Making the switch to FIFA
So, about this time last year I wrote a heartfelt post about why I still chose Pro Evo over FIFA to get my football fix online.
Turns out, I’m more fickle than I ever admitted and have made the jump over to EAs offering this year. I’m trying to think about that decision, what influenced it and if I am happy with the choice I’ve made.
In short, and for the most part, I swapped due to peer pressure. A lot more of my mates have FIFA and the opportunity to play it online with them is the single biggest factor in my decision making process. That and I don’t trust a new PES to get it right straight off the bat. It’ll need a couple of years to settle into itself.
I’ve not had much in the way of wonder goals, only a couple of beautifully placed free kicks and the odd flick over the keeper. But my god are the games online against my buddies a battle. They’re much more tactical and at times almost operatic in the way they play out on screen.
Holding onto a 1-0 lead with 10 mins to go, only to counter attack, the chance to finally put the game to bed, oh, I’ve hit the post – it’s how I imagine Gerard Butler felt when he threw that spear at Rodrigo Santoro in 300.
Anyhow, I’m getting as much of a laugh out of playing FIFA with my buddies as I did playing Pro Evo, and it looks and feels better too.
Oh, and where else could I draft up some of those epic local rivalries. Plymouth vs Exeter anyone?
Cruising along with Skate 3
So, I went and got Skate 3 when it came out. I’ve been a big fan of the series since it started as the control system just seemed to make sense to me.
I’ve worked my way through the career mode, though I still have a few bits and bobs to finish off and the challenges provided were enough to keep my attention. The silly teenager that’s hidden in me will always love the hall of meat challenges, there’s something about rag dolling my character off of a roof and seeing him glow as bones are broken…it’s just a shame there is no local multiplayer for this, I wasted hours on Skate 2 with Paul and Scott flinging characters into buildings.
For future reference EA, we all understand that online multiplayer is a big thing, but some of us actually socialise with friends in the really real world and would like that catered for too (Burnout crash junctions are another long gone favourite).
Anyhow, I digress, the main point for me is the amount of time I’ve spent aimlessly skating around looking for lines, ledges and gaps. It’s like searching for the Holy Grail, that perfect line with a few tricks that all land spot on. There’s no urgency in my hunt, no panic, just a chilled out cruise around the environment with one beady eye on the scenery.
I’ve also found myself uploading video clips a lot more than in previous iterations of the game. I’ve spent untold amounts of time playing with camera angles and trying to make them look half tidy. Why? Why am I spending all this time trying to make it look all shiny? I have no idea what has compelled me to get involved with that, but hey, whatever it is I’m not complaining.
Maybe I should dust off my board and go skating in the real world more…it’s been a while.
Why I still choose Pro Evo over FIFA
So, its October, in gaming circles it signals the release of another yearly update to FIFA and PES. I’m not here to argue the toss over which is better, there are plenty of pros and cons for both. I’m just here to explain why I will still pick Konami’s efforts over those of EA any day of the week.
The last couple of yearly instalments have seen a shift of power from Konami to EA, with FIFA improving yearly and introducing new elements to the football gaming arena (be a pro mode anyone). It’s got the extent that PES now seems to be playing catch up to FIFA, a dramatic reversal from not too long ago. The game looks polished and having the official leagues and teams is a joy – where else can I take Plymouth Argyle and turn them into a team of world beaters?
I’m yet to sample the 360 degree control implementation in FIFA 10, and from what I’ve heard, after the initial bedding in period it makes a world of difference. However, it’s something else that until I try, I’m not concerned by. For me, the game is all about how it feels to play and more importantly how it makes ME feel.
I play football games for two distinct reasons – first and foremost is the multiplayer (be it online or offline). Nothing beets having a few friends round with a pizza and some beers and getting a decent multiplayer competition going. The thrills, shrieks of excitement, the ooohhhs and aaahhhs as controversial goals are scored and tap ins are missed. The moment of blinding unexpected skill or complete madness. FIFA does not provide me with this.
Never have I had a game of FIFA that has caused controllers to be thrown, the whole room to erupt in cheers and excitement. It’s far to civilised for that. The multiplayer in FIFA is competent, but just too bland for me. To me, FIFA are the Chelsea of football gaming – brutally efficient, gets the job done but just not exciting to be a part of.
Conversely, PES, to me, is the Arsenal of games. Exciting to behold, but prone to the odd calamitous error. It is this unpredictable nature, the wtf? moments, the sheer stupidity that comes out occasionally and on the flip side, the odd moment of brilliance that comes from nowhere that draw me back to Konami’s offering. I’ve never seen such shambolic goalkeeping in FIFA or seen a 35 yard screamer on a volley actually hit the target. Admittedly, this could have more to do with my ability as a player than the game itself but i’m sticking to my guns with that one.
It’s this sense of the unexpected, the whimsical abandon with which mistakes and dodgy decisions occur that makes it all the more fun. Scoring a rabona on a volley from a lobbed cross field pass is something i’ll never pull off on FIFA, or would never attempt for that matter.
The second reason is the master league/management mode. I’ll keep this one brief. FIFA have not nailed this down, the top teams can find it a struggle and the finances are all over the place. PES manages to ensure that at least it’s league keeps in with trends – top teams doing well and transfers acting like they should with regular frequency and not as many fantasy land player moves. The PES master league works, it just feels right – going back the the “feeling” I get from playing games.
At the end of the day, I will concede that FIFA plays better at times and looks better, and that having the correct teams is a bonus. But it just doesnt feel comfortable to me and bring up the same level of emotion that I get from playing a game of PES.
