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With the most anticipated date in the games season approaching
Jonny looks at the hype and reality behind the two footy gaming
giants.
On October 27, FIFA 07 and Pro Evolution Soccer 6 go head to head
with their release on the XBOX 360, the latter making its next-gen
debut.
For weeks online forums have been full of rumour and counter rumour
about what will be included and omitted from the latest incarnations
of the games.
FIFA seems to have stolen a march on PES with its online gameplay
and graphics, however, will it be able to challenge PES’s
famed gameplay?
FIFA 07 has a new online mode that enables you to pit your club
against supporters of your real-world opponents. Play your games
according to the real-world fixtures.
Man Utd playing Newcastle this weekend? Then so are you if you
support either of those teams. You can track your team's progress
as the aggregate results determine your club's position in the league
table. Now you actually take to the pitch for the glory of your
club.
EA claim a new intelligent AI ensures that your 11 men on the pitch
make realistic decisions, finding space and passing like professionals.
A complete overhaul of the game engine now means that you have to
employ real world tactics, make realistic decisions and think like
a player in order to win matches.
PES also boasts new player AI with team mates running into space
more intelligently, while the physical nature of the game has also
been boosted with new turns and defensive blocks to learn, alongside
closing down unmarked opponents.
The shooting system has also been refined, and players will be
able to attempt more snap shots than in previous versions, while
volleys and half-volleys have been reworked. It is also now possible
to retain control of the ball after performing a sliding tackle,
the result, its claimed, is an even more flowing and fluid game
with all the movement and pace of the real thing.
Certain things are still being questioned just before the heavyweights
kick off.
Many were disappointed with the FIFA 07 demo on XBOX Live’s
Marketplace.
However, it has been suggested that this was an early incarnation
of the game, a suggestion supported by many things omitted such
as skill moves and dastardly referees.
Meanwhile as PES has not been released as a demo its content remains
a mystery to many in the gaming industry. Apparently the strip editing
mode has been removed on the 360. Obviously for gamers determined
on representing their clubs in their authentic kit this is a disappointment
and may result in option files seem in previous versions no longer
available.
Unfortunately EA still dominates the Premier League’s licensing
so sooner or later this loophole was going to close.
Nevertheless many fans of PES argue that it’s not about the
graphics and authenticity of the get-up, it’s about the gameplay.
So will FIFA’s revised ball physics challenge PES’s
renowned gameplay authenticity?
Jonny will be on hand and will review both game by the end of October…
Come kick off, may the best game win!
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DVD Reviews