Enhanced AI makes it more difficult, but realistic
The more you play FIFA 08 the better it gets as you become accustomed to the new changes, the enhanced AI and the slower paced gameplay. Fans of FIFA 07 may initially be put off by the change of pace and the steep learning curve, but once you do score your first few goals and realise that you now need a more tactical approach to attacking play, it’s clear to see that the changes are for the best and have actually helped to create a more realistic, more engaging, soccer game.One of the major changes in FIFA 08 is the AI. The defenders are now ruthlessly intelligent. Space on the pitch is extremely limited and you're never given much time on the ball before a defender closes in and tries to muscle you out the way.
Initially, I found this frustrating because I could no longer drop my shoulder and whiz past a defender time and time again, but instead needed to work my way up the pitch slowly, passing and moving the ball, creating those spaces by sending players on forward runs or executing one-two passes and then waiting for that window of opportunity when I spotted a defender on his back foot, which allowed me to take the risk of pulling off a trick to get past him to create that chance to shoot or cross the ball.
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Click for larger imagePassing and moving is now more relevant than ever and also the best way to create space and distract a defender's attention so you can move up the pitch. Unlike FIFA 07, you won't be using the through-ball at every occasion, because the defenders will intercept them more often than not. Now, the strength and direction of passes are taken into account and the ball doesn't immediately drop at the feet of players. There's far more skill required and awareness of where your players are on the pitch than ever before.