FIFA 08 FAQ: Your Questions – EA’s Answers!

http://www.letsplayfifa.com/index.php?nav=news/details&id=431

CG = Current Gen Version (PC, PlayStation 2)
NG = Next Gen Version (XBOX360, PlayStation 3) 

Are there more official goalkeeper kits?
CG: All the top teams will have their official goalkeeper kits in FIFA 08, currently we’re looking at more then 140 original goalie kits for FIFA 08.
NG: Yes, we’ve created more kits this year than in any other version of FIFA. In fact I can tell you that we have close to 1400 kits in the game this year. This includes the obvious official home and away kits as well as official goalkeeper kits for all the top teams. We also have a selection of 3rd kits that can be accessed via the Fan Shop within the game.

Will there be real money in manager mode, and will you be able to select between Euro, Pound Sterling, and US Dollar?
ALL: Yes, in Manager Mode you’ll have the option to select which currency will be used. The options are Euro, Pound Sterling and the US Dollar. This option is available from the Manager Contract screen at the start of the game mode.

Can we use official boots like in FIFA 07 for created players and edit existing players boots?
CG: No and no, however there are more generic boots to choose from for created players – fifteen in all.
NG: Yes, we have all the latest official boots in FIFA 08 and you’ll be able to edit existing and created players and select which boots you want them to wear

Will there be real companies for sponsors in manager mode or will it be generic ones?
ALL: No, it will be fictional companies as in FIFA 07.

Can keepers get sent off or injured this year?
CG: Yes! In 08 you can take full control of your keeper with GK Control. This lets you directly control your GK in one-on-ones, corners and free kicks. You can also get injured or even sent off and you’ll need to put someone else in goal. Keep this in mind when you’re deciding which players you want on the bench.
NG: Unfortunately we weren’t able to add this feature into the game this year but it’s on the list for next year.

Has defensive heading been improved?
CG: Yes, attributes now play a bigger role when deciding who wins or loses an aerial battle, since defensive players are generally stronger then attacking players this feels more realistic in FIFA 08.
NG: We have done lots of work on our trapping system and our in air trapping system to give the user more control over in air situations. Headers are definitely balanced a lot better this year as a result.

Will players be able to choose from the whole squad rather than just fifteen players when playing online?
ALL: Unfortunately, it will be the same as FIFA 07. You get to play with the pre-selected squad of 16 players. However, this list will be updated once around launch and once after the January transfer window with our transfer database updates. If you think the first 16 players for the teams are wrong please let us know in the forums and we’ll look at making changes for the winter update.

Is there a free-kick editor?
CG: No but it’s a nice idea but we have got some good changes to the formation system this year.
NG: No we don’t have this feature. We spent a lot of time working on the free-kick system to give the user more control over their shot using topspin, backspin and sidespin.

Is the crowd 3D?
CG: No. We still have a very nice looking crowd but they are 2D. We spent a lot of our “graphics” energy this year introducing our new dynamic lighting and exposure (aka HDR for lighting gurus). It looks really good.
NG: Yes and they look lovely.

Will it be possible to simulate individual matches or dates in Manager Mode?
ALL: Yes, individual matches can be simulated via the visual or quick-sim however it won’t be possible to sim to a specific date but who would want to as in FIFA 08 you have the option to schedule mid-week practices to improve specific player attributes.

Can we now save replays?
CG: You’ve always been able to save replays in FIFA PS2 and PC. However, in FIFA 08 PC we have added 2 new options. First, you can save/record a replay of the entire match. This is great for analyzing your performance in a match, as well as recording the finals of gaming tournaments. Second, you can now export your saved replays to a video file on your hard drive. This makes putting together your own highlights package (or blooper reel) even easier for you to share with your friends or everyone on the Internet through video sharing sites.
NG: This is one of the exciting new features we’re introducing into FIFA 08. You can now upload your replays directly to a specific location on the internet and then access it straight away. You can now share that replay with the entire FIFA community. We’ve been testing this feature internally and it’s generated a lot of banter and debate as to who has scored the best goal of the day and who had the worst result

Will weather be a feature in FIFA 08?
CG: In FIFA 08 PS2 and PC, we added the Winter weather effect. This comes with variable snowfall during the match, visible breath, snow/frost on and around the pitch. It’s a great looking package that really makes you feel like you’re playing on a frozen pitch mid-winter.
NG: Not in FIFA 08 unfortunately. When we do weather, we want weather to affect primarily the pitch and how the ball and players move across the surface and then we want to ensure our visuals are ultra-realistic with kits, player’s skin and hair and the stadium and crowd all being affected by the weather conditions.

How have free kicks changed from FIFA 07?
CG: We have done a couple of things to Free Kicks in FIFA 08. First, we have tuned the shooting model so that you have to work even harder to put the ball in the back of the net. Second, we’ve added a feature where you can lock the camera, but change where you are aiming. This is great when you’re playing against your mates. When you’ve locked the camera, a little rumble will let you know when aiming directly at either post. When you combine this with our new goalkeeper controls, free kicks turn into a real duel.
NG: We re-worked the free-kick system from 07 and it now gives the user more control over the power and spin of the ball

Will there be more club crest gamer pictures available?
NG: We are still working on our downloadable content plan and will announce something closer to launch

Will there be a full practice pitch in the next-gen version like we have seen in previous titles on current gen; not the arena but the full-on pitch where you can select how many players on each side?
NG: Not for FIFA 08. Our focus was to really invest in our core 11 v 11 gameplay experience and we’re still using our Arena to showcase the new gameplay features that you’ll see this year. The skill move feature alone has a huge impact to what you can do in the Arena.

How are the goal keepers going to change based on the new shooting system?
NG: Increasing the variety and realism of the shooting system has allowed us to make similar strides with the GK. Some of these improvements include:
- Shot Preparation: The GK will prepare to save by hopping forward to narrow the angle and getting into a crouch position, thus narrowing the angle and enabling him to dive further.
- Reaction time: After a shot is taken the GK will take a little time to react to the shot to enable him to ‘read’ the ball trajectory.
- Line of sight: If he cannot see the ball being kicked then his reactions will be slower
- Anticipation Saves: In 1-on-1 situations the GK will realize that the shot is too close to react to and thus preemptively dive as soon as the attacker starts to kick
- Momentum: More realistic momentum will enable the user to wrong foot the GK. If the GK is moving left for example it will inhibit his ability to save shots that go to his right.
- Animations: All of the GK animations have been reworked making them more fluid and realistic.

Will the pitch degrade during a match or over the course of the season?
NG: Yes, we have seasonal pitch wear to show how the pitch will degrade throughout the season and improve slightly towards the end of the year when the weather improves. But through the winter months in Manager Mode you will see a noticeable difference. The stadium you’re playing in will also make a difference. For example, playing in a Division 2 stadium will not have the same maintenance as the big top league grounds.

Can we play 2 vs 2 online?
NG: Yes you will be able to play 2 vs 2 online using Multi-Player Co-op

Is shirt-pulling part of the game?
NG: No however we have done lots of work on physical play including a new jostling system and a re-written collision system with 100’s of new collision animations.

FIFA 08 Tricks List

GIGGSUNITED from the FIFA 08 Forums

To Start doing any trick hold Xbox 360 LT or PS3 L2

Rainbow is easy I can do it every time now, Move the RS back, forward then forward again. (quickly) If this Doesn’t work or you still cant do it, just keep pushing forwards after the back then timings out of the questing because by smacking it forwards loads ur bound to hit the timing.

Rainbow V2 To do this one on the RS pull back then half circle to the left to forwards, then flick it forwards again. Video – http://br.youtube.com/watch?v=Bv5Nm1JWGc4

Blanco is just click RS

Ronaldo Chop, Double tap back and direction on the LS Step over and hit it with trailing foot : Forwards then back In match Video http://youtube.com/watch?v=SWX4JLj8aUs

Zidane’s 360 trick – Run then right stick from back round to the right up to forwards and from back round left to do the other way. (Half Circle Back + Forwards)

Keepy Uppies : Tap RB, to flick it up whilst keepyuppies LS forwards You can even do more tricks whilst doing keepie uppies.

Zico Turn – Double tap RS diagonally back n left or right to do it either direction

Elastico : do a half circle with the RS from forwards all the way round to back going left or right changes direction of which way u do it. (Also works doing a full circle from forawrds all the way round)

Single Stepover – Right/Left then round to forwards.

Stepovers – Forwards then rotate to diagonal forwards/right or left then the opposite side right / left in a quarter circle motion from both diagonals.

Flick Over your head – forward forward back back, Standing Still In Match Video – http://s190.photobucket.com/albums/z71/TomJ37/FIFA%2008%20Goals/?action=view&current=RonaldoFlick.flv

Around the World – Start with Keepie uppies then roll the RS around to the left

Mid Air Elastico – I can only make this work right after a around the world, but rotate the RS to the right whilst in a keepie uppie.

The Rivaldo – Move the tight stick backwards, then quarter circle to the left, then half circle round to the right. (Look through the post there’s a good diagram on page 2)

The Rabona – It is possible, I’m still trying to confirm it but I have done it and there is a video on my photobucket. Ill probably have it figured in a bit. http://s190.photobucket.com/albums/z71/TomJ37/FIFA%2008%20360%20Trick

Gripes

 Posted by Scoorey

When you pass to a teammate, he should move towards the ball if there is a chance someone could intercept it, or at least give you control of him so you can do it yourself. He shouldnt just stand there and watch the ball be taken from him – make an effort son!

Throw ins dont work for me - if you turn a tiny bit, he throws it down the line at a ridiculous angle and you cannot correct the angle of the thrower. It is way too sensitive. I know you can use LT to move the target, but moving the thrower is unusable.

Complaints summary

(Jay Buchanan)

This is a summary of some views found on fifa forums:

- Defenders from poor teams shouldn’t play like they’re defenders from Manchester United. Even if the difficulty is high. They should only be able to play to the best of their ability. (scoorey – this is already the case)

- The CPU shouldn’t score nearly every single free kick. (scoorey - I agree with this one, they always score if fouled on the edge of the box)

- It’s very hard to head the ball away when you’re defending a cross. (scoorey – strongly disagree with this, i find the opposite, its hard to score off a header)

- From corners, when the ball is headed away by the CPU, your player selection is sometimes “locked” and you can’t change to the person the ball is heading towards.

- The responsiveness needs to be better, it takes too much time to turn sometimes and it results too often in giving away possession. Turning should be quicker for world class players, much quicker. (scoorey - I feel I can do this pretty well, its just the computer does it so much better, i wonder if it is possible to do it as well as the cpu which seems to know where my defenders are headed before it would be humanly possible!…i know, i know)

- We need to be able to adjust button assignments. Let me choose the button layout. Don’t force me to play the way EA wants. the ability to use the d-pad needs to be added, for those who just don’t want to change. (scoorey – this is a no brainer, you can do it on pc, you should be able to do it here)

- We need to be able to adjust camera zoom.

- Make supercancel work like in PES, as in, getting a player out of the rail to intercept a pass earlier.

- Game speed should be quicker or an option for it Slow, Normal, Fast, Very Fast,

Tactics

(Jay Buchanan)

This is a major issue if FIFA is trying to become a simulation. You seriously need to take some notes from PES in this section - its still the same sort of tactics as FIFA 07 and UEFA CL 06/07 with some new ones implemented and others taken away. It would be great if I could create my own formations and use them online, and have more defensive options and attacking options.

For example: I could have a very defensive formation I created 5-4-1 and I press LB and Left on the DPAD it will execute this formation I have created whenever I want to and if I press LB and Right on the DPAD it will be a 4-3-3 and an offensive formation with players in positions on the pitch I have personally put them in with tactics and man marking already set etc, so when I start a game I will have my personalised formations. For me this is only a problem with online though (Editing Formations) as it already works well with previous fifas however I dont know if you have implemented this in FIFA 08 or not so its a suggestion for 09 etc.

Free kicks / set pieces

(Jay Buchanan)

This takes a bit of getting used to as they have changed from the Free Kicks in FIFA 07 and UEFA CL 06/07 which were ridiculously easy from within a 30yrd range. People would score 8/10 times, Free Kicks are meant to be a skill only some can master, so far I have taken various free kicks from crosses into the box and shooting attempts and all have been very difficult and yet responsive. I managed to score one free kick with Ronaldinho which was from the edge of the box ( what I would consider the zone to score from)  as I have had 3 free kicks from a similar distance just outside the box that I have been able to direct with complete ease at goal and have hit the cross bar 2 times and scored the other.

What I did notice however was that the CPU could score free kicks with such ease from what seems like any distance within 30 yrds. I have conceded about 20 free kicks to C.Ronaldo, Figo, Ronaldinho and they all produce the same results they have either hit the cross bar or scored this leads me to believe that scoring free kicks is somewhat easy when mastered or is it that the Demos Difficulty is set at Professional/World Class which would make them scoring a bit more understandably but also made me think when I learn how to take free kicks which will probably take quite a few more will they go in just as easily. I think you need to take the random factor of the shooting that is in this years game and also establish it into your free kicks system. Having the curl the free kick with analog stick was also a brilliant idea as a prefer the way you can add dip or swerve depending on the distance of the free kick amongst other variables.

Set piece options – Now I am also a fan of Pro Evo and was a bit disappointed when I found out I still did not have the ability to move my wall or call a second man to lay off the free kick.. or take the shot themself or even the ability to call a second player so the 1st player i called would lay it off (backwards) and my 2nd player i called over would take a shot. This is all available on current gen fifa too.

Shooting

(Jay Buchanan)

I think the shooting has greatly improved no more money shots from particular angles or areas (edge of the box fifa 07) the ball is no longer attracted to the goal and it works independantly shots can soar miles wide or bang in the top corner based on all sorts of possibilities talked about at leipzig and other game events i was fortunate enough to read about. Theres a sense of achievement when I score a goal now and thats thanks to the new ball physics no question and the difficulty of hitting a precise shot nothing like FIFA 07 (which was awful in this deparment and Uefa CL 06/07 xbox 360)

My only gripe about the shooting is once again the finesse shot I have scored 3 goals with Henry using the finesse shot and everytime the goal keeper seems to forget about his positioning and reactions he runs forward as the shot is going over him… and then as the ball going to hit the back of the net eventually decides to jump for it… a delayed reaction which should not be there considering the goalie has clearly seen all 3 shots as they are executed from start to finish.

This is only a minor problem as I had attempted finesse shots from various angles and distances in the arena and in game and this only seemed to work in game for some reason 95% of the time the goal keeper would react brilliantly and the response times were spot on the best keepers in a football game no question that I have ever had to beat:)

Crossing

(Jay Buchanan)

What can I say once again this is a huge improvement over previous fifa games and this area of the game is brillaint. I find heading responsive defensive or Attacking wise it is great the fact you have the aim your cross with precision (manuallly) gives way more responsiveness to your direction and overall quality of the cross depending who is doing the delivery (Ronaldinho and Ribery most times for me)

 

Passing

Jay BuchananPassing in FIFA 08 is brillaint as I have had everything set on Manual and Semi and Assisted for numerous games I can definetly say the passing is fantastic whether it be a short pass to my closest player or a one-two pass everything reacts brilliantly A.I making excellent runs moving into space made each setting fine to use and very enjoyable as FIFA is turning into a true simulation of the beautiful game it was great to actually have to work my way up the pitch with various passing techinques. Long Balls to find space when I am been closed down and theres no support nearby or when the A.I sets off on a storming run and I time the pass to perfection and Henry,Ribery has that extra yard on the defender to use the knock on to get into space to feed that killer ball is a great experience in itself.

How Goalies should react

Jay Buchanan

This is how the goalies should react when a long range shot is conceded without delay in the save.