I've seen people's comments about the game, I've really tried to like it, but its just so unrealistic and more akin to pinball.

This is a very poor version and we should expect a lot more from EA.

I've played it a lot, and no its not because I lose all the time. I did OK but I write as someone who has played all the previous versions of the game. I'm an experienced FIFA player and the improvement over FIFA 2003 is a lot smaller, if nonexistent, compared to improvements over previous versions of the game.

You can't even see the league tables on one screen, the refereeing is more random than ever, the gameplay is simply laughable.

Improvements are the career mode, although 5 years is far too shot, the excellent jukebox feature, inclusion of lower leagues.

But it could and should have been so much better

ur all goin on bout how bad fifa 2004 is but its only because u expected so much from it. Fifa 2003 is a vry hard game 2 beat. fifa 2004 was a bit of a let down but giv it a break ur always complainin

I think Fifa04 is way better then 2003 and improved. Anyone who thinks it`s like playing pinball should lear to play it first and then make stupid remarks!
Plus there are so many threads about how bad fifa04 is that noone is going to read yours...so don`t bother...

:hit:

I personally like fifa 04. the graphics are great, the gameplay could be better, but it isn´t bad, better than 03. the heading system is fantastic. love that we finally have the lower leagues included, the unlockable kits and the career mode are great. so,basically, I really enjoy this game

I've got so much used to 2003 gameplay that it's very hard for me to break the habits. Still trying to figure it out how to play. But so far I'm getting the same 'pinball' impression about the game, might see myself being wrong on this after more playing though. Still, so far I see much less structure to my gameplay, especially online - lots of 'who's gonna press the tackle button more often', lots of 'wrestling', and especially the fact that ground passes are practically impossible to do to your attacker close to the penalty area (it freezes until it receives the ball, enabling the defense to always get the ball first). Reminds me of 2002WC gameplay a bit, in terms of the chaos on the pitch. I am hoping that I am wrong and that it can be played with much more certainty (something I liked about 2003, despite the unforgivable mistakes such as no headers except for wing cross attack etc). There are lots of new features yet to be fully exploited and mastered (OTB, 2nd defender etc. etc.). I admire those guys who can master a new game is such a short time, but according to what I've seen on online matchups most people still play in the 'chaotic' fashion. We will surely see much better matches online after 2-3 months when people master all the new features and the new gameplay. Looking forward to it.