[M1ZZ0U]

After playing around 10-12 games of the EURO 2008 demo, here I my thoughts from a fellow FIFA player on the 360 consule.

Likes: I in agree with the majority that they're heading in the right direction concerning gameplay. Hoping it continues to progress towards FIFA 09. Rather than echo everyone's likes I'll choose to display my dislikes instead.

Some constructive critisism is in order since they haven't released the game and could potentially replicate certain qualities or lack there of on FIFA 09'.

Dislikes:

*Cut-Scenes: I'm not a fan of the at all. In fact, I think they're quite annoying and take away from the momentum of the game.

I also don't like the over the top disgust certain players show when being subed. Even if it is " in the game " we could do with out it. I don't want a band of Ashley Coles at my dispense.

Close up camera views on the coaches, while a neat idea, look more like ridiculous looking marionettes than anything a next-gen game should be showing. Additionally, it's raining & I would assume a lalalalalailly given the other coach is wearing a full-fleged trench coat. So why is my coach dressed like it's a summer day?

*Weather effect: While neat, it wasn't anything revolutionary to anything that has been out for years on other sporting games with weather. For a brand new game, I had higher expectations as a result. It also doesn't seem to effect the pace of game which isn't realistic. Of course, this new feature wasn't a major selling point for me either way.

(side note: if in fact the rain in our demo does slow our players down, we may have some issues then on pace. Because in my opinion if the game speed increases any we do have an Arcade game on our hand. Otherwise the weather appears to have no real effect on the pitch which makes it nearly irrelevant.)

*Player Movement: While the pace of the game has noticably picked up and for the better, for whatever reason I feel as if the player models have taken a step back in animation. They run as if they're wearing a girdle and that isn't an exageration. It's nintendo quality to be honest. Big disappointment, personally.

*Power Meters: This may take some getting used to so I'll reserve sincere judgement until I play the full version.

I'm not the biggest fan of it for simple passes. I do understand for; crosses, shots, clears, etc. However, when attempting to deflect a corner with a header you must charge up the meter and chance missing it completely if too strong. Too weak and it falls straight from your head down to your feet. Certainly something that'll take some getting used to I suppose but I'd prefer the FIFA 08' way on this aspect.

*Single Player Mode Camera View: As of right now you're not able to select " Be a Pro " camera for single player mode. I greatly hope that changes from the demo to the full version or I think I'll be passing (with my new meter mode above my head) entirely on this game.

- -

If you've made it this far through my post, I applaud you for taking the time. I do acknowledge it is a **demo** in fact and that things could be better by release date.

However, it's important as consumers to be critical of a product if it isn't to our liking. Whether it's the entire product or certain aspects. I'm just hoping we get the best product available to create by the developers!