FIFA 11 has been a welcome step forward for fans of the series, offering notable improvements in graphics and animation. It is worth mentioning that this applies to the PC version, because for consoles the game began to delight with improved graphics in the early parts of the series. Now it's time for me to be happy, too, as someone who plays FIFU on a PC. This edition has finally gotten rid of the "cardboard" faces of the players that were so annoying in the previous installments. Now the models of football players look more realistic, the animation of movements has become smoother, which gives the game a modern and lively look.
The graphics in the game are one of the key improvements. The players don't just look like faceless dolls, but like recognizable athletes with unique facial expressions and movements. The improvements also affected the stadiums: the stands, the atmosphere of the matches and the lighting made the gameplay more entertaining. Small details are especially impressive, such as the footprints of the ball on the lawn or the reactions of goalkeepers to difficult shots.
From the point of view of mechanics, the game, however, does not offer anything radically new compared to the previous version. The kicking system, passing the ball, and controlling the players have all remained familiar. And that's okay. However, thanks to smoother animations and improved gameplay, it has become more enjoyable to play. And although the game does not surprise with fresh gameplay solutions, the improved graphics compensate for this feeling of deja vu.
As in previous installments, FIFA 11 features classic modes. We can manage the club as usual, buying and selling players, choosing tactics, managing ticket prices and other aspects of management. You can participate in various tournaments and play in different leagues, choosing your favorite team and enjoying the season. Or you can just play quick matches for training or just for fun. All these elements have long been familiar to fans of the series, and there are no revelations here. Everything is in its place, familiar and comfortable.
I would especially like to mention the mode in which you will have to develop the selected player. In his career as a player, he will have to create his own character - a young football player who starts from the lower divisions and strives to reach the top of the football Olympus. At first, it's fascinating: you play dozens of matches, gain experience and improve the characteristics of the hero. However, it quickly becomes clear that there are few opportunities for character development, and the gameplay of this mode is essentially empty. There's not much to do in it, it's just boring. However, for fans of individual play, this mode can be a great way to feel like a part of the football world.
FIFA 11 is a worthy edition of the line, which does not bring revolutionary changes, but pleases with a noticeable step forward in graphics and improvements in details. Although the mechanics have remained the same, the game has become much more enjoyable thanks to more realistic animations and player models. In the year of its release, this, in my opinion, was a bit of a victory against the background of previous projects in this series.
8 out of 10.
