On the Ball- FIFA Soccer 11 Review

Between NBA Elite 11‘s temporary retreat against the NBA 2K franchise, and 2K’s own NHL series bowing to the superiority of NHL 11, there’s been a number of recent shake-ups in the world of sports simulations. While this year’s FIFA Soccer 11 doesn’t offer the sweeping enhancements of years past, the game’s  on-pitch proficiency might just be strong enough to push rival Pro Evolution Soccer into an early retirement.

Initially, players might be skeptical of the inclusion of Personality Plus- a system of thirty-six attributes and fifty-seven traits intended to make each virtual athlete behave like their real-world counterpart. Yet, a match against Chelsea astutely demonstrated a CPU-controlled Frank Lampard favoring long passes and getting shots on-goal, while Manchester United’s Wayne Rooney and Darron Gibson displayed short-range shooting precision. More importantly, gamers feel the difference between each team member- as there’s a discernible difference in each athlete’s dribbling passing, tackling and shooting abilities. Being able to replicate the actual post-goal celebrations for some of game’s luminaries adds another dose of authenticity to each match.

With Personality Plus applied to goalkeepers,  the net men behave less robotically, and often show a distinct style of protection. No longer does each stopper routinely run out to challenge a player, eliminating the old ‘come out and I’ll chip one past you’ stratagem which was ripe for exploitation. Instead, keepers show a variable amount of bravado, as well as a traditional or acrobatic play style. Players who have longed for the opportunity to safeguard the net, will finally have their chance with FIFA 11‘s option to player as the goalkeeper in both offline and online modes. While this option may not have the same exhilaration as directing a striker, the ability to shout directives to your teammates helps offset those moments when the ball is on the other side of the pitch.

Whereas players have shown a inclination for pacifism in previous FIFA iterations, this year’s game elevates the physicality. With a meticulous collision model and an emphasis on timing, the game’s range of bumps, pushes, as well as slide, poke and block generate a satisfying struggle for ball possession. Last year’s game allowed diminutive athletes to strip the sphere from galloping gargantuans, but this year height and heft help determine the outcome of each challenge.  Passing has also been retrofitted to remove the ability for players to touch pass their way downfield. Now, gamers must hold down the pass button to set the power of their shot, which allows skillful players to deliver the ball to a distant teammate. Despite the changes, I was still able to complete a high percentage of dodgy transfers; even average players were able to direct 180 degree passes with formidable accuracy.

FIFA 11‘s career mode allows players to step into the grippy cleats and well-worn wingtips of either a player, manager, or play/manager hybrid. Be warned- player progression is a deliberate experience, demanding a considerable amount of investment from gamers. Head office types should appreciate the game’s balance of recruiting new talent while maintaining a healthy, happy, experienced roster of players.

Visually, FIFA 11‘s menus and player models have been given a overhaul, bringing these assets in line with the stunning selection of stadiums and fastidious recreation of uniforms. Aurally, the game’s selection of music is near impeccable, with selections from artists such as Groove Armada and Massive Attack. Cleverly, the title allows for an impressive amount of customization- players can import their own chants and celebratory, post-goal songs. The title’s Creation Center lets even lets players go online to create, tweak, and share custom players and squads.

Taken separately, each of FIFA 11‘s improvements may seem like negligible back-of-the-box bullet points conceived to push another iteration of the franchise. Yet, the sum of these parts manages to elevate the title to synergistic heights; FIFA Soccer 11 has taken steps to amplify both the quality of simulation and enjoyment of the game.