuellen, dann wäre das Fan-Herz rundum glücklich, zufrieden und "gut" drauf.

4Players.de (80 out of 100)

Unterm Strich dennoch ein Fortschritt und ein gutes Fußballspiel mit klasse Stadionstimmung. Das Problem ist nur, dass der größte Feind des Guten immer das Sehr Gute oder gar Ausgezeichnete ist - und das kommt höchstwahrscheinlich auch dieses Jahr aus Japan und heißt Pro Evolution Soccer 2008.

Jolt (UK) (8 out of 10)

It’s all about creating a unique selling point for FIFA – one that isn’t just its license. Yes, the leagues are here; the players are here; the stadiums (well, some at least) are here. But FIFA 08 represents EA’s first real attempt in years to do something with the franchise other than just repackaging what has gone before. Here’s a game that makes a real (if occasionally flawed) effort to move the sports sim forward. When you consider that football has been around in a largely unchanged form for 150 years, that’s an achievement.

TotalVideoGames (TVG) (8 out of 10)

As a final note, the soundtracks on both games are actually quite good. This is particularly the case on the PS2 which has an eclectic mix of world music that I'd like to have on my iPod, let alone a game. Our theory is that this is because FIFA has such an appeal worldwide, there are roughly 120 million PS2 owners and EA has realised they need to please a wide audience. After all, variety is the spice of life.

Play.tm (80 out of 100)

Overall, this is a year of innovation for FIFA and it is probably well overdue. It again edges closer to Pro Evo, without quite managing to crack that magic formula. Whilst there will be proponents for each game, it still feels like EA is trying to catch up. That said, their decision to make FIFA more of a footballers game than a gamers game is an excellent decision. The slower pace and more considered controls make for a much more realistic experience. Although success is now much harder to achieve, this makes it all the more enjoyable when you do score those last minute winners.

videogamer.com (8 out of 10)

But none of the sheen stops us feeling a degree of sadness when playing FIFA. Sadness in that here we have a lovely looking and functionally excellent game, but it's just not got that certain je ne sais quoi, that va-va-voom. If we could just combine FIFA with PES, perhaps creating FES, or PEFA, we would probably never need another football game, and we'd all be singing from the terraces. As it is, it's a gorgeous, decent football game that's trying a bit too hard to be PES when it should be celebrating what it already was.

Video Game Talk ( )

Despite the game's few drawbacks in game play, the overall experience, as previously mentioned, is positive. FIFA 08 has a lot of diversity of its game play and offers an addictive, easy to learn experience for soccer fanatics. So, select your favorite team, create a persona in your image (if you like), and lead them to victory.

UOL Jogos ( )

"FIFA 08" é, sem dúvidas, um game que merece uma chance daqueles que sempre torceram o nariz para a série. Foi-se o tempo em que o termo "arcade" era empregado para classificar a franquia: a parada aqui é difícil. No PS3 e Xbox 360, trata-se de um jogo autêntico, realista e cheio de possibilidades, seja no Be-a-Pro ou no modo online. Há melhorias a se fazer, para deixar o jogo mais natural, mas nada muito complexo. O mais importante, o game já fez: partir do zero para colocar a série de volta no jogo.

AceGamez (8 out of 10)

With plenty of single player modes to entertain you for months and the online depth that fans have craved, any self-respecting FIFA fan who picks up FIFA 08 should be ready to clear off their gaming plates. Though still a few steps behind the sweet game play of PES, the gameplay gap between the two series is becoming less and less discernable, while the presentation gap is an ever widening chasm, in FIFA's favor. Depending on how PES 2008 ends up, the battle for football supremacy may yet yield roses to EA. Competition has a way of bringing out the best in two entities - so let's hope Konami proves this to be true, as no one profits more from this concept as us gamers.

Gamernode (8 out of 10)

FIFA 08 is a fun title, whether you're a soccer fanatic or the casual bystander that sees an occasional soccer match on television. If you're looking for an entertaining sports game outside of your usual baseball, football and basketball, you might be surprised at how much fun this game can be. If you follow soccer closely and like soccer games, FIFA 08 will be a must buy for you.

IGN (7.9 out of 10)

FIFA 08 seems to represent the classic videogame mistake. It’s not a bad game by any stretch of the imagination and will likely satisfy football diehards a bit more than past entries in the series, but one can’t help but wonder just how good the whole package could have been if EA Sports had just held the game back until the online Be a Pro Mode was finished. As it stands the mode will get no attention, and likely won’t be as large a part of the game experience as it should have been. Check back next season when the feature set to FIFA is finally complete and the gameplay has been tuned a bit more, until then the game will be known as good rather than great.

Giery.eu (30 out of 40)

Szybka i dynamiczna gra, efektowne zwody, i wspaniała fizyka postaci sprawiają, że przy tej produkcji nie mogłem się nudzić. Tutaj naprawdę możemy pokazać innym, jakie wspaniałe umiejętności posiadają nasi piłkarze. A ułatwia nam to bardzo intuicyjne sterowanie. Wystarczy bowiem nacisnąć L2 i poruszać prawą gałką analogową, aby wykonać niesamowity zwód, który pozwoli nam wyminąć obrońcę drużyny przeciwnej. Oczywiście można przyczepić się, że jest to mało realne. Tak, jest to prawdą, ale nie zmienia to faktu, że w FIFĘ może grać każdy i każdy będzie miał z niej przyjemność.

PAL Gaming Network (PALGN) (7 out of 10)

FIFA 08 is without a doubt the most realistic FIFA title yet, but only just. There have been a few gameplay refinements and the new modes are decent. It's disappointing Australians will miss out on the 5 vs 5 be a pro online feature as that is one of the drawcards for FIFA 08. The game isn't quite at the level of Pro Evolution Soccer yet but there is still a lot of fun to be had with FIFA 08.

Maxim Magazine ( )

The FIFA series has been getting better with each passing year, and 08 successfully continues that trend. Yes, Beckham is bending it on the L.A. Galaxy in the game; and no, he does not have any pesky knee injury to sideline him. (Or a bony wife to nag him.) The game's "Be a Pro" mode lets you focus less on running plays, and more on your own individual performance. With 620 licensed teams and more than 15,000 actual players, this disc contains a totally impressive slice of the futbol world. Not included: box-cover boy Ronaldinho's "Get Drunk With Me!" minigame.