This will just be a quick review, this is due to the usual not being able to get any footage and as for what this game is I doubt I really need it. Finding this PS Vita version for super cheap, naturally thought I might as well get it and give it a go. It also gets me a few cheeky trophies to add to my list.
You’d be surprised to find out I actually don’t really give two shits about football, I used to care many years back but have since not really bothered with it. I’ll still watch it if it’s on or when the world cup or euros happen. So getting this game simply comes to the previously mentioned cheapness.
I think the last proper fifa game I played would be way back in 2011 or maybe 2012 on the PS3. So my ability in comparing this to the full version console of the same year, too even the newer ones is very limited. Graphically it’s so, so. Not too bad, the footballers all look fairly different and have some likeness to those I know. The pitch looks passable, and every stadium for each team definitely differ from one another. With enough effort also going into the home, away and third kits for each team. I don’t think this handheld version has the same amount of licensed teams as the full big boy console version. I suppose though having the privilege of the same functions and gameplay on the go, this isn’t much of a sacrifice.
The game has several different modes, standard exhibition, create a pro, tournaments and the manager mode. Tournament modes pretty standard pick a club and a trophy you want to win and the game sets up the tournament. Which if you want you can simulate the matches so you don’t actually play it. Beating Man City as 1 star rated Accrington for the FA cup just feels right for some reason. I’d be lying if I said I had done the management mode yet, I haven’t and as it stands I probably wont either. I enjoy play quick 5 min half for the most part or if im in the mood just going for a random team and blitzing through a tournament. I did this with Barcelona a few times when I had my create pro as the centre forward racking up 35 goals over the course of the tournament. Doing feats whilst playing games or in the arena prior to the match aids in making your create a pro stats better. So for the most part it’s kinda pointless but I can see it adds a little something extra to a match if you waned to do it.
The one feature this handheld has over the main consoles version is that if you want you can make use of the touchscreen or rear touch pad. The rear touchpad function is more cumbersome then useful and I turned it off pretty much straight away, any accidental touch just cause the played at the time to just go for broke and spanner the ball into the aether. This could just be down to my big gangly hands, but for the most part using the touchscreen is more efficient and useful to you. You can use it for plays, to make more precise through or lob passes, as well as for scoring attempts. However I did have to disable this feature three tournies deep as for some reason my game glitched the fuck out and every time my player got a touch the hoofed the fucking ball straight down pitch or clearing it into a never ending streams of corners, I got to 13 in a row before I started to think my beloved vita screen was dying. I even tried a few other games to make sure a button wasn’t stuck. But turning that off seemed to fix it, which is a shame as I did like the hybrid control system.
I’d go into a bit more about the game but ultimately if you’ve played any version of Fifa, you’ve played it. Fundamentally it’s a football game, the only difference comes down to graphics, modes and maybe the amount of trophies you can win or teams you can play as. The main controls centre around running, passing, with the basic alternates, and shooting. This version has more precise shot options or finesse you may call it. You can lob the keeper, pull of feints, do some fancy footwork which usually fails on my part. So if you like you can put a tad more flair into the game. The A.I doesn’t seem overly hard, you can tell the difference between bottom teams and top teams. This won’t stop you smashing big clubs 10 -1 though. The pitches reflect weather and different times of the day, but don’t expect much effort in that department it’s not overly detailed.
I’d give this a 7/10 Positively Tasty. This is surprising as much to me as it may be to you. It’s not the best looking game nor something I really care about. However over the past few weeks I have found myself wanting to play it. From quick 5 mins half’s to the occasional full 20 min option. Even going as far as knocking off some of the assists to make the game feel more challenging. All the while whilst I am playing Tears of the Kingdom, and that game is an 11/10 full masterpiece. It’s quick, portable fun and low cost effort, you probably won’t lose and even if you do it don’t mean shit. However if you are like me and like my old consoles as much as my new ones, this as a football fan would be worth your time.
Released 26th September 2014, Sony PS Vita.
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