Fifa Street 3 is the third sports title from EA Big studios in the Fifa Street series. EA Big who have also brought us previous ‘Street’ titles of NBA and NFL, have taken a new direction this time out, but is the new look and direction a hit or miss?
The game comprises of 5-a-side street soccer matches played on a variety of unusual locations, such as in an alley or on a beach front. Players can select from a wealth of international teams with all the big name players included. The game is based on the basic premise of traditional soccer rules, but in Fifa Street 3, style is key, and it boasts a hefty quantity of tricks and skill moves in which you must master in order to defeat you opponents.
The main focus on the Street series is on tricks, and Fifa Street 3 is no exception. The trick system is finely tuned and relatively easy for new players. The left stick controls the players movements while the right stick handles the skills and tricks as different combinations and movements of the stick will allow players to easily perform step-overs, spins, balancing or any other trick you can think of. The amount and variations of the skills is overwhelming, but they can be harnessed with the proper practice. In addition to the tricks, the usual face buttons control volleying, shooting and tackling. An Issue with the tacking is that even though it’s supposed to be ’street’ rules, the tackle comes off as more of a kick to the player making them stumble off the ball. It does get a bit frustrating, but the turnovers are faster resulting in a quicker paced game and higher scores.
A selection of game and match modes are available, such as the usual head-to-head and street challenges, where players must engage in matches with certain restrictions placed upon the rules, such as only scoring off a volley or header result in a goal. This adds an exciting twist and challenge to the matches and gameplay and sets the stage for some pretty dramatic and amazing goals. But this unfortunately is one of the problems of the Fifa Street 3. The game modes end there, leaving only slight alterations to matches being the long term survival point of the title. There are online options, but no season or custom tournament mode, which would’ve been an obvious and appreciated addition amongst football fans.
An ability, common in the street series, known as ‘Game Breaker’ is incorporated once again and is vital to beating tougher teams in the game. Tricks are used to fill a ‘Game Breaker’ meter, then when filled and activated, allows the player to produce powerful shots, headers or vollys near impossible to save or defend against. It definitely creates an advantage for the player with the ‘Game Breaker’, but it’s ease in filling the meter allows for impossible comebacks to become possible, adding some flair and variables to a match.
Fifa Street 3’s visuals are very different in comparison to its predecessors, but none the less beautiful. The realistic look had been discarded for a more cartoon-like, caricature influenced design. The levels are bright and colourful, while the players get an over exaggerated caricature art-style. Peter Crouch looks like a skinny giraffe, while Gattusso is left looking like an aged Super Mario. This new visual direction amps up the fun and picking you players becomes an interesting sight-fest to see all the abnormally large features of all your favourite players. The animations are also strikingly beautiful and unbelievably fluid leaving no gap in the transition into movements. The locations and stages of matches contain the cartoon-like graphics, but maintain the smoothness and vivid colours that lend such appeal to this game. The overall look of Fifa Street 3 emphasizes the artistic and animated viewpoint and inspiration, but the beautiful animations keep it grounded and compliment Fifa Street 3 by adding a good balance between realism and surrealism that leaves players satisfied with what they are seeing.
Some really great audio has been used in Fifa Street 3 as matches contain a hip-hop or drum and bass soundtracks, while the calls and chatter between players and even their shoe squeaks and footwork has been accurately captured emphasizing the ‘Street’ and urban atmosphere while conveying a personal touch to the game.
Certain unlockables do become available as you progress through the game. Special street and All-Star teams will be unlocked and become available for use in single and multi-player matches.
Fifa Street 3 doesn’t create much depth in terms of game options, but the variety of players, tricks, visual-style and long nights spent playing multiplayer with friends is well worth the purchase and will keep soccer fans pleased.
[starreviewmulti id=2 tpl=20]
