UEFA 2008 Demo Impressions |
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Written by Paul Miles
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Monday, 21 April 2008 |
 As some of you will be aware, the demo version of EA’s UEFA Euro 2008 is currently available for free download on the xbox 360 marketplace.
UEFA Euro 2008 for those of you who aren’t in the know is basically the world cup but with only the European teams taking part. Forgive me if I sound patronising but there are plenty of people who have already asked me this question !! It is held every 4 years, alternate to the world cup and it is a huge deal in Europe and indeed across the globe.
Normally, at the hint of a football/soccer related demo, my ears would perk up like a rabid hound but I have to say I am not a great fan of these single tournament games as I feel they are purely a money grabber. Having said that, I am aware that some of you are genuinely interested in these games as you may not follow a “club” team and it is only the international teams you are after, in which case you my want to check this one out…
The demo version is a full 90 minutes of a qualifying round matchup between France and Germany played as either the full team or in EA’s great addition from Fifa 08, the “be a pro mode”.
The first thing I noticed on the demo was a pleasure…..After years of barracking EA for some sort of precipitation to feature on the soccer field in their games, it would seem they have finally taken heed and decided that yes in fact it can rain in Europe…Newsflash….it always rains in Europe…..but still, better late than never!!!!
Not only does it rain, but there is mud and puddles of water dotted around the field too, to give it that extra bit of realism. According to EA, these conditions diversely effect the ball in play which although is not something I can say I have seen a great deal of in the demo, would be a fantastic addition to their rapidly improving soccer engine.
As for the football aspect of the demo, my early impressions are that the ball STILL appears to be stuck to the player in control’s feet. This has been the number one complained about aspect of every single EA soccer offering and although is something they continue to work on, has to be improved in order to corner the market. So many people continue to tell me that is why they play Pro Evo/Winning eleven…. Purely because they claim it feels like the ball is its own entity.
The menu screens on the demo give an idea of the different game modes which will be available in the full game, these will certainly help the games’ longevity, but whether or not it is worth purchasing this AND Fifa 09 remains to be seen. One of the modes entitled “Battle of the nations” is linked directly to EA’s new eafootballworld.com website and looks to be a great feature.
Make no mistake about it…. This game is undoubtedly an early preview of what we can expect to see in Fifa 09 or at least much of it will be and I have got to say, the potential is there……here’s hoping it wets the appetite sufficiently enough.
Look for an in-depth look at UEFA Euro 08 right here on Consolesports.net upon the games’ North American release.
Paul Miles
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Last Updated ( Monday, 21 April 2008 )
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