"FIFA 2004", released in 2003 by EA Sports, has become another milestone in the development of a series of football simulators. Every game in the FIFA series has its own unique memorable feature, and in "FIFA 2004" it was incredible goals from long distances. Such strikes brought great pleasure, allowing the players to demonstrate their skills and score dizzying goals from afar. However, this aspect also introduced a certain imbalance into the game, as it was much more difficult to score a close pass near or inside the penalty area, which slightly limited the variety of attacking strategies. And so, as a result, the controlled player ran from the middle of the field and hit with all his might, and the projectile simply flew into the far corner. At the same time, the goalkeeper also behaved wildly, just jumping out on the spot in an attempt to reach, rather than literally taking half a step to the side and jumping after, which would definitely guarantee that he would reach the round. Oh well.
One of the significant advantages of FIFA 2004 is its attention to detail regarding stadiums and match times. The developers have included many realistic stadiums in the game, each of which has its own unique atmosphere. Whether it's the legendary San Siro in Italy or the famous Old Trafford in England, each stadium conveys its own unique mood and visually looks impressive. Different times of the day, including matches during the day and under the evening lights, add realism and variety to the game, making each event unique in its own way.
The gameplay in FIFA 2004 was a significant step forward compared to the previous installments of the series. Improved controls and more realistic ball physics have made the gameplay smoother and more intuitively predictable. The new system of tactical settings allowed players to take deeper control of their team, choosing the strategy that best suits their style of play. The ability to change formations and tactical settings in real time has added additional interest in terms of strategy.
The visual and audio in the game, including the commentary of the matches, were performed at a high level. The commentators not only conveyed the atmosphere of the matches, but also added realism to what was happening on the screen. Sound effects, such as the screams of fans and the sounds of hitting the ball, enhanced the feeling of being in a real football stadium.
FIFA 2004 also introduced many licensed leagues and teams, allowing players to compete with real clubs and national teams from around the world. This aspect of the game has greatly expanded the possibilities and made the game even more attractive to football fans.
In general, FIFA 2004 has left a significant mark on the history of football simulators. Despite some problems that, in principle, will be inherent in this series (monotony from year to year), this part of the series remains a positive story in my memories. Magnificent atmospheric stadiums, a variety of match times and improved gameplay made the game an important part of the series, which is still warmly remembered by many players.
8 out of 10.
