FIFA 11: Time To Get Your Gloves Dirty
For those of you who regularly visit Soccer Gaming, you might remember a previous article I wrote – FIFA 11: Between the Sticks – all about the need for FIFA 11 to really pull its socks up where goalkeepers were concerned. Well, as reported by Dan Bolas, it seems that things are certainly looking promising ahead of the game’s UK release on 1st October, as a result of FIFA 11’s new ‘Become a Goalkeeper’ feature.
Initial reactions seem positive to say the least. On the face of it, the ‘Become a Goalkeeper’ mode is an exciting and interesting attempt to broaden the appeal of the FIFA series beyond its previous well-established boundaries. Like all the best ideas, it seems such an obvious concept that you have to wonder why it hasn’t been properly tried before. Regardless, the opportunity to play as a goalkeeper in a one-off exhibition match, career mode or even during online play, provides a refreshing addition to the FIFA franchise and offers a very different challenge to that of an outfield player. Just like in real life, positioning, timing and anticipation are vital to your chances of keeping the ball out of the back of the net. Whilst the controls might seem fiddly at first, gamers should be able to quickly pick up on what is required to be a successful virtual goalkeeper, aided in part through a series of red and white indicators that highlight (amongst other things) the trajectory of the ball and whether an opponent is imminently due to shoot at goal.
However, above all else, the great thing about this feature is that it returns to the very roots of what makes a great game – it entirely opens up the decision-making to you, the gamer. In this sense, finally you are directly responsible for when and how your goalkeeper rushes out to dive at the feet of an onrushing opponent. In the same way, it’s down to you to decide when to command your area and claim a cross, and when to stay back on your line. For all the AI improvements over the FIFA franchise’s long history, there is nothing more frustrating than when the game gets it wrong, which it will do from time to time. If you make a mistake in FIFA 11’s ‘Become a Goalkeeper’ mode, though, then there is nowhere to hide. It’s down to you to improve your skills and, ultimately, your decision-making. And it’s this raw, honest simplicity of the ‘Become a Goalkeeper’ feature that should win favour with FIFA purists and those eager to finally get the chance at getting their virtual gloves dirty.
As always, keep your comments coming in. We look forward to hearing your initial reactions on the ‘Become a Goalkeeper’ feature. We’ll also keep you posted on developments leading up to the game’s release on September 28th (North America) and October 1st (Europe and Asia).
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