FIFA Street 3
Score: 70% ESRB: Everyone Publisher: EA Sports Developer: EA Canada Media: DVD/1 Players: 1 - 4; 2 - 8 (Online) Genre: Sports (Soccer)/ Arcade
Graphics & Sound: There were a few smirks when the first screens of FIFA Street 3 were released. The look is similar to the original BIG games, though the look definitely takes more of an over-exaggerated, cartoon slant rather than blending it with a realistic edge. In the end, they help give the game a great visual style that sets it apart from other sports games. There are nearly 250 soccer players that appear in the game, and while I probably couldn't name more than 2 - 3, they are distinct enough that I was able to tell players apart during games. Games take place in a number of locales, including a rooftop, an oil rig and playground. Like the characters, each arena has a standout look that sets it apart from other areas. Each area also plays a little differently than the other, which is mainly due to the types of walls. FIFA Street 3 features a fairly impressive soundtrack to go along with its slick visuals. The soundtrack is a multi-national affair and features a variety of music types including indie rock and electronica. On court sounds fit with the game and do their part wonderfully.
Gameplay: FIFA Street 3 is fairly light on game modes and content. For the single player, there's Street Challenge, which takes a bunch of players and groups them together in teams based on everything from sponsors, to how long they've been in the league. As teams are defeated, they are unlocked for use in multiplayer or when setting up individual exhibition matches. This doesn't leave much for solo players to do and doesn't give much of a reason to stick around for too long. One big departure from the rest of the series is that you are no longer awarded points for completing tricks. Instead it only fills up your Gamebreaker meter, which allows you to pull off some of the bigger moves in the game. While I was never a fan of match types that require you to out trick point your opponent, the method had its place. It added another way to use the game's mechanics in a different way and gave the player more to do. Although there are a few different match types, such as only allowing scores completed with Gamebreakers to count, there isn't enough of a difference between the types to keep things interesting. Multiplayer is what the game really seems to be built for and it shows. Up to four players can compete on a single console, while online games support up to 8 players. There are a number of modes available online, many of which appear in the single player Challenge Mode. There's also a World Challenge Mode that places players into a small league.
Difficulty: FIFA Street 3 shouldn't pose much of a learning curve to fans already familiar with the sport. Although some rules are bent or thrown out, the game still plays like a traditional soccer match for the most part. Non-fans who might be drawn to the more arcade-like "street" idea will have a tougher time. The game isn't that forgiving to first time players, nor does it even attempt to try and grab these players - which seems like it goes against the series' original concept. Although it might take a while (and a few hard losses), the game is still playable once you get used to the mechanics. However, there are still a few issues that even veteran players will have to deal with. Player A.I. is really bad; opponents are a little too good, while your own players sometimes feel like they're working against you more than they are working for you. Passes are completely missed and goalies will sometimes let easy balls sail right past them. At times, it even feels like the ball is going against you. Ball physics are erratic; sometimes it behaves just as it should and the next it will fly off on its own special course or focus more on sticking with a still-playing animation.
Game Mechanics: Controls are generally tight and work well once you know what you're doing. Like other games in the BIG line, FIFA Street 3 features a number of special moves that you normally wouldn't see in a traditional game. While you'll see your fair share of wall runs and other unorthodox moves during each game, most of what your players can do is grounded in reality. There are still a few physics-defying moves (most of which involve ball handling), though you won't see the supermen that tend to make up a normal roster in games like NFL Street. Tricks and feints are pulled off by flicking the right stick in various directions while other tricks, like juggles, are mapped to the face buttons. The animation system is generally pretty smooth, though there are times when it looks like the animation is trying to play catch up by going through a few extra transitional animations. Overall, FIFA Street 3 is an okay game. The slick presentation and general feel both work in the game's favor. At the same time, both of these items overshadow the gameplay and almost feel like they are meant to distract you from the game's weaker areas.
-Starscream, GameVortex Communications AKA Ricky Tucker
New Zealand Story Revolution Destroy All Humans: Big Willy Unleashed