FIFA Soccer 2004 Critic Reviews

The sensation of FIFA "playing itself" is pretty much gone, and it's clear that the A.I. has been seriously overhauled... If you want to fully immerse yourself in soccer culture, FIFA is pretty incredible.

Not to be outdone by "Winning Eleven 6," EA Sports has pulled out all the stops and created a soccer game that is second to none... I dare you to find a soccer game where the ball moves so dynamically and realistically.

A solid simulation of the sport that offers more teams and unique options not available in its main and only competitor on the PS2, "Winning Eleven." Some minor control issues remain and the depth is still not where it needs to be, but it delivers a highly worthwhile experience nonetheless.

If your a hardcore Konami fan you just might like what's here, especially the cool online play.

Something old, something borrowed (liberally, "Pro Evo" fans will scream), and, quite a lot new is the verdict on FIFA 2004.

It looks spectacular, it plays well after practice and has options galore, but FIFA 2004 simply isn't a patch on The Other Football Game in terms of recreating the passion, anxiety and pleasures of football.

With the addition of PS2 online play and another tightening of the gameplay across the board, who's going to really be a challenge this year?

The game isn't the "NBA Jam" of soccer, but the propensity for high-scoring games gives it a different feel from "Winning Eleven."

Little tweaks in the AI here and there sometimes leave something to be desired (it’s easy to march on down the field until you get near the goal box – then it’s almost impossible) but overall the game is spot on.

The new Off the Ball controls open up the play nicely and the Career mode finally has some depth. I still prefer "Winning Eleven," but EA is closing the gap.

The core gameplay is changing ever so slowly from super arcade play to a more comprehensive, more realistic style of soccer, and the series is better for it. But it's not quite there yet.

Improvements on last years release make FIFA 2004 an all around good game, with great improvements to the graphics and keep that bar raised as sound component goes along with PS2 online play it has a lot of positives going for it but not enough to knock off "PES3" as the pinnacle.

Other than the lackluster practice mode, everything in FIFA 2004 is spot-on.

FIFA's Off-the-Ball control not only increases your offensive potency tenfold but also provides hardcore soccer studs with an added level of gameplay they've been beggin' for from the series. Plus, no other game of footie has such stellar graphics or electrifying stadium atmosphere.

While it may still fall a bit short in terms of the gameplay engine when compared to Konami's offering, the options and game modes available in FIFA 2004 are more than enough to keep it neck and neck (or foot, as it were) with the competition.

Whilst the actual game can’t compete with the fluid and brilliant motion of "Pro Evo 3", it has to be said that the outstanding visuals, attention to detail and correct licenses certainly provide a brilliant compliment to Konami's effort.

But however much positive energy we lavish on FIFA all the areas that EA beats Konami on - bar online - are simply gloss. In a straight tussle between the games, we just don't enjoy playing FIFA as much as we do "PES3," and, for most of you, that's what matters.

There’s plenty in FIFA 2004 to keep you happy until next season, when hopefully we’ll finally able to execute some plays of greater skill and complexity.

EA really needs to perfect FIFA's control as much as it needed to make a better career mode. The old developmental mantra is gameplay first, options second. Still, what it gives us in 2004 is a solid and entertaining package.

Even with its overly ambitious new 'Off The Ball' interface the FIFA series is still a long way from capturing the true essence of the beautiful game.