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UEFA Champions League 2006 2007
I love soccer and when I heard that EA were
releasing UEFA Champions League 2006 2007, I was in gaming soccer
heaven. With that said, UEFA Champions League 2006 2007 transports
gamers into the world of the European soccer with that first class next
generation console feel, new gaming options and entertainment from start
to finish.
Although this current
version of UEFA Champions is reminiscent of previous soccer EA soccer
games, what really sets this title apart from its competitors are the
superior graphics and the new addition of being able to collect cards
and trade them online to give the franchise a unique innovative
experience.
However, to get right
into the crux of the matter, the ultimate team mode is the place to
start for anyone wanting to dive right into the card collecting
goodness. The goal here is to assemble a franchise starting from the
ground up in hopes of eventually earning yourself a ‘golden ticket,’
which will then grant you access to compete in the coveted Champions
League. This isn’t necessarily new to sports games as most of you know,
but the process you take to build your squad most certainly is. All of
this becomes possible by opening packs of virtual trading cards that
contain a variety of players, coaches, managers, stadiums, kits,
trainers, and even attribute boosts. These packs literally contain
everything you will need to get started, but keep in mind they do cost
money.
Although
the game uses the FIFA engine, the title
has been tweaked in a number of ways
such as improved ball and player physics
that really add to the gameplay of the
title with a real "soccer" feel. The
change certainly benefits the look and
realism of matches but it does mean that
the players are a little less responsive
on the turn. Player collision is much
better too and this aids defending a
little, although the defending is still
a bit tricky.
The
controls have been tweaked too with
crossing now much more a matter of skill
than just tapping B. Passing and through
balls are also much better than previous
FIFA releases; in fact it is positively
PES like. Delve into the control options
and you'll actually find a setting
called 'New Default' which actually maps
all the same buttons as PES6! If you are
familiar with PES then there are a few
extra buttons to contend with.
Those familiar with FIFA
07 will feel mostly at home in the gameplay department, with a few
exceptions of course. For starters, the pace of the action has been
reduced, and it does the game wonders in the end. Less matches turn into
shootouts, less fouls are called, and an overall more tactical game can
be played. Also, the tried-and-true formula of sweeping down the wing
and crossing passes into the penalty area with success is much harder
now. Sometimes so much patience and precise passing is required that the
end-resulting goal resembles those found in Winning Eleven, which is
definitely a move in the right direction for any EA soccer title.
In conclusion, UEFA 2007 is definitely a brilliant soccer with a few new
gameplay options that really gives this title the longevity which beats
its competitors. The new ultimate team mode with its card collection
aspect gives players a new soccer experience, apart from the traditional
console soccer gameplay. Highly Recommended! |
