Recent years have seen the gulf between the two greatest football series ever reduced somewhat. Last year was a pleasant surprise, with FIFA coming a very close second to its arch rival. This year, things looked even more promising for FIFA, EA having annonced numerous new features, such as Be A Pro. But as ever we have to ask the question, “Have EA finally passed Konami?”
Shooting
FIFA 08 has tried the hardest to make a notable improvement in this area, as the game takes factors like momentum, angle, foot preference and position into account. Despite all EA’s efforts however, the shockingly light ball (see Gameplay below) takes a lot away from the shooting experience. But once again PES has nailed it.
Winner: Light ball kills FIFA’s feel. PES 2008 (0-1)
Goalies
Unlike with the shooting, FIFA is actually much better than PES here, since the PES keepers make howlers that would put England to shame.
Winner: Rock solid keepers show up PES. FIFA08 (1-1)
Defending
The defending, like the keepers, is fanstastic with marking tighter than a 1999 Manchester United side. However, having every defender world class is not as great as it sounds, as it advesely affects the enjoyment of the gameplay and will frustrate you no end.
Winner: FIFA’s may be better, but PES’s is more enjoyable. PES 2008 (1-2)
Licensing
No contest here. Pro Evo has improved over the years but this has always been, and still is, FIFA’s strong point. 08 boasts the series’ biggest roster to date, with over 600 teams from 30 leagues and more than 15,000 players.
Winner: An easy win for EA’s game. FIFA08 (2-2)
Graphics
Very tough one this. In terms of likenesses for the players the game does have, PES leaves FIFA standing, but for scale and presentation, I have to give this one to the latter.
Winner: Cinematic presentation snares another category. FIFA08 (3-2)
Gameplay
It’s the downfall of FIFA once again. This time the main problem is the actual ball, which feels as if you’re playing with a flyaway. By contrast, Pro Evo is as taut and realistic as ever.
Winner: FIFA trips itself up here for yet another year. PES 2008 (3-3)
Extras
Be A Pro is superb and shows real potential for the future. PES has the Master League, but compared to FIFA’s smorgasbord of extra options, it’s just not enough.
Winner: EA outdo themselves again. FIFA08 (4-3)
Overall
Pro Evo, forever the best of the two, finally had a challenge last year with FIFA07. And this time round EA have done it again. It is very close between the two games, but I think, due to the drama and sense of occasion that comes with it, I have to give the edge to FIFA.
FIFA08 4 – 3 PES 2008
Winner: FIFA08
