FIFA 08 (PS3)
The greatest battle of the new football season is not between any real world club but between the virtual giants of FIFA and Pro Evolution Soccer. Konami’s game has always been the favourite but last year FIFA closed the gap to such a degree that the title race has never been closer. This year’s FIFA uses a completely new game engine, for the first time built specifically for the next gen consoles. But improved graphics and animation are only the half of it, with just as much focus going on the artificial intelligence thanks to the new “35 point decision engine”. What this basically means is that every player on the pitch is fully aware of those around him and constantly thinking about tactics and position when not under your control.
Other changes include better modelled physics for taking a shot on goal, which take into account everything from air pressure to the angle of your foot. You’re also able to create your own special moves to replicate every possible trick from real life. There are also new game modes including Be A Pro which challenges you to play the role of a single player through a whole season or career. On top of this there are revamped online leagues to play a virtual season in the Premier League, Bundesliga, French League or Mexican 1st Division against real opponents. With 620 licensed teams, 30 offline leagues and 15,000 players as well FIFA might just have made enough new signings this year to put it over the top.
Harrison Dent
List Price: ?49.99
Amazon Price: ?29.97
Used Price: ?28.00
Customer Review: Well Done EA!
I have to admit in previous games the Pro Evolution series has always been my preferred with better gameplay. Clearly EA have learned from their mistakes to bring out an amazing game which is FIFA 08. Features such as Be A Pro: Online Team Play where you can go online and play with 4 other people on your team are now available. You can choose your own position and it will give you a rating on how you’ve done and you get the benfit of playing and making friends with other online players. Great new tricks have came out with the game and can be learnt from the guide that comes with the game. You can master them in the lobby and then show them off in games. Also the online squad updater is absolutely brilliant. It only takes about 15 seconds and all the teams have squads updated to the current time. This is great as the teams play as they should. Arsenal have increased from 4 and a half stars to 5 after their rise to top of the league. Players such as Bacary Sagna and Gael Clichy stats have risen after their great performances in the Premiership. After playing on both games, FIFA 08 and PES 2008, i have decided that EA’s FIFA 08 outstrips Konami’s PES 2008 by far. Now with FIFA 08 at only ?30 on Amazon it is an absolute bargain!
Customer Review: Pro evo Vs Fifa …blah blah blah!
Although the title to this review would suggest that my review would be based on the pros and cons of the everlong “battle” between fifa and Evo it is, i am happy to say, not. This review will focus on the pros and cons of Fifa 08. A fine but slightly flawed product for the next gen gaming era! All in all fifa 08 is a very good game. Like many before me i had picked up a version after being left cold by the hastily released Evo 2008. Pros: -The gameplay is very realistic. In comparrison, a friend and i played a few games of fifa then stuck on EVO 6 to compare. The gameplay in EVO was so quick it was almost comical. Now before you all shout and call me a fifa loving moron…hold on! I advise you to play both games and see the difference yourselves. EA have really gone to town with 08 and it is undoubtedly the better football game this year (sadly). Fifa consists of Slow methodical passes, clever runs by AI players. No charging through defences with this game. You have to break down the opposing team. Also amazingly, player moral is effected during gameplay. E.G. If you conceed a goal you have to try harder with your players as there mentality is effected. -Countless number of teams to use -Realistic kits, boots etc. _ Cool little Ronaldinho loading screen -Manager mode is incredible. Transfers in ?s, sponsors etc Cons: You do have to tweak the settings a lot to get the operfect set up. Otherwise you’ll be screaming at your tele to how you could have missed a shot from 2 yards out!! - whilst doing FA cup, carling Cup etc you’ll find that you have two matches on one day!! Not cool. - UEFA and Champs league, computer seems to duplicate some teams i.e.two Barcas is the same group. Frustrating as they have so many teams on the game. - No seasons or night games - Any changes you make to players doesn’t transfer to squad file in Manager mode etc. - some annoying music. (No where as bad as Evo though!) Overall, If like me you were dissapointed with Evo this year, give fifa a try. It’ll give you something to do for a year!
NBA 08 
NBA ‘08 brings all the great graphics and features you’ve enjoyed from the the previous game, and now with a host of new features and innovative gameplay functionality. To complement the fast-paced basketball action, NBA ‘08 introduces an all-new progression system where players earn skill and experience rewards that can be used to thoroughly customize player appearance and play styles. With an upgraded control system from last year that utilizes broader SIXAXIS functionality, gamers can engage in all-new and comprehensive gameplay movement on and off the ball. Also for this year, character models are updated with new animations, more dynamic movement, and new skin textures to give them a more realistic look. Additionally, the user interface has been significantly revamped to incorporate a retro NBA look and feel - from the menus down to the loading screens. To create a true basketball atmosphere, NBA ‘08 introduces for the first time a comprehensive and in-depth audio commentary with top broadcast talent. With a fully reworked user interface, revamped character models and environments, and a robust online system with player profiles and quick play options, NBA ‘08 is set to push the envelope for NBA action and bring an unparalleled basketball experience to the PS3. Enhanced character models and brand new animations ESRB Rated E for Everyone
List Price: $59.99
Amazon Price: $41.99
Used Price: $18.99
Customer Review: Must buy
This is simply the best basketball sim out there. The graphics are insane, the sixaxis ball control is unimaginable, the game of the week brings you back again and again. Simply playing a game with a friend is in one word FUN. A must buy for any PS3 owner. This game, MLB the show, and probably Hot shots golf and definately best in their class… Enjoy.
Customer Review: Misunderstood…
This game has an undeserved bad reputation on the web. Simply, it shouldn’t be considered a simulation. The play is more arcade-style. The developer’s have obviously spent more focus on ‘feel & technique’ than ‘deep’ franchise options. But that doesn’t mean weak replay value- every week you get to download roster updates and challenges. This means that while watching ESPN, if you see a sick NBA play… you might get a chance to recreate the moment yourself through NBA 08. Plus Sony has LeaderBoards for these challenges (and online play, of course). When I bought this game there were 3 of us here. Within 2 hours of purchase we were all yelling at my set and having a great time. Later, motivated, we went out and played some ball of our own. This is THAT type of game. So my final recommendation would be: If you have 1080p/HDMI/HDCP (the graphics amaze),have PS3 online, and commonly play with friends/family, yes get it. Otherwise, I’d hesitate.
