Just played it. You can play one half of Barca vs. Arsenal, approx. 5 minutes.
There is only one camera angle available, similar to the default camera in FIFA 07 only a little higher up. There is no way to change any of the options or make subs or anything.
My impressions:
-Visually, the game looks great. Definately sharper and clearer than FIFA 07. Player animations look fantastic, everything appears more fluid and realistic. The lighting is great (night game) and lends to the atmosphere perfectly.
-Speaking of the atmosphere, the CL cutscenes all look fantastic, replays look great (I think I counted 3 replays per goal, compared to 1 in FIFA 07) and the crowd sounds great as well, probably louder than in FIFA 07.
-Gameplay wise, the game does feel slower than FIFA 07...players don't seem to be as quick to the ball, which makes passing more important...and the passing system does feel improved, especially with through balls...the biggest improvement I noticed was when two players are fighting for the ball, they don't just bounce off of each other, they actually will get tangled up and fight for the ball...MUCH better than in FIFA 07 in my opinion. Also, it may just be my wishful thinking, but it seems like players respond to incoming passes/crosses a little more quickly, especially on the defensive side...I was actually able to bring a defender up and intercept an incoming cross, which I don't remember being able to do in FIFA 07.
-Still no ref on the field, although they make it a point to introduce the ref in the cut scenes before the game starts. Goal celebrations are pretty similar to FIFA 07, halftime cut scenes are almost identical.
-Seemed easier to get a header on a cross in the box...I scored off an Henry header from damn near the top of the box, but the goalkeeper AI was a little shotty on the play...on the defensive side, I was actually able to make an AI opponent miss a header opportunity by jostling with him in the box. Interesting.
Overall, very happy with it...it does have a slightly different feel, but it's hard to describe...but I think it's a good thing.
One MAJOR negative...once you complete the half, you are forced to exit the demo...there is no way to just come back to the demo's menu and start another half. Frustrating when you want to play half after half after half!
