Video game spin is a curious thing. It must be difficult for publishers and developers to turn a negative into a positive, but sometimes the excuses are so odd our eyebrows can’t help ascending skyward. The FIFA series has been a good example of this for a number of years. Nintendo fans need only cast their minds back to the launch of FIFA 13 on Wii U: it was essentially FIFA 12 with major modes – most notably the massively popular Ultimate Team – completely removed.
The game was heavily criticised for this, and gamers stayed away as a result. EA then decided not to make any more FIFA games for Wii U, citing "disappointing commercial results" despite "featuring FIFA's award-winning HD gameplay and innovative new ways to play" (as opposed to being because all the best modes were, you know, totally missing). More recently, FIFA's much-hyped story mode, dubbed "The Journey", made its debut in FIFA 17 but was only available on the Xbox One and PS4 versions: Xbox 360 and PS3 owners missed out because those editions didn’t run on the swanky new Frostbite game engine and according to its creative director, "without Frostbite a story this immersive doesn't happen".
Now here we are with FIFA 18 on Switch, the first FIFA game on a Nintendo home console for half a decade, and the spin machine’s out in full force again. This time, while the Switch version finally has the much-loved Ultimate Team mode the Wii U game omitted, fans will be curious about the fact that none of the new Ultimate Team features in this year’s Xbox One and PS4 version are in there. The reason, according to a Eurogamer interview with one of the game’s producers, is that having every feature in there "might be too much" for someone new to Ultimate Team. We’re calling nonsense on that: and we’ll explain why in a bit.
First though, let’s judge the game on its own merits. To be blunt, FIFA 18 on Switch is a fantastic game and a brilliant technical achievement. Fans of the FIFA series will immediately be able to get to grips with the game as soon as they start playing, because at its core this is ‘proper’ FIFA, not the odd bespoke versions on Wii and 3DS back in the day. The full array of abilities is available in this version, due to the JoyCon Grip (and Pro Controller) offering enough buttons to cope with it. Right stick skill moves, finesse shots, driven lobs, threaded through balls, you name it – every expert-level technique you can pull off in other versions of the game is here too. No more Wii Remote flicking, slow-mo Matrix moves or any of that other rubbish Nintendo-owning football fans have had to put up with over the years.
However, because it’s not running on the Frostbite engine, FIFA 18 on Switch doesn’t play exactly like the other current-gen versions. The pace is slightly faster and player animations and physics aren’t quite as fluid, lending the game an ever-so-slightly more arcade feel (but not to any major degree). It actually works well; as long as you aren’t a stickler for intricate animation detail, you’re going to have fun here. It runs smoother than a greased-up jazz musician too, with a full 60 frames per second in both docked and handheld mode making for a silky performance and the general feel that you’re playing a high quality product. Although its (slightly less silky-smooth) cutscenes and other close-up moments reveal that the character models are a good deal less detailed than their Xbox One and PS4 counterparts, squint a bit during normal gameplay and you’d genuinely struggle to tell the difference.
The ability to crack out those JoyCon controllers and play some two-player matches anytime and anywhere is also a welcome one, although the game’s simplified a bit in this form. If you’re playing with a single JoyCon you’re missing out on a second stick, a D-Pad and two shoulder buttons, which means things like on-the-fly tactics, threaded through balls and finesse shots are no longer possible. Consider this a more casual version of multiplayer FIFA, then, designed for quick games on the go: for more serious grudge matches on the move each player will need either a Pro Controller or both JoyCon so that they’re armed with a full set of buttons.
Every element of the game is produced to high, error-free quality. The commentary is crisp and varied, the crowd noises are a treat and load times are reasonable (with the series’ ever-present skill games on offer to keep you busy while you wait, but we found you can jump into the game in seconds anyway). If NBA 2K18 was an example of how to completely mess up a port and riddle it with errors, FIFA 18 is an example of how to do it properly. Well, on the field at least. It’s when you’re off the pitch and in the game’s menu screens that FIFA 18’s limitations start to rear their disappointing head. Again, let’s be clear: this is still a far greater suite of modes than any Nintendo FIFA game has ever had (or any portable version, for that matter).
The standard Kick Off and Tournament modes are in there. Women’s football, first introduced in FIFA 16, is present and accounted for. There’s a Career mode in there – more on that in a while – and a Switch-exclusive Local Seasons mode lets you play a five-match series against a FIFA-owning friend locally to see who’s the best when the dust settles. In terms of online, you’ve got Online Seasons – the league-based mode in which you start in Division 10 and have to play 10 games against random online opponents in an attempt to get enough points for promotion – but the most important addition has to be the ever-popular Ultimate Team mode.
For those new to it, Ultimate Team is one of the most addictive things to happen to football games, and sports games in general (which is why it’s since been imitated in PES, NBA 2K, Madden, NHL and the like). When you start it you pick a team name and are allocated a bunch of hopeless 50+ rated players and a random team badge, kit design, ball and stadium from the ones available in the game.
The aim is to play games to earn coins: these can then be traded for packs containing better players, or spent in the transfer market to buy specific players you’re looking for. And yes, microtransactions rear their ugly head here, but they’re by no means essential. This reviewer has been playing Ultimate Team since 2010 and has never spent a single penny, yet still adores the satisfaction of building a team into world-beaters through nothing more than hard graft and skill.
Also present are the Squad Building Challenges. These were introduced to Ultimate Team last year and are a series of regularly updated puzzles that ask you to put together specific squads with players you no longer need, then submit them in exchange for rewards like rarer packs of players. The whole thing is an obsession, though on Switch this excitement has to be tempered a little. The Switch Ultimate Team is a separate entity to the Xbox One and PS4 versions, so even though all three versions require you to create an EA Account to save your squads online, each edition's teams are completely different. This means you can’t, for example, play the Xbox One version on your TV then take your Switch on the train with you and load up the same team. There’s also no Switch support for the FIFA 18 Ultimate Team web app or mobile app, which let you tinker with your squads and Squad Building Challenges while away from the game.
This is the tip of the "missing content" iceberg, sadly. As you make your way through the game’s menus, FIFA 18 on Switch can just as easily be judged on what features and modes it doesn’t have as it can on what it does. Long story short, there’s a lot. The brilliant new Squad Challenges mode in this year’s Xbox One and PS4 versions of Ultimate Team? Not there. The new Daily Challenges, which give you mini-achievements (score three goals with a Brazilian player) for rewards? Not there either. The FUT Champions mode, where you compete in weekly tournaments to try and enter an elite league against the best players and win rare prizes? Nope.
And that’s just in Ultimate Team – there are many more gaping holes in the game’s feature set. All the fancy league-specific graphics packages are missing, so if you play a match with two teams from the likes of the Premier League, MLS or La Liga, you’ll still get the standard EA Sports scoreboard and timer instead of the official authentic ones. The EA Sports Football Club feature – in which you earn points as you play the game which can then be spent on historic kits, different balls, new goal celebrations and Ultimate Team coin boosts – is nowhere to be seen, meaning all that content is missing.
Online gameplay, meanwhile, is nice and smooth: as long as you plan on playing against strangers. Even before the game was launched we were able to find Ultimate Team online Seasons matches within seconds, so that side of things works perfectly. But there's currently no way to invite any of your Switch friends for an online match. This is almost certainly Nintendo's issue rather than EA's – hopefully the still-to-come paid online service will sort out this side of things – but it's still annoying that if you want to play FIFA against one of your mates instead of a random opponent, they're going to have to be in the same room as you. Whether or not this is a deal breaker for you is down to personal taste, but we imagine that it will compromise the experience for a great many FIFA addicts.
Most telling of all, though, is the Career mode, and that’s how we managed to figure out why the aforementioned dose of spin – that the Switch version is missing modes because it "might be too much" for the players – was a load of old kippers. The Xbox One and PS4 Career mode in FIFA 18 has a new transfer negotiation system in which you hammer out a deal face-to-face with players. This isn’t in the Switch game, presumably because of the whole "this is only possible in Frostbite" malarkey. The Xbox One and PS4 Career mode in FIFA 17 didn’t feature this. It was just a normal Career mode with some new objective-based features. But here’s the thing. The Switch version of FIFA 18 doesn’t even have that version of Career mode. It’s got the one from even older versions of the game, because (drum roll, please) FIFA 18 on Switch is basically the Legacy Edition that’s on Xbox 360 and PS3.
Now, let us clarify a few things before you plug in the old pitchfork-sharpening machine. There are still a few things in here that set the Switch version apart from the last-gen games. As previously mentioned, its custom game engine means that it runs smoother and looks sharper (the developers claim it renders at full 1080p when docked and it certainly seems crisp enough for that to be true). It adds the four new stadia that the Xbox One and PS4 versions get, its Ultimate Team mode has the Icon players like Maradona, Pele and the like (the last-gen ones don’t) and you can unlock a special Switch football shirt in Ultimate Team, too.
So let’s not go too overboard: it’s clear that at least some work has gone into optimising the game for Switch and ensuring there’s at least some new content in there for the system. Our complaint here is more that it’s not enough. The Journey story mode aside, there’s no actual technical reason why any of the other current-gen modes – the Ultimate Team Squad Challenges, the Daily Challenges, the weekly FUT Champions event, the EA Sports Football Club section with the retro kits and other goodies (none of which are in the Xbox 360 and PS3 Legacy Editions either) – couldn’t have been in the Switch version. Despite the producer’s claim, we all know these features aren’t missing because it "might be too much" for Switch owners’ delicate brains to process. They aren’t in there because it was decided (be it down to lack of resources or time) that there’d be no effort made to implement them in the game.
What we ultimately have, then, is a game that – when we look at it logically rather than emotionally – is far and away the greatest modern football game on a Nintendo system and the greatest handheld football game ever made. If you don’t own an Xbox One or PS4, this still looks great and plays fantastically and is a more than acceptable version of FIFA. If you do own an Xbox One or PS4, however, you should only really buy the Switch version if you plan on mainly playing it in handheld mode. While it’s still superb both handheld and docked, the latter can’t really hold a candle to its more powerful and feature-rich siblings.
Conclusion
As a first attempt at releasing FIFA on Switch, EA has nailed the look and feel and given us a brilliant console and (more notably) handheld game. For that reason alone, Nintendo fans – especially those who haven’t owned a good football game in a while – should consider this a must-buy. This won’t be enough next year, though: a few little additions aside this is essentially a Legacy Edition port, and while EA Bucharest gets the benefit of the doubt this time as its relatively new to Switch development, if the inevitable FIFA 19 doesn’t have full mode parity with the other main versions of the game then no amount of spin will justify it.
Comments 216
Sounds a little too high for me. Given, I haven't played it but it seems like a 7/10 game from all the hands-on, videos and previews. Missing features and borked online doesn't sound like an 8.
FIFA 18 on the Switch is Missing Much More Than Just the Journey
But is it still good?
http://www.usgamer.net/articles/fifa-18-on-the-switch-is-missing-much-more-than-just-the-journey
It seems like it's missing quite a bit. And who is it aimed at?
"All of this makes it a stay away for hardcore fans; but for first-timers and families looking for some fun soccer, I think it works perfectly well as a stripped down port."
Nintendo's half-arsed online cripples FIFA 18 on Switch
You'll always walk alone.
http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2017-09-29-its-impossible-to-play-with-friends-online-on-fifa-18-on-switch-and-its-nintendos-fault
I'll see what others have to say, which could be a while as journalists only got their review copies today like everyone else. And I think they're going to be a little more generous(Nintendo related sites) than they perhaps should, because this is EA's bellwether or litmus test if you will. All future support from them relies on whether this game sinks or floats. A bad score will hurt sales. This review even says in its conclusion that "EA Bucharest gets the benefit of the doubt this time". Why should they? It should be judged on what it is, what it does or doesn't have and how it compares to the competition, not given a free pass.
I’ll probably grab this eventually. I just don’t play games like FIFA enough to warrant a day one purchase, even if it does sound pretty great from the review.
I predicted the other day thay that this would get an 8. Sometimes you can just tell.
That's wonderful news. A solid non gimicky genuine port is a great start. I agree that it won't hold up next year, but this year it ticks off an important market segment that Nintendo has left abandoned since the DS.
I don't get why they thought omitting playing with friends online was a good idea. Mind you that wasn't an option on the last Fifa I played, Fifa 98 on the N64
I liked it. Played one match and I'm instantly sold!
Of course you haven't played it Slergrh but you'll comment anyways , with a score no less
@SLIGEACH_EIRE
And how long have you played it for to come to that conclusion?
I had been nervous about getting this without reviews. I was picking it up when I went to the store but now I'm REALLY torn. Career is really what I mostly play an sthat is hands down better on my PS4.
I didn't care about frame rate, or journey or if the animation was as good. All I asked was the same mode on the go, and it looks like this is nowhere the same experience. It's really a shame.
I was confident this was going to be a solid release. It's not quite full parity like NBA 2k18 but it does offer 1080p/60fps and relatively bug free. A solid trade off for sure
Maybe I'll wait until next year once Fifa '19 releases, so that I can get this for $20
@Ooyah You clearly didn't read what I wrote.
Cannot for the life of me see how this gets an 8 when one of the most fundamental features of FIFA is missing online play with friends. EA could have implemented this had they wanted... The other versions don't bring you out of the game to use the consoles invite system like most games it's all handled in game just bloody lazy of you ask me. Also better than ISS 98 ON N64 PFFFF
If we all wait for FIFA 19 to include all the modes no one will buy this game and EA will abandon the Switch... What to do?
No online with friend is a bummer... not that a problem for me as I'll mostly be using the Switch version for on-the-go play but this is definitely going to be a big problem for a lot of people
@SLIGEACH_EIRE That comment went up at 12:02. Two minutes seems like quite a short time to read my 2000 word review and gather a couple of links from other sites. Almost as if you're basing it just on a single number
The inability to play with friends online is absolutely ridiculous and inexcusable.
The rest of the cuts here and there I can forgive, because ultimately they still put out a competent game and a decent experience, but why won't you let me play against my friends directly?
From the first screenshot in the article: "and earn a Two Players". Tell me there is some text that we can't see that comes after that? Awful grammar.
@Godsent
Ya, it still has online play. And local play. NBA 2k18 was the same way. Disappointing but I'd never use it.
@coxy100 I'm confused: that text doesn't feature anywhere in the review?
Nice piece @scully1888
Obviously, ideally we'd have liked a straight 1:1 port of the PS4/X1 versions but, for those like myself who haven't owned a FIFA game in a good many years, we won't miss the features that we never had I guess...
This is portable FIFA with all of the major boxes ticked - and that's probably good enough for me...for now.
Hopefully EA can tinker with the Frostbite engine to allow for Switch optimisation going forward - surely better for all concerned (if possible) - but dedicating an entire studio, EA Romania, to the development of one version of the game is nothing to be sniffed at (and not a decision that would've been taken out of anything other than necessity, I'm sure) and if it runs well, plays well and has most bases covered - that's what's important...plus, IT'S PORTABLE BABY - which is a 'triple plus' whichever way you look at it!
@scully1888 re-read my comment mate - I said it's in the screenshot!
Review with added butthurt.
@coxy100 Ah, my bad! Nah, the text there scrolls as you sit the cursor over it. It says something like "earn a Two Players reward pack"
@SLIGEACH_EIRE
You can only give a true review by playing a game and test every feature, detail, gameplay etc.
I havent played it yet, but wont give an opinion based on videos from others.
The game plays beautifully. So far bug free. 9/10
My last Fifa was Fifa 10 on the PS3, so I'm more than ready for this (relatively) new one. I'm only really interested in the Career mode, anyway, and this should be a fairly obvious step up on 2010. Glad this has, on balance, a positive review. I'm not jumping on board straight away, but a decent football sim has always been a staple of my games libraries for any console.
NBA 2K18 for me all the way.
@scully1888 phew - I will forgive EA then! For once...
Review the game that's made, not the features that are 'missing'.
Little bit disappointed with the lack of features. And the lack of online play with friends. 8 does seem a bit high to score it. As mentioned above, 7 might be more accurate.
I own an Xbox One and after reading this I'm torn. I might still go for the Switch version as I'll get to play it more often than my Xbox. But this could have been so much better.
@SLIGEACH_EIRE
Oh, the EDIT that you made AFTER my reply? Your initial comment was a single sentence. Sigh.
I had Fifa 17 on the PS4 and to be honest I'm not too bothered about the Journey mode so it's no great loss to me personally. Also I've never got into the Ultimate team side of things, so again no great loss
As long as it has a decent career mode and online mode I'm more than happy.
To be able to play this in handheld mode on the couch while the Wife is watching The Great British Bake Off is my idea of heaven.
Can't wait to pick this up next week......... Leaving it till next week because..... Well...... It's SNES Mini weekend and that's my priority
@SLIGEACH_EIRE haven't played it but seem like a 7. You get funnier by the day.
Ahem. Road to the World Cup 98 for Nintendo 64 was amazing.
Considering I never play online, I didn't care for the story mode at all, and all I wanted to do was run the franchise mode until I got bored, it's an instant buy.
Looking forward to FIFA 18 but NL is right to say that if FIFA 19 isn't in parity with its PS4/XO counterparts, I'll look for a Pro Evolution Soccer game that is.
For me the Nintendo Pocket Football Club is more than enough
The talk about it having a more arcadey feel is actually a pro in my books but I can understand frustrations for those wanting a more "sim" like experience.
Reading the review it does sound like a game made on a somewhat limited budget. Shortcuts were taken and things were left out as EA seemed not convinced enough to stump up maximum resourxes to ensure the best possible experience. This leaves Switch owners in a precarious position: do they buy this game in the hopes to garner enough sales to entice EA to put more effort next year (at the risk of making them think they can get away with this)? Or do they hold off at buying at th risk of EA using that as evidence to stop supporting the Switch with the series? Kind of a Catch 22.
The review does read like a list of questioning EA's decision to not include features but also tries to hit home that what remains is high quality stuff for what it is. Unfortunately it is one of those series thats always going to be compared to its offerings on other platforms.
To finish off, don't you just love it when our resident Irish Negative Nancy gets called out by the staff...
@Captain_Gonru Quite. One paragraph saying something along the lines of, "Yes, there are several features missing compared to PS4/XB1...." would be fine, but this review is more like an editorial about the missing features.
@SLIGEACH_EIRE whats your point? why can't nintendolife give an 8 while others give different ratings? why can't you just leave it be?
But..... it's football literally the most boring sport ever invented so "meh" madden or NHL would have been far better options for me.
Does the whole game fit on the cartridge?
Plays great so far for me. I never get fully into all the modes, I just like the odd game here and there . So this is fine for me. I'm sure if this version sells well we will start to see other features. I'm more then satisfied so far.
@Ooyah No, I had edited in that I didn't play it before your reply.
I’m enjoying it, I do fear though that they will treat the Switch version the same as they did with the Vita.
@scully1888 Great review and nice to see the Bhoys and our national side feature in the screen shots. Going down to Game to purchase it today.
@scully1888 Well, I could also say that your review was put up very quickly. You're in fact the 1st if I'm not mistaken. What time did you get the game at today?
Roasting on here aside, glad this version of FIFA is more competent than anyone initial thought
You can't send a message to EA about their Switch versions with a 8/10 , smh
If EA are basing future support on this game then more fool them. Half the features missing but asking for full price is not a good start either. Maybe they should take leaf out of Bethesda's book
In a sale, in the distant future (when I will also buy the Lego games) maybe I will get this lazy port. But let's see what happens until there. By the way, great review! You had the guts to write openly about the flaws and still express your opinion that for a standalone game, it is pretty good.
@SLIGEACH_EIRE If you check my Twitter you'll see photo proof that I received it at 7am yesterday morning. I spent about 10-15 hours with it and was up to 3am writing the review so we COULD have it first. Sorry man, insinuation isn't working this time: this is the result of hard work and commitment.
@gcunit When a company is releasing the same product at the same time with more features for practically the same price, the consumer has the right to know what's not included. Common sense, surely?
@SLIGEACH_EIRE
Hey, dude !
7 or 8 from 10, Who The Heck Cares ?!
Just play it and you can tell your opinion !
You don't have to say your negativity before even playing a game !
@SLIGEACH_EIRE
Oh man. Well, I didn't see it before I replied, obviously. Here's an idea... why not just post the whole comment at the start? That was one extensive edit. Just trying to be first?
@scully1888 Ah, ok, my apologies then. I read that journalists only received review copies today like everyone else. Still, it is fast. Nobody else has a review up.
Reading your review, it doesn't sound like an 8. You've pointed out a lot of criticisms. The PS4/XB1 versions are averaging about an 8. So I don't get how a Switch version that doesn't look as nice, has a weaker engine, lacks features and modes and has fairly poor online can get the same score.
@SLIGEACH_EIRE Scully is a top reviewer with years of experience and a fellow Bhoy like ourselves. We should trust his judgement
@scully1888 "Smoother than a greased up Jazz musician" lol
Thank you for working hard on this review - I'm sorry you have people here deriding your work with snide remarks about your efforts - really.
I'm interested in the slightly faster pace than PS4/XBone versions and the slightly more arcade feel - I prefer this over reality. lol
And thank you to EA for supporting the SWITCH - We all know that as a platform matures - the resources and skills available and learned by the developers improves. 60fps a priority - more developers are learning this
@SLIGEACH_EIRE
Here he goes. Play it and then you can review it like these guys have.
Oh there are a few fellow Celtic fans in here. Happy days
So in other words, it looks and plays more like a 'real' Fifa than any other Nintendo/ Handheld Fifa before, because the Nintendo/ Handheld system it's running on is more powerful than the Nintendo/ Handheld systems before, plus it features the 'right' controller configuration.
As for everything else, it's basically the same old story, content and features a missing, some with a more-or-less reasonable explanation (no Frost Bite, no Journey Mode), some ... well, are just not there, reasons be damned.
Considering that making a game that actually uses the systems power and inputs is like the lowest bar here (at least for me), the overall picture then, is pretty diappointing if not at all unexpected.
Havent played fifa since the 2001 iteration on PS2 but since there is no Pro Evo Soccer I have to buy this. Saw someone at work playing it today and he liked it. Responsive was the word he used and it looks really nice. The price is way too high so maybe wait till the price goes down
@SLIGEACH_EIRE Nintendo's online is pretty bad, but I don't see how it's their fault and there's alone that you can't play FIFA with friends. I'd understand if it just meant you couldn't invite them, but the review makes it sound like you can't set up a private match either.
I think the title says it all
"The best NINTENDO fifa ever"
This only works if you live in a bubble or a situation where you have no other options but Nintendo. With missing game/online features (In reality FIFA only lasts for me because I can play vs my friends and family online) it is just not the "BEST" fifa available.
I rather do something else "on the go" and play FIFA at home with the full feature set.
Great review. For all those people going on about xbox one and ps4 versions being the ones to go for is all well agood if you own one of those consoles. The parts in UT missing is a shame but could be added in a update at some point. I'm more intrested in taking switch out with me and playing in a group. Maybe EA are waiting to see sale to see if adding these extra's would be worth while. On line will most probley be sorted once Nintendo sort them selfs out.
@SLIGEACH_EIRE Take my advice and stop digging yourself in a hole.
@gcunit To be absolutely fair, the whole point of a review is to inform potential customers about whether to purchase a product.
In the case of a game that's released on multiple consoles - especially one that receives periodical releases - one of the most useful bits of information you can provide is how the game compares to its equivalents on other systems.
Owners of more than one console will want to know this. They'll want to know whether it's worth getting the Switch version alongside or instead of other versions, or not at all. They'll want to know that you can't carry a single team through different consoles. It's information worth having in there, IMO, as it's exactly the sort of stuff that many FIFA fans will be scouring the internet to find out.
The article does make the point several times that - despite its focus on (lack of) certain features - that what we have here is a fantastic football game and generally solid product. It gets that off early in the article, before weighing into the nitty gritty. People who just want to know if they're getting a decent footy game should have found out pretty soon into reading.
@gcunit "Review the game that's made, not the features that are 'missing'."
That's a fallacy. Games don't exist in a vaccuum and are not a simple sum of their parts. Imagine you have a game with genious singleplayer but meh tacked-on multiplayer (maybe your game is called DOOM 2016). Should the multiplayer be removed just to make the game better?
That said, I'm really happy FIFA has turned out great where it matters most (on the pitch!). I wouldn't even have thought about buying the game if it wasn't mobile and it's great that it actually plays well! 720p, 60 FPS FIFA - on a freakin' handheld! How awesome is that?
@OorWullie I don't mean to give him a hard time. Just asking a few questions. And yes things are going great for Celtic. Brilliant win at the weekend over the old enemy and they've set themselves up nicely for at least a Europa League place.
@scully1888 Great review! Yes, I read the entire thing. It's clear that you actually played the game and, heaven forbid, might be basing a score on what's in the game more so than what's not (when compared to other versions).
Its not a bad game at all but very frustrating at time. I feel the passing and dribbling are very poor. I always find myself losing the ball far to often and a lack of control on the ball makes for easy interceptions. I am a hardcore fifa player previously on Xbox one. Fifa 16 and 17 mostly. Maybe its just getting used to it.
@NintendoFan4Lyf They also could have used their own system because you need an EA account to play online anyway (which they use on PC).
While Nintendo's Online system is lacking, they're not to blame here. Blame EA Bucharest's time and budget constraints instead.
I really hope they patch it in though, because I was looking forward playing Switch FIFA online with a friend.
@SLIGEACH_EIRE exactly what I was thinking reading it.
@MsgBoardGamer has the NBA 2K18 retail versions been released in Australia and NZ?
Can't sell a game to people which doesn't exist in the shelves yet.
@NintendoFan4Lyf no NBA doesn't allow you to play with friends either.
Eh, I got Golf Story. I'm good for now.
Got my copy of this game a couple hours ago. I'm pleased with it so far. Obviously, It isn't as graphically attractive as the ps4 version but it certainly looks better than the legacy editions on ps3 and xbox360. I would say the graphics are somewhere in between Fifa 16 and 17 on ps4. The gameplay feels like a combination of those two games as well. It's more difficult to score goals than on the ps4 version of fifa18, which makes it feel less arcade-like (pro difficulty and up). I played in portable mode so far and I was quite impressed. It looks detailed, especially when considering it's on handheld. I'll try it docked later on.
This is a tremendous leap forward, and a nice foundation for next year. I take a smooth 1080/720p @ 60fps anyday over a bad frostbite port, running at sub HD-resolution @ 30fps. If it proves successful and I think it will, im confident that we will get a fully featured Fifa next year. Kudos to EA!
Wish this was Madden instead. Hope it sells well so that it has a chance.
@SLIGEACH_EIRE you've been making quite a lot of sense to me recently, it's making me feel uneasy 😉
Good review, thanks. I haven't played a footy game since oooohhhhh.....Championship Manager on the speccy, ha ha. I like the sound of this, even without the various bells and whistles. A fun arcadey game will do me nicely. However not at the price! I'll wait until next year and hope this will drop in price in advance of the next version.
Off topic: can some bring out a great Snooker game please?
@flameboy84
Game scores are based on the quality of the features the game has not what it's missing.
I think it's fair enough to point out features it doesn't have. Most of us own more than one system that can play FIFA 18 and it helps make an informed choice as to which version to buy.
Basically it comes down to how important portability is to you. For me it's the most important thing. For others, it will be outweighed by the extra features.
If you're a Nintendo only gamer with any interest in a football game this sounds like an easy buy.
Fifa games are like pizza even then they're not good they're alright.
@Turbo857 what utter tosh. If a game is missing a fundamental game mode that other versions have had for literally a decade then it deserves to be marked down...
@SLIGEACH_EIRE
What an unabashed troll you are. Truly...pathetic. And I have FIFA on other consoles, but to jump on so quick to rag on a game, you say yourself to haven’t played, tells everyone who and what you are.
I hope it’s not too cold under that bridge! How’s Mrs. Troll?
@flameboy84
Disappointing = yeah. But this has to do with the Switch not having a universal invite system implemented (as of yet). That's a hardware issue not a software. Therefore, it shouldn't be a strike against the game itself. You can still play random people online but this is currently a hardware limitation.
I agree others on here that it probably deserved to be $10 cheaper since it is missing features, but I'll grab it and give it a try. I haven't played a FIFA game in a long time, and haven't bought one even longer than that. The first one I bought was for Sega CD! It was pretty cool back then. It was just like the SNES and Genesis versions but had better sound and some FMV.
I find realistic sports games in general mind-numbingly boring, and it really surprises me that they're as popular as they are, but I'm glad that this seems like an okay port.
@crackafreeze or just open Spotify and listen to the HD version with no scratches. There is no need for you to live with it - give yourself options. Another fine life philosophy
I'm stoked. The only way I will play FIFA at this point is random snippits on the go so Switch for me from here on out EA.
@Turbo857 again.... Utter nonsense... Splatoon, Arms both have online play with friends. On other consoles you stay within fifa to do all the invites etc... It's not one of those games where you hit invite friends and it's brings up the dashboard... It's all through EA servers via the game instead.
@gcunit this is multi-platform game and some of us want to know what those missing features are. I should not need to go Google after reading a review to find out the specifics.
If you only have a Switch it tells you what you get - If you also have a PS4 the review tells you what you will be missing out on. Nothing wrong with that - and exactly what I was looking for.
@crackafreeze No I hear you... why I placed at the end "Another..."
I just like what the review did and fits more my line of thinking/situation. Not contradicting yours - just a parallel thought
@Agramonte Read what I wrote. I never said don't mention them.
@crackafreeze A fine philosophy. This review rather over-eggs the size of the scratch IMO.
FIFA has "gaping holes" of (inexcusably) missing content, yet in the end it's "Great." Makes that threat to go harder on FIFA 19 sound pretty toothless.
@gcunit oh, ok - I just saw this one
"One paragraph saying something along the lines of, "Yes, there are several features missing compared to PS4/XB1...."
not sure how far back you go - You really popular right now... lol!
I do have Fifa 16 on Xbox One. I'm going to pick up 18 on Switch in about 35 minutes. I don't have any friends who own X1 so not playing with friends online doesn't tip the scale to X1. Graphic wise, of course it would be nice if it was better. But if it doesn't have framedrops like 16 on X1 and is quite close it's ok. I just wan't to be able to play it on the go. Add Madden, PGA, and NHL and my sports needs would be set more or less.
Oh! And I wan't a new Beach Spikers from Sega.
Having a great time with the game. The gameplay and feeling is excellent, though I do think the lack of rumble is a tad disappointing. But all in all, this is such a joy to play!
I own a PS4, but I should be getting the Switch version on the mail. I think it looks good enough for a fun portable game.
I'm no too big on FIFA, since I'm more of a American Football fan, although I would never call this game soccer, since I am an educated person.
Joking aside, I'm glad to have a proper FIFA on the go.
Personally, I don't need anything else but the quick match mode.
But it's astonishing how EA repeatedly comes up with an excuse to deliver another lazy legacy edition out of sheer lack of dedication (and greed). I bet even robots would have more passion than EA.
@Sveakungen You're the first person to mention lack of rumble. Think the review was so busy telling us about what features PS4 and XB1 have, they overlooked HD Rumble as a consideration? 😂
@gcunit I'd say you're the one butthurt here.
OH NDFers....
Opening it now...come on you reds..or blues...erm...I'm neutral if I'm honest.
This is still the only Switch review of FIFA 18. What does that say?
http://www.metacritic.com/game/switch/fifa-18
It's a fantastic effort. A little unrefined (the frame rate is consistently inconsistent) as I think that EA would not have gotten the dev kits early enough, but it looks and plays wonderfully, all things considered, and it bodes very, very well for a possible Fifa 19 and/or Fifa World Cup 2018.
Everything that mattere is here. I don't much care for optional extras such as "daily challenges" and what have you, so their exclusion means absolutely nothing to me. I'm actually been quite impressed by the myriad of options available, and I've been particularly thrilled that the Turkish league is available (I last bought Fifa 12 on 3DS and was very annoyed to find out that they were completely excluded).
Really, my only complant is the lack of eight player multiplayer as I can't think of a single reason why it wouldn't be included, and it could have give the Switch version a distinct advantage over the competition, at least where local multiplayer is concerned.
The only people who should have any reservations are those who use their Switch primarily as a home console and want the "definitive" experience. I for one am perfectly happy with the Switch edition.
So the short of it is, that it's basically exactly what we'd expect from EA, but a bit above average from their usual fare.
Unlike usual they actually took the time to optimize the game to make sure it actually runs very well. But true to form, they did so at the expense of stripping out a good half the game's actual features in order to deliver a bare bones minimalist product that "works really well" because it's missing half the parts that need to work. And the reasoning doesn't come down to actual hardware limitations, which they flew past with ease, but rather, simple decision making to eliminate chunks of the product for bottom line purposes.
EA never fails to disappoint. That's ok, though. I'm looking forward to Need For Speed on Switch in 2023. You'll have to use a Mustang GT the entire game, and the voice acting will be removed, and the salvage/restore garage will be removed entirely, and you won't be able to race a friend. But the core gamplay will play really smooth, and gosh darnit it will be the very best handheld Need for Speed ever.
@NEStalgia Oh but you'll still have to pay for gas and tyres.
At last another review. Not from the biggest of names but I've still heard of them.
http://www.gameblog.fr/tests/2861-fifa-18-switch
They gave it 6/10. They weren't hugely impressed, though say it's good as a handheld experience. Well it doesn't have any competition in that market.
For now i will pass. Too many great games coming soon!
I figured it wouldn't be as good as the PS4/Xbox One versions but I didn't realize it would be missing this much content. My oldest son was planning on spending his birthday money tonight on this game for the Switch. I will inform him of the missing content before he makes the purchase.
That excuse that the developers gave is insulting. That alone makes me want to skip.
@NEStalgia The end of your post is awesome and spot-on!
Ya know if you're torn about the cost, don't forget Black Friday is around under 2 months away....
I'm super disappointed that I can't play the story mode. I really wanted to try it
@Angelic_Lapras_King Yep, I picked up FIFA 17 on Xbox One for like $25 last Black Friday at Walmart. Got the Switch version for now and will probably pick up either PS4 or Xbox One in November. Really depends on if anyone wants to play with me on those, because no one I know personally wants to play me on their Switch.
I glad, downloading it right now as we speak. thanks for the review.
Always a pleasure to read Chris Scullion's work.
Haven't played FIFA since the FIFA 64 (shudder.) Will get this.
I don't like to give traffic to other websites but Nintendo should really take seriously Eurogamer's criticism about their crappy online services.
"In FIFA 18 on Switch, you can't play online with friends, and I personally lay the blame at Nintendo's feet. The Switch just doesn't have the online infrastructure in place that should be the bare minimum for any contemporary console, and FIFA 18 exposes that once again."
So Nintendo doesn't offer the bare minimum online features you'd expect of a contemporary console. We can't expect from every company to offer their own solutions. Hope Nintendo fix this
Would prefer less Celtic related screenshots but a good review none the less.
Hey I haven't play a game but I think it deserves a 7 cause ya know I'm awesome & know everything...
Positives - it's a proper Switch version. Decent local multiplayer options and the definitive handheld version.
Negatives - we've got the legacy edition. Every lesser system gets it. It is EA isn't it.
Online - the Switch online is still underwhelming. Lots of online features we've had since the mid 2000's still arent on the system. This is something Nintendo rather than 3rd parties need to address.
I've got it, after thinking I was going to wait. £47 in Asda. It's great. Yes, it's missing a few bits here and there from the other versions, but as a Nintendo fan, I don't care. It's not comical FIFA like we had with the Wii, and it's an improvement in many areas from the Wii U version. Delighted. Third party support is here to stay!
Now if they can just fix the online friends thing out that'd be perfect.
I just hammered Crystal Palace 5-1. This game is so un-realistic...Crystal Palace scored!
I also think 8 is too much for the Switch version. That's the score that the Xbox/PS version is getting elsewhere and the Switch version had many features removed and I'm not talking about visuals or frame rate but simple features like online and single modes.
Components missing? I wanted to try FIFA after 20 yrs but I can wait till the price matches what you get for the game. Hmm, I'd say 30 bucks is reasonable for the insult to us players, lack of modes/features and their stupid 'spin' on it.
Well, I got home and there it was on the mat. FIFA 18 for Nintendo Switch. There have been lots of comments, comparisons , moans, groans and excitement.
I have seen the game first hand before playing it and was already impressed. Yes, it misses certain things, not least a decent online offering, but I always loook at Switch games in their own right.
And why do I do that? Because although people will compare against PS4, XBOX one , that is rather pointless. Nintendo didn't bring out the Switch to compete with them.
Anyway, after an hour of playing FiFA 18 on the Switch I can say it is brilliant.
Yes, there are visual differences but as a gamer of many years, I want to know how the game plays. And it plays beautifully. It's slick, entertaining and simply well thought out.
You could say that it is not as good as other versions but as I said , who cares? It's portable and on the smaller screen it's even better!!!
Moaners should stop moaning. This is great.
@scully1888, Now this is how you review a game great review very in-depth.
I totally agree with the review. 8 all day. Next year has to improve the game because if they are counting on selling us this again...they are in for a shock with Switch owners. They will need to give us a reason to buy their game and calling their polygons different names isn't enough.
You gotta love the people who come in, ignore a lengthy review that is written, argue about the numerical score without having played the game - or even own the system that it is on - and immediately post a bunch of other stuff from other sites. It's almost as if someone had their own mind and agenda made up well beforehand... Hmmmm.
My opinion regarding fifa 18 on the switch so far:
I’ve been playing the fifa series since 2004. Despite having the 2004 game on the Pc, I always found myself playing it on the GBA, due to the portability factor. It was miles beyond the pc version, but the gameplay was solid and the “championship mode”, although lacking the depth of the pc version, kept me hooked for tens of hours.
Today, after over a decade, i ve played the new portable version of fifa on a nintendo console. It damn well ROCKS, and here’s why:
-60 fps with no noticeable drops. As much as i like to hate on EA for their business practices, i understand the lack of frostbite and game modes. The game runs butter smooth.
-player animations are buttery smooth. This is not fifa 16 or 17 for a portable device, but fifa 18 with not so good graphics, BUT
-despite the not so good graphics, the game looks amazing on the switch screen. This looks like the fifa game i ve always dreamt to have on a portable
-you can DAB!!!!!!!
-menus are faster than fifa 17 on the xbox one. This might change with time, but for now, it all runs flawlessly.
-Despite having not tried it, i ve read there s no online play with friends. That s a minus, hopefully they ll patch it
All in all, amazing game. yes, it lacks features, but let s judge it for what it is: an amazing 60 fps game on a portable console, a machine a fraction of the size of an xbox or playstation.
I bought this game today and im enjoying it so far.........
@scully1888
Chris i cant believe you are working at nintendo life. i havent seen any other reviews here by you i just checked this review and couldnt believe its done by you................... Big fan of everything you write and been reading since onm issue 1, still go through the old onm mags to feel the nostalgia. great stuff and i hope to see more of you on here.
@flapjack-ashley "You gotta love the people who come in, ignore a lengthy review that is written, argue about the numerical score without having played the game - or even own the system that it is on - and immediately post a bunch of other stuff from other sites. It's almost as if someone had their own mind and agenda made up".
Perhaps they have the game for any other platform and they just compare the features that are included or not on each version? Probably, if you just play the Switch version and just read NL reviews you don't even know what is missing.
This is not Super Mario Odyssey but a yearly game released for every single platform, what suspicious agenda do you see there?
Pocket Gamer UK also have a review up, solid 7 out of 10.
http://www.pocketgamer.co.uk/r/Switch/FIFA+18/review.asp?c=75437
@SLIGEACH_EIRE you do know you don't have to poison every article and review on Nintendo Life right?
@gamermole He's done a few reviews here now. Check out some of the recent Neo Geo reviews.
@BlueOcean The gentleman in question does not, and will not, own any other system. Stick around a while and you'll be as certain of that as everyone else is. And when you are, you'll have suspicions about his motives.
@PanurgeJr Fair enough.
For me portability is the killer feature with this version of Fifa so I'm in and as ultimate team is my main gig it has the main guts I want. I am happy time was spent to make it bug free rather than pack more features. But yes.. next year will be more demanding
I like American Football. If I can't play as Pelé then I will not play it.
So glad I read this review. I don’t like football, so don’t know why I bothered reading the review, but when it includes the phrase “smoother than a greased-up jazz musician” I know I made the right choice.
@SLIGEACH_EIRE er that no one else has reviewed it yet 🤔 Anyway I couldn't give a crap if this got twelfty out of ten. This and call of duty are everything that is wrong with modern gaming. Vile franchises. I hate them with my very being. But others (9-15 year old boys anyway) seem to like them so hey ho.
@Gravedigga13 you can dab 😂😂😂
Oh wait you meant that as a positive. 🤔
EA is gonna EA..
EA: Cuts services to a Nintendo game
Game: Sells poorly
EA: Gets butthurt when game sells poorly
Then quit dumbing down your ports, you idiots!
I didn't participate in the comment section for a long time, but the @scully1888 reviews forced me too.
The reviews:
FIFA 18 (Switch) - 8/10
NBA 2K18 (Switch) - Score Pending
Metroid: Samus Returns - 10/10
Sky Ride (Switch eShop) - 5/10
Puzzled (Switch eShop) - 3/10
The average review ratio of 6.5 is absolutely ok, but in my opinion the bellow par games got degraded and the above par games got hyped. [The average review ratio from Nintendo Life is nearly 6.4, so I define "par" as a score between six and seven]
It's clear as daylight that reviews are driven by personal opinions, but I don't trust scully1888's scores. Credibility is the most valuable asset of a game review website...
The store i work at had a big display of Fifa games and i was amazed how many people where buying it throughout the day... only Xbox and ps4 versions though, no sign of the switch version
@Oubie buy so ea make more, but knowing people they won’t, has so much potential in future
@Nintendojuenger Out of curiosity, which of those five games have you played? Not that I have to defend myself, but I've been doing this for 11 and a half years and a number of people seem happy with my reviews. If you disagree with my opinions that's completely fine – variety makes the world go round – but please don't suggest you "don't trust" me or that my opinion lacks "credibility". There's a difference between an inability to do one's job and a simple difference of opinion.
@Nintendojuenger
"It's clear as daylight that reviews are driven by personal opinions"
That's the important bit. Stop right there.
@BlueOcean
Did you really just suggest this site should base the mark based on what other websites have given the game on other formats? I mean, think it through. Which website should they use, which version, what about people who do and don't have other systems to compare against? That's completely nonsensical.
Fixing issue in review: "They aren’t in there because it was decided (be it down to lack of resources or time) that there’d be no effort made to implement them in the game."
Should be: "They aren’t in there because it was decided that there’d be no effort made to implement them in the game on an unproven platform, as an early adopter dev/publisher, facing a quite frankly, irrational fan base and the web press that feeds/supports their nonsense. As such, we'll see, because we know while places like nintendolife will claim to review the software on it's merits, SOMEHOW they will throw some snark at this "first wave" AAA Title on general principle, if there is actually any money in the platform for us".
Try it that way
I don't care about FIFA, I don't even like football, but this game will determine if we get a Star Wars game in the future (which it's EA's only IP I care about), and honestly, I don't see this game selling up to EA's "standards" so I guess EA's support of the Switch will be same as the support they gave the Wii U: none.
Hope I'm wrong though...
Bought it on launch and while yeah it’s a watered down version it’s a great game for the switch . I took it to work and played some games on table top mode with the cleaner there who’s a die hard Fifa PS4 fan and we had a blast I mean when could I ever do that before and we had a crowd watching 😂 While it’s missing some features from the other versions it’s still a solid football game and if like me you love your FIFA and taking it on the go to sink time into then it’s a must buy . 9/10 for me
@Wozzie Did you play with the joy cons? How was it?
@MattFox it takes time getting use to it but once we did it’s just fun times ahead man and it plays well
Got this yeaterday, played it for a bit and loved it! To me the gameplay seems to be more responsive and the ball less rubberband-ed to the player's feet than past FIFAs and Fifa18 on PS4. It feels to me like Fifa18 on switch plays very much like the PES of old, quick, slick, responsive and arcade-y. I kinda like it this way. That and it has mostly all the visual effects like DOF, weather effects, dirt maps on players...this is mind blowing in handheld mode. Anyone feels the same?
Enjoy the game, its most definetly missing little extras but its amazing how good it is portable and docked. Great job and actually if you think about it with no consoles in mind its exactly what most people want in the game. Hope it sells well! Love it and a great addition to my library
I made a few comments yesterday on various articles on this website stating that I wasn't going to buy fifa till next weekend with it being snes mini day.
Well last night I thought sod it and went and bought it, I have to say it's fantastic.
Does it look as sharp and detailed and Fifa 17 did last year on my ps4?....... No in all honesty it doesn't but that was to be expected, but it does still look great and most importantly of all it plays perfectly.
I do primarily use my switch as a home console but this is the first game for me that will change all that, I can't wait to take it in to work and play it with the lads in the canteen at dinner time
I don't play FIFA, but I must commend EA for a good first shot at the Switch! The game looks surprisingly good given the power discrepancy between the Switch and other consoles. On handheld mode, this game will look gorgeous, which is what this version of the game is mostly about.
I played my first Ultimate team match. Won 12-0. Crowd pleaser and both my forwards rated 9.9! I think I am being sucked in...
Based on my experience of the demo at EGX I purchased and I'm pleasantly surprised. I honestly haven't played FIFA for years. The 3DO and 98 version was my last stint. I've dipped back in on the Switch and I'm having fun so far.
I'm not a hardcore FIFA player so make of my comments what you like. But I'm impressed with it. The PS4 and Xbox versions look better, but as I don't own those consoles I'm happy to go the Switch route.
Only the 3rd review so far. This time from Pocket Gamer.
"FIFA 18 on Nintendo Switch is the most competent handheld offering of the sport to date, though there's no escaping the fact it's a lesser product than its PS4 and Xbox One counterparts"
7/10
http://www.pocketgamer.co.uk/r/Switch/FIFA+18/review.asp?c=75437
Still waiting on the big sites to show up with their reviews and it's a day later. One could almost say NL's review was rushed. Being first gets attention though.
I think this is a good review that highlights the reasons why the game is good, but in what situations you may prefer it, should you have another console. In constructive comments, we see people discussing their preference for the Switch version even owning both consoles. If ya would prefer to have it for PS4, well, cool! If you would rate it differently, wahoo! I thought this was a good descriptive review.
One thing I have just noticed that I'm disappointed with is that the new main stand at Anfield isn't in the game. I understood it last year as the stand was only just built but that was 12 months ago.
I appreciate most people probably won't care about this and it doesn't take anything away from the game play as such but as a Liverpool fan I find it disappointing.
Out of interest does anyone know if the ps4 /xbone versions have the new main stand in?
Both my bros got the switch ver game and feedback was its a really good game. Same with my nephew who got it on ps4 who is hardcore into football/soccer, he told me he never liked the story mode. So i believe the journey is no big loss given that it runs super smooth. I will picking this up. Its great that both fifa and 2k18 came out this has brought alot of discussion.. where we would like as switch owners between optimise fps or graphics and sacrifices in terms of gameplay. Haters gonna keep hating..lol glad 2k18 doing well on the eshop and i hope fifa does well enough to bring ea and vc to bring more games to the switch.
Tempted, but I think I'm going to wait for PES on Switch, which I'm sure will come eventually.
@Haywired gonna be waiting a hell of long time. No chance switch gets PES 2018.
Big shame for sure
@kobashi100
Yeah I didn't mean this year's, I know that's not coming.
"One could almost say NL's review was rushed."
You clearly think it was but don't seem to have the stones to say it outright.
Chris has explained what he did and the huge amount of work, time and effort he put in to put out a prompt review. I appreciate the detailed review so promptly.
I'm much less fussed about the figure at the end.
Im a pes player and have always preferred it over fifa. im buying pes this year also on my pc but ive bought fifa for the switch (on the go had me sold) and so far the game is holding up incredibly well.
a great experience so far and i hope the sales match the quality of the game.
@cmk8
haha a long time gamer i see. even on the n64 i preferred international superstar soccer. PES is simply king and always will be in my eyes.
@BlueOcean
"I also think 8 is too much for the Switch version. That's the score that the Xbox/PS version is getting elsewhere and the Switch version had many features removed and I'm not talking about visuals or frame rate but simple features like online and single modes"
On that rationale, should the PS4 / Xbox One versions review scores be knocked down because they can't be played anywhere anytime?
@gamermole
ISS was great on the N64. IMHO PES overtook it when it became ISS Pro Evolution and stayed so far ahead of FIFA and ISS during the PS2/GC era it wasn't a competition.
However PES fell apart during the transition to PS3 and 360 and FIFA was the better game all the way to PES 2015. Since then I switched to FIFA 16, then PES 2017. Played the demos of both 18 versions on XB1 and FIFA was better. Doubt I'll get that version though, as I'm delighted with how the Switch edition has turned out.
Finally played a bit of this today and it's very good. I can see why the issue with playing friends Online has annoyed people but it has a very good game of football.
What we have here is a portable that plays a quality game of football which looms glorious on the Switch screen and worthy of XB1 or PS4 (older versions at least) on the big screen. If you're a Nintendo-only gamer or want a quality portable football game this is a great buy.
@electrolite77
Never a truer word spoken. i just prefer pes all round and always will.
the switch version is fantastic, just had my first game docked. ran great although the graphics do become slightly noticably worse (due to scaling) its still not bad at all and so far a great game.
@SLIGEACH_EIRE Your attitude really stinks, the reviewer has clearly told you what measures he took to review the game. If you have criticism of the process he took then just come out and be constructive about it rather than cheap backhanded comments and childish posting of the ratings/timings of other reviews
@gamermole agreed! I loved ISS64 and since then have stuck mainly to Mario strikers etc.
Probably spent the most time on Sensi on the Amiga overall.
@cmk8 Had so much fun playing mario strikers its an amazing series.
@mikegamer don't think it well sell poorly to be fair. It will hit the numbers EA expects
No online with friends is biggy for me and worth pulling the score down! It's what's expected of the game regardless if used by everyone.
@Mart1ndo But Polygon's review isn't for the Switch version.
@shinobi87 Nothing backhanded or childish about my comments. I conversed directly with the reviewer. It's well over a day later and where are all the Switch FIFA 18 reviews? Could it be that they're taking their time going through the game thoroughly? At this very moment there's still only 3 reviews on Metacritic, none from any renowned sites besides NL.
http://www.metacritic.com/game/switch/fifa-18
@SLIGEACH_EIRE “ Could it be that they are taking their time going through the game thoroughly “ You keep making these assumptions to back up your negativity when in reality we have no idea what the reason is.... stop suggesting otherwise for your own narrative.
I actually have had the game since it became available and In my opinion the time the reviewer spent on it is more than enough to review it. The game is simply a rehash of FIFA 16, to an existing FIFA player this is not something which requires an extensive play through to provide a good analysis on. After breaking down how the game plays there isn’t much else to report on other than the modes available ... this isn’t an RPG.
These are things anyone who has played the game would kn... oh wait .... never mind, I live in a weird world where people play games they criticise reviews for
Always nice to have a quick game on mobile still exploring the game modes on offer. Gameplay is pretty slick, however I don't care what anyone says, as good as this gets I feel PES does football better and it a sad world we live in when people can get away with having an unfair monopoly on licences. Is this worth the money? I think so at the price I paid from Amazon 43.99 (Prime) however 54.99 is a bit much I feel. I'd say 39.99 is a better price. Until Konami pull the trigger this is the only choice football fans have so far and it plays a decent game of football. Will update once I have given it more time.
@gamermole I also rembered chris from his onm days. Really miss that magazine. Fifa switch is pretty great. Can play away while the mrs watched tv. winner .lol
@SLIGEACH_EIRE not it's probably because it's the weekend. Lots of game sites go pretty much dead on weekends. Reviews will be published on Monday.
@kobashi100 They should stop sabotaging their games with piss poor ports
@Micky491 was you ever a member on the onm forum back in the day?
@electrolite77 I don't agree at all with your comment(s) and I'm not a fan of the absolutist tone of your speech either, the main reason why I always hesitate to answer you.
@Gerald No, but if you read my message carefully you'll see that I didn't mention the downgraded visuals because that's a fair trade-off for the portability, I mentioned the single and online modes removed or limited on the Switch version. That's a good reason for getting a lower score.
Those features have to be noted, it's absurd to ignore them, just like any version of a game that has features removed. It's simple logic.
FIFA games for Wii always were compared with 360/PS3 versions.
@BlueOcean
I just think it's really tricky. Say they decided to review it in comparison with other versions, which version? PS4 but which PS4? PC but what spec of PC? The Legacy editions on PS3/360? Then out of all the websites that have reviewed the version they decide on which one do they choose and how?
All they can do is rate it as a Switch game. Note the missing features and give it a mark as a Switch game. The text is far more important than the score anyway. but having played it I'd say it's well worth an 8.
Great review! Its exactly what I expected it to be, but like you said, we will be expecting parity feature parity next year if they want customers to make another purchase.
I'm very interested in getting this because I still haven't gotten a FIFA game since FIFA 2002 on Gamecube. Seems like a great handheld game to have.
I have had many heated discussions on here concerning if switch is a home console or handheld with TV out. Many always argue that it's a home console you can take on the go, play anywhere, even wipe your ass with it, those same ppl are on this article. Well now, these same ppl are saying fifa is a great game for a handheld, why, because it sucks compared to other home console versions, they use portability trump card as a get out of jail free card. If the game had all features like ps4, I guess they would be singing it's praises as a full blown home console version with added bonus of wiping your ass with it anywhere. This scenario will continue with most 3rd party games that are new and not old ports from last gen but when Ninty make a game, it's a home quality console game they scream. It's pathetic really reading their comments contradicting themselves. 3rd party have pretty much exposed the switch as a handheld with TV out, fifa in particular, it will be no different with Doom and wolfenstein, modes missing, lower framerate rate, less resolution, hit on the graphics and whateverelse, cause it's a handheld that's limited, ppl should embrace it for what it is,
Why do people get so hang up and emotional about switch being a handheld or a console. Seriously don't understand why people on both sides get so worked up.
Hello All, does anyone know if FIFA has the option to play an offline season like we have in PES ?, as i cant seem to find one.
@kobashi100 It's just EDF always being butt hurt because the Vita got ditched and people love the Switch.
@ICISAZEL don't think FIFA as ever had that.
@Superzone13 yeah, it is, last handheld fifa i pwned was fifa 2004 on gba.
@SaKo
Yep, earth defence force, the game is so stupid it's great, it don't take its self seriously
@FredBiletnikoff
What's so bad about noticing ppl change their minds on this site, just pointing it out how ridiculous it all sounds. Hmm butt hurt over vita, it was dead sales wise ages ago, yet still it gets games, very strange for a dead machine. Yep i like certain games on vita but also on wii u and 3ds i own, you see i have no preferences with hardware only software, vita and 3ds has the Japanese games i like but wii u had nothing, was hoping for a prime game for it but also a proper FE, sin & Punishment, even last story game but nothing but bloody platformers that I dislike. Switch so far has nothing i would want, only xeno in the foreseeable future, hopefully all that will change further down the line, but not for now, for me anyways., for me i haven't made my mind up, if i do buy one then i will look upon it as a handheld and its limitations won't bother me, it certainly would if it was a home console that can't handle latest games
@EDF
This really shouldn't need saying by now but for what must be the thousandth time, the switch is a handheld and a home Console.
@electrolite77
It's far from a home console, it's handheld with TV out, for me anyways and others that say the same thing on here, but if it is a home console to others, then good for them, don't you just love different opinions or maybe i should just have yours, nah. Anyways just for the record, i think switch is a great machine, I am the only one at work that defends it to a certain degree, the guys always ridicule it for its weak approach as a home console, i just tell them it's a powerful handheld first with option to play it on tv, simple as that really, tbh i don't actually give a toss what it is, software is the crucial part and that means Japanese and sports games for me. Switch has neither for me yet, maybe down the line. Fifa i can play full game on my ps4 and no way i would buy nba2k on switch, it's was a tragedy, but hopefully they will sort that out with next instalment. Games like Doom and wolfenstein should be great for those that like western games regardless if they are cut down versions, hope ppl buy them
Not a fan of soccer.
@kobashi100 Thanks for the reply
@EDF
FIFA is very good on the Switch. It's never going to top the PS4 version tech-wise but having what is basically PS4 FIFA 16 it on a system that can be used as a portable is brilliant.
And yeah, it's a relatively under powered home system but it's still a home system. Some people apparently only used it docked (not me, but some!).
This game is perfect, or at leat 9,5.
I will be playing this until FIFA 19 comes out.
↑↑9.5?! lol Ya, right. It's at 72% on Metacritic and would be even lower if it weren't for certain sites artificially inflating its score. ↑↑
http://www.metacritic.com/game/switch/fifa-18/critic-reviews
Bit annoying about the lack of features and modes etc, but I mainly just play career mode on my PS4 anyway(ALOT) The Journey story is a bit overrated to me anyway I don't really enjoy it... So I'll probably get this around Christmas when I get a Switch. Hopefully it does some decent sales so we can see a few more multiplatform games on the system!
I've always been pleased with Chris' reviews. One of the most dedicated, knowledgeable and hardworking reviewers in the business. He's doing all this whilst also working a 9-5. I can't give the guy enough credit and respect for the work he does, and I trust his judgement 100%.
I hate soccer. Can EA make a good game for Switch, like The Sims?
@kobashi100
having owned both games, i feel that ultimately EA have delivered a more polished product that 2K this time around, hopefully they can do something do resolve the online play with friends, but im playing FIFA a good deal more than NBA2K18 currently, but 2K is still pretty fresh for me as i have purchased the SEMI PHYSICAL mess that they have been allow to release..
Will update if my view changes.
Id say that FIFA is well worth a go, a bit pricey, but i am having a great time in career mode so far.
I don’t have a PS4 or Xbone so I might get this since mobile versions are trash and in the hopes EA thinks it’s worthwhile to bring UFC and BF over to the Switch in the future.
Oh, Filip Miucin, you rascal.
Filip you should be ashamed https://youtu.be/Kz8TSUehpi8
@BladedKnight Looks like he’s the biggest “Skip of the Week” in NVC’s history!
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