What works and doesn't work in FIFA 11

I think it's fair to say that EA's FIFA series has come in leaps and bounds since the transition to the new generation of consoles. Most but the sternest of fan (-boys) now agree that FIFA is a worthy rival to the Pro Evolution series that was once preferred by those who craved a realistic football/soccer game. One may even claim it is a better game these days.

I myself have been buying the three latest installments of FIFA (only the two latest for the PS3, mind), but have been an avid player of the Pro Evolution series since it's days on the PSX. I'd still happily name PES 5 and/or 6, along with ISS Pro Evolution 2 as the nostalgic fave, as my two favorite football/soccer simulation games (I'm not counting FM and CM here).

There are a few reasons why FIFA these days is perhaps the better game:

• player movement and physics
• ball physics in relation to the players
• the ability to edit set pieces
• excellent online and human player vs. human player modes
• more leagues and players (with the added bonus of them being licensed)

However, there are still critical aspects of FIFA that frustrates to such an extent that I can only play a few games at a time. These are such important elements for the feel and realism of the game, and they needs to be fixed if I'm to buy the next versions. This regards especially when playing against the AI:

• power and accuracy of passes and through balls: regardless of whether you play with the settings on manual, semi or assisted, too often passes are under hit, and are easily picked up by defenders, or they are played directly into an opponents feet, even when aimed and powered to pass them by. Not even when playing with esteemed playmakers such as Xavi, Fabregas and Pirlo do passes go the way you want them to, at least not often enough, which is not very realistic at all. What's the point of playing through a play maker when you, as the gamer, spot another player's run, directs and presses the button to make the through ball with your best passer only for the ball to be cut out by a defender. One of the most exciting things in footy games for me is when you are able to make the defense spilling pass, and all that is left is to beat the keeper, if your attacker is calm enough. Only when you have a clear advantage in numbers does a through ball work, and even then they are just as often cut out. This is a real shame, and undercuts the realism the game aspires for. PES still have the upper hand in respect to passing and through balls. EA claims to have a new system going that should make passing better for the next version. We'll just have to wait and see. Curiously, playing through balls worked brilliantly with the right player on FIFA 09 for the PS2. Below, a (poor quality) video of an example of how well through balls can work on Pro Evolution 11, and then one of only few exambles of a successfully hit through ball on FIFA 11.

• crosses: crosses significantly lack power
• significance of player stats: the difference between a player with, say 65 in short passing as compared with one with say, 85, is minimal at best. This could tie in to the problem with the passing system as a whole, but stats such as strength, shot power, and ball control seem to have very little significance as well. What's the point of buying better players if their stats don't improve on what you already have?
• long range shooting: needs a tweak. The ball trajectory isn't quite there, and some long range specialists should be able to get more power behind the ball than FIFA 11 seems to allow.
• tackling: yes, a player loses speed when he goes in for a sliding tackle, but not to the extent that we see here. By comparison, tackling on PES is actually fun, even when you miss.
• preferred foot: players too often use their weaker foot for passing (especially lofted passes) and shooting, even when their stronger foot seems the easiest and best way to go considering where the player is in relation to the ball, and also where you are aiming your pass/shot. At times very, very frustrating.
• player search menus in career mode: I mean, come on.

I wouldn't mind seeing some tinkering with the set pieces and the goal keepers either -- some keepers seem to be "on" all the time. I'll admit this may just have to do with the way I play the game, but thought I'd mention them anyway.

So, there are still some things to be done if any future FIFA game is to have the longevity that the PES games had for me on the previous generation. You can do it, EA!