Give it a kick

When you say football, the first thing a gamer would think off is FIFA (the game) by EA SPORTS. Some would prefer Winning Eleven but for me playing a team named Manchester United is much cooler than playing a team named Man Red.

FIFA 07 is the latest football game from EA SPORTS hence its 14^th title from the FIFA series. If you would like to try the demo, so you can download it here. Otherwise, you could wait for another 2 weeks to buy the game.

I wanted to try the demo with my gaming PC, but when I read the requirements, “GeForce MX is not supported” “Aww… damn…” Luckily, I still have my work laptop (Core with ATI). The bad news is, my gamepad couldn’t be recognized by the laptop. SO I have to play FIFA, old school.

Like most games, the first thing you look into a game is its graphics. FIFA 07 doesn’t shine that much. It is still with its ‘watercolor’ image, and the UI is pretty much the same with its predecessor. Realistic player movement? Yes, except the celebrating goals part.

Something must have gone wrong during the motion capture process because the players who were celebrating goals were as stiff as Peter Crouch (no offense Liverpool). Its game play however is something I really enjoy. I reckon they learn something from FIFA World Cup 2006 as the match was really hasty, ingenious and ‘smart’. Too bad I was using the keyboard and unable to prevent the ongoing massacre by Messi and Ronnie. I was using Man Utd and I was getting pawned 2-0 by Barcelona. But still I was proud with the match. Now I can’t wait to get the full game to play the FULL match as the demo only allows you to play until halftime.

If you are a fan of FIFA series, then you shouldn’t miss this. Well, it’s either this or Winning Eleven (or Sensible Soccer, perhaps?).

Btw Malaysians, you can pre-order this at The Software Boutique. The pre-order price is RM79.00, so you'll save........ RM40 (i hate maths..) Pre-order ends 26th September, so hurry now.

Release Date: 3rd October (Malaysia)
Minumum System Requirement:
1.3 GHz
256 Megabytes of RAM (512 MB recommended)
DirectX 9.0c Compatible 3D accelerated 64 MB video card or equivalent (except GEFORCE MX)
(Approx.) 1 GB free hard disk space
DirectX 9.0c Compatible Sound Card
MS compatible mouse
Keyboard
Please note that 16 bit colour is not supported

Required Operating Systems:
Windows XP SP2 or Windows 2000 SP4
Note that Windows 95, Windows 98, Windows ME and Windows NT 4.0 are not supported.

Required Software:
DirectX 9.0c