14 DAY TRIAL // The FIFA series has become more of an expert's challenge over the years, creating a fanbase made out of elite gamers, who really know their way with such titles. How about the casual football sims? We've got the acclaimed PES series, but still, there are gamers out there in dire need of a basic footballing game. Ubisoft turns this desire into reality with Real Football 2008, a Nintendo DS game that will be enjoyed by all the football fans.
Real Football 2008 features intuitive controls that will allow the worst of the noobs to "bend it like Ronaldinho", performing bicycle kicks, back-heels or good-looking lobs. Checking out the game's fact sheet I couldn't help smiling when I saw that the DS microphone is also used in this title, in a pretty original way. It turns out that you'll be able to yell at the referee in order to influence his decisions. How's that for a funny feature?
Also, you'll find it awkward, but intuitive to take penalties with the aid of your stylus and DS touchscreen. Nine of the most famous footballing arenas have been included in Real Footbal 2008, featuring top notch graphics and tons of details. The 3D graphics of the game rivals the best visuals from any of the portable FIFA games and you'll surely love the players' animations, once they score a goal.
The AI fits the whole package, adapting to your playing style and allowing you to add a little bit of strategy to the game. You'll press the defense, replace the players you want and change tactics as the match progresses. Ubisofts footballing DS title also features a cool multiplayer mode, that allows up to 4 player to compete in challenging tournaments, with the condition of owning a couple of game cartridges.
Checking out this fact sheet I sit and ponder... "FIFA who?" because Real Football 2008 promises to even surpass the quality of EA Sports' best-selling title.