FIFA Soccer 11 Review

By now, Nintendo owners probably know the routine. A high-profile sports title earns accolades on a HD console, yet the subsequent Wii port produces little more than middling review scores. Typically this happens when developers attempt to offer a straight-ahead adaptation that fails to capitalize on the hardware’s strengths. A exemption to this rule was found in recent EA release NHL Slap Shot. While the game omitted  some of the complexities of its now-gen brethren, its inclusion of a pee-wee league mode and optional gesture-based shooting mechanic made the game a very viable alternative for Wii owners.

Wisely, the company replicated the strategy for FIFA Soccer 11. With both a respectable simulation of the sport as well as an enjoyable arcade-styled five-on-five mode, the title offers a considerable amount of content. While the game’s control mechanics can present the occasional blemish on the overall package, footie fanatics won’t find a better interpretation of the game on Nintendo’s console.

With two distinct modes of gameplay, FIFA 11 offers a variety of control methods. Similar to Wii Sports’ tennis, All-Play surrenders an athlete’s movement to the CPU, allowing players to concentrate on tackling and shooting. Passing uses the controller’s IR functionality, allowing players to indicate which teammate should receive the ball. Although the mode is a great way to learn the fundamentals of the game, initiating a sprint or trick with the tiny ‘plus’ and ‘minus’ buttons may require apprentices to take their eyes off the screen. Both of FIFA‘s more sophisticated  control methods- which use either a Wiimote and Nuncheck combo or the Classic Controller to guide teammates around the pitch, endowing players with an expanded repertoire of moves. Regrettably, maneuvers like through passes require players to press multiple buttons, instigating a mild learning curve for each control type.

For a standard game of soccer, FIFA 11‘s offers a variety of options. Players can jump right into a competition with the game’s Hit The Pitch mode; skillfully the game remembers participants favorite teams. Battle for Glory tasks gamers with managing their own club. An interesting wrinkle has coaches choosing one of three manager moments- specific objectives to be completed in a match. If a team is successful, they’ll unlock performance-boosting game boosters. The title’s Tournament mode has a nice selection of  events, and flawlessly accommodates a multiplayer competition.

With power-ups which offer super-sonic shots and the ability to run along walls, the games Hit the Streets component offers a faster, more visceral interpretation of soccer. Contests offer a robust amount of flexibility- players may set win conditions and even select from a variety of net types. With venues that range from Brazilian courtyards to lavish gymnasiums, each location has its own personality. This is also where players will begin their career in FIFA‘s Streets to Stadiums mode, which follows the trajectory of a single player as they aspire to become a superstar. Sadly, your run is limited to a controlled five year duration. No matter how proficient your on-pitch performance is, the top clubs don’t seem interested in players until the final season.

While replays often shows FIFA 11‘s rudimentary facial rendering, the game looks surprising fluid in motion. With well-articulated slide tackles, dribbling, and fluid goaltender animations as well as a stable framerate, the title’s presentation is indisputably agreeable. The commentary from Clive Tyldesley and Andy Gray offers a reasonable selection of phrases, but succumbs to the occasional inaccuracy.

With a healthy selection of play modes, FIFA Soccer 11 makes a convincing purchase for footie fans. While the title can’t be recommended over the exceptional HD iterations of FIFA, single console-owning players should take solace in the game’s variety; which offers something for both sim and casual gamer. Whether players prefer an orthodox match or one with elevated nets and dwarf players, the ‘goal’ of satisfying players is successfully executed.