If you’re an avid gamer in the football genre, surely you’ve got a stance on the ongoing debate between FIFA 11 vs. Pro Evolution 2011. I personally feel that FIFA has overtaken the Konami series in terms of game play as well the depth of licensing, graphics, and so forth. While I will readily admit that FIFA felt rather cartoonish, especially a few years ago, the game has come a long way and really provides an excellent simulation experience right out of the box.
Critics of FIFA still point their finger at the “ease” of gameplay when compared to PES. I find the criticisms to be rather baseless, especially since FIFA has dramatically improved the in game engine, and given a very realistic feel to almost all aspects of the game.
But with the criticisms in mind, I offer PES lovers and FIFA junkies an interesting challenge and proposition. If you truly think that EA has made a game that is “too easy”, or you are looking to really challenge the depth of the simulation, go to your controller settings, and start switching everything to manual.
Now before you log onto Xbox Live Gold and muck up your record, I would give this a try off line. The first few matches are going to be beyond frustrating, and if you are up against someone using assisted controls, you will probably lose, no matter how good you are.
For those of you who are unaware of these settings, let me give you a quick run down. The stock features on FIFA assist a lot of the basic things you control in the run of play. Passes are rarely misplaced, even if you are a bit sloppy on the power and direction. The same goes for shots, crosses, etc. EA purposely has these settings so people wouldn’t drop the controls in utter frustration.
When you switch to manual controls, you will quickly notice that most passes start to run errant. Your shots will go miles wide, and odds are you won’t be able to place a cross either. But stick with it, and trust me, you’ll start to find enjoyment.
Using manual controls, especially when you’ve gotten good at it, will give you unprecedented command over the game. You will be able to play balls that would never be possible with the AI restricting you with its assistance.
You may not like how much focus is required to complete simple passing moves. But at the very least, the next time you turn on FIFA 11 for Xbox 360, you’ll be a better player for it. And to those of you who complain that the game is too easy, or lacks the realism of PES, give this a shot and tell me EA didn’t create a brilliant game once again.
