Fifa11 iPod Touch and iPhone Released

While Fifa11 is being released in the pc, xbox, and playstation formats, some big news from EA Sports came today as the Fifa11 iPod and iPhone version has been officially released. I’ve been an avid Fifa10 player on the iPhone and was generally pleased with the game’s gameplay and graphics, even though I saw many areas that needed improvement. Some of them have been improved from what I can see in the screenshots, which is great news. A big improvement is in the game graphics, which look impressive this time around.

“WE ARE 11! Visual excellence made to maximize the stunning Retina Display…new precision controls…authentic teams…superstar players… Ready to kick it to the next level? The total soccer experience for iPod touch® & iPhone® is here.” (Official Apple Store)

Here’s the first screenshot:

While some people (like me) can’t take advantage of the improvements in graphics that adjust to the Retina Display on the new generation Apple handheld products, it seems (from the screenshots) that the graphics have been worked on for the older generation iPods and iPhones as well.

“Every detail springs to life on the field, especially when viewed through the Retina Display available with the next generation iPod touch and iPhone 4. Team colors are more vibrant. The green of the grass more glorious. Capture the passion and power of the world’s favorite sport with unprecedented visual clarity.”

The new pre-match central is a nice transition from the Fifa10 simple interface at this stage. It’s nice to see the teams and I like the makeover in terms of design very much. It looks like a much less rushed app compared to last time around, when EA Sports seemed to be just experimenting.

In the screenshot above, you can see the new controls, which have been changed quite a bit. According to the app store:

“The new D-pad and button layout options provide more gameplay sophistication for veterans and simplicity for casual players. Control the ball and the action with 360° player movement and gesture-driven skill moves. Swipe a player to make an attacking run! Pull off defense-splitting passes, rifling shots, penalty kicks, and pro-style tricks!”

The gameplay options seem to really have been improved in Fifa11, the gesture-driven skills moves seem sick. I also like the new buttons, which clearly say on them what they do. It seems a bit easier to control.

Here’s a video of the gameplay:

Looks a lot more intricate compared to Fifa10, which is welcome. Besides improved gameplay, EA Sports has also improved the penalty shootouts, which is fantastic because that was terrible in Fifa10 for iPhone and iPod touch.

“REAL PLAYERS, TEAMS, AND LEAGUES – UPDATED FOR THIS SEASON
Take the field with superstars like Real Madrid’s Kaka and Manchester United’s Wayne Rooney. Match up more than 500 teams from real leagues around the world and march into action in over 50 authentic stadiums. The world of soccer is truly in your hands.”

Off to try it out, back with a review of the game itself tomorrow! If you want to try it out, you can get it from the Apple Store, it’s $4.99.

Also, make sure you check out the Fifa11 PC Demo if you want to try it out on the computer as well!