Having been very impressed with EA Canada's last sports title (NHL 11), I had high expectations for FIFA 11's visual capabilities. Suffice to say, I'm not disappointed at all. We use descriptors like "natural" and "flowing" every day, but this game makes me reconsider why I normally use those terms. The physics engine is really fantastic, and it works overtime to ensure that every time you see players jockeying for possession, it looks real. When your striker scores a goal, he will celebrate on his own, but you'll still have control over him. If you steer him into a teammate, they will naturally flow into a joint celebration. The ball physics are also great; learning how to manipulate the system is a joy.
Martin Tyler and Andy Gray's commentary is accurate, but it doesn't feel like enough material was recorded to make each game sound distinct. If your goal is under pressure and you choose to have a defender kick the ball out of bounds, you'll get the exact same comment every time. Apart from that, FIFA 11 sounds wonderful. Realism is what every EA Sports title seems to shoot for, though your opinion of internationally embraced/reviled vuvuzelas won't factor into your level of enjoyment. If you've seen a soccer game, you know what to expect. Topping it all off is an international soundtrack that serves the sport well.
