New Modes, Features for FIFA 08

EA reveals some of the new stuff we can expect later this year. New images.

Last year Microsoft crowed about the Xbox 360 being the only place to play next-generation football. This year the PlayStation 3 is off the bench for EA's latest FIFA entry. So, what can you expect from the game?

The developers at EA's FIFA studio in Vancouver have a lot of new stuff for series veterans, from new modes to refinements on existing features.

One of the biggest additions to FIFA 08 is the Be A Pro mode. Similar to a mode recently introduced in the Madden series, this new mode lets you take on the persona of one player on your team. You'll learn new skills and show the managers you've got what it takes to make it to the top.

It's not just big stuff, though. Ball control gets upended by your newfound ability to chain together skills and special moves. No longer will you have to watch animations complete before getting control again. You can interrupt movements at any time and take things in a new direction.

Also getting bumped for this latest version are the game's AI and shooting systems. These will now take into consideration many more variables from the field, so that the action flows more like it does in real life.

Online play brings the Interactive Leagues, which let you play as your favourite club in virtual versions of the real F.A. Premier League, Bundesliga, French League or Mexican 1st Division leagues from around the world.

The whole game is bigger too. There are now 620 teams in 30 leagues and over 15,000 players to enjoy.

The PS3 and Xbox 360 versions of FIFA 08 will be released alongside others for PS2, PSP, Wii, DS, PC and mobiles sometime this autumn.

Alex Wollenschlaeger
Editor, Kikizo