EA Unveils Next-Gen Features For FIFA 08 News

Despite the more rounded gameplay and visuals, FIFA 07 on Xbox 360 was let down by a starved selection of teams and leagues compared to the options available on PlayStation2. In today's confirmation of FIFA 08's new features, EA Sports has announced that the diet is at an end, with 20% more content than the current-generation FIFA 07: over 620 teams, 30 leagues, and a whopping 15,000 players will be available to gamers.

In addition to the extra leagues and players, EA has revealed the usual new 'systems' being implemented into the game that aim to bring the franchise closer to the real-life experience of the beautiful game. At the top of the list is the newly developed AI, which features 'a 35-point decision engine', and a 'dynamic Threat Map', which purportedly allows opponents to create realistic football decisions. A new 'ball-striking' engine also features in the game, which takes into account everything from ball spin, pressure from opposing defenders, and even air pressure. It all sounds rather impressive, but it'll be interesting to see how much of this will translate into a true evolutionary FIFA experience.

A new 'Be A Pro' mode is also being added, which will allow players to take responsibility for a single-player during the course of a match.

"This year, FIFA 08 takes its second step into the next-generation. Last year, we kicked off the next-generation by introducing a new engine and stunning ball physics. This year, we are introducing new gameplay, new modes and a new feeling of football finesse," said Andrew Wilson, Executive Producer for FIFA 08. "Be A Pro forces you to think and react like a professional player - you will experience the whole range of emotions players go through during the course of a game. This feature, along with advancements to our gameplay engine, will deliver on our promise of authentic football gameplay."

Last year's Interactive Leagues, which were featured on the current-generation versions of FIFA 07, also make the leap to the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3. Speaking about the feature, Joe Booth, Producer for FIFA 08 on Xbox 360 and PLAYSTATION 3 said: "The Interactive Leagues is the most successful online tournament we've had for the FIFA franchise and I am thrilled to bring it into this year's next-gen game. As a Leeds United fan I was pained to see Manchester United win the first Interactive Premier League last season. However, I'm looking forward to redressing the balance this year through FIFA 08."

"One of my favourite things about Interactive Leagues is how it connects me and the development team with the FIFA gamers via our weekly in-game pod-cast. We have just broken the one million downloads mark and It's been a fantastic way to interact with other fans, share experiences and answer questions," he continued.

EA is yet to announce platform-specific features of FIFA 08 on Wii, though reports from the US have recently emerged, suggesting the use of Mii caricatures as players. EA is yet to comment on the rumour.