FIFA Vita Review

For many gamers, FIFA Football on the Playstation Vita was the most promising purchase of last week's console launch. But how does the beautiful game translate to a tiny cartridge?

JOE

For many gamers, FIFA Football on the Playstation Vita was the most promising purchase of last week’s console launch. But how does the beautiful game translate to a tiny cartridge?

Remember FIFA 11? Before the football series went ahead with Head to Head Seasons or that slightly too complicated defending system? Then you’ll love the Playstation Vita’s FIFA Football (the first title of every FIFA game tends to shun its yearly moniker), which is essentially FIFA 11 but with FIFA 12‘s squads and shirts.

That may not sound too alluring but what we’re actually talking about is an entire FIFA game on a console that you can (at a pinch) fit in your pocket. Believe it or not, the graphics from the Vita installment of the world’s biggest sportst title are nearly identical to those of their home console brothers, while boasting an identical number of teams and stadia.

In fact, this handheld version of FIFA is arguably even more tempting and user-friendly to fans as it has notably speedier loading times and more importantly, unique usage of the console that really works and offers features that are impossible on gamer’s Xbox 360s or PS3s.

For example, the Vita’s front touch screen and rear touch pad take full advantage of the Vita’s ability to offer tailor-made experience. During each game the front screen is utilised when you’re on the defensive, as you can simply tap the player you wish to control when defending.

Rather than cycling through at least three defenders until you get to your chosen man – losing valuable time and some of your attention in the process – you’ll instantaneously take control your player and hopefully wrest control of the ball back into your control.

The rear touch pad – which has been fairly gimmicky in its implementation for the Vita thus far – is well used here, as players can literally pick their spot when running through on goal by resting their finger on the back of the console. Once they do, a corresponding circular graphic shows up on the front screen to denote where the ball will go, while the longer you hold down your finger decides the power behind the shot.

Both examples quickly become second nature and give players greater control over their team’s performance. To be honest, they’re worth pointing out because they’re the only true features which distinguish FIFA‘s Vita version from the home consoles. Trust us, that’s high praise.

Due to sheer technological heft packed into the Vita, we’re finally seeing a day where the lines between regular console and handheld console graphics, features and capabilties becoming blurred.

With that in mind, it’s no surprise to say that FIFA Football is without doubt the best handheld football game you’ll ever play and if you fancy the idea of carrying the series wherever you go, you’ll be pleased to see how little of a sacrifice you’ll have to make here.

excellent