FIFA Manager 2007

Electronic Arts (EA), the only gaming company with a fully licensed cast of pro-soccer stars should be launching a game like FIFA Manager 2007(FIFA07) with a bang. However EA only confirmed the existance of FIFA07 only a matter of weeks before its release.

So what is making EA so coy about their annual hit soccer sim?

At first glance, FIFA07 looks like a hit. But delve further and you will realize that it is little more than a lightweight update of its previous outings. Unlike its competitors like Football Manager 2007 (FM07) and Championship Manager 2007 (CM07), FIFA07 is lacking in new features.

But on the brighter side FIFA07 stays true to gameplay. It still retains the 3-D matches and “Sims” like mode where players can create a virtual manager/player. The 3-D matches look like a real-life soccer match on TV. EA adds realism to the in-game matches through the use of realistic facial expressions on the players as well as their managers. This game looks tasty and is a welcoming alternative to the boring style of FM07 and CM07. This makes the EA franchise one of the best in terms of graphics.

Moreover this game does feature an in-game tutorial that gives a step-by-step guide to newbies. At the same time, EA has added a new feature: a Manager/Player Career Mode that gives the gamer the option to play as either a player or a manager. This means that gamers can now play as a world-class soccer player like Ronaldinho as well. Your character's career, whether hot future prospect, or flop lies entirely in your hands.

FIFA07 does provide quite challenging gameplay in managerial mode. Sponsorship deals, transfer market and board requests, which are part and parcel of a manager's portfolio, are included in the game too.

On the flip side, this game requires patience. The load time between matches takes too long and the transfer market just seems unrealistic. Wayne Rooney valued at over a 100 million pounds? Yeah, right!

This game should be a hit with gamers who are new to soccer management. But those looking for a much higher level of realism should go for other versions like FM2007.

By: Jevon Png