The PSP has been accused of suffering from ‘port-itis’ – that is, too many inferior ports of PS2 games. That argument has gone by the wayside with games like Syphon Filter, MGS Portable Ops, Killzone and LocoRoco. FIFA 07 for the PSP, however, is most definitely a port, but a port done RIGHT – with fantastic presentation, excellent gameplay (masterfully adapted to the PSP's controls), and just as many features as the home console version! This is a must-have for PSP soccer fans.

Graphics 85/100

From the initial menu-screens to the in-game menus FIFA 07 PSP is pretty much identical to its PS2 & Xbox brethren. Text, pictures and diagrams are all crisp and clear on the PSP’s screen and the menu layout itself is intuitive and easy to navigate (unlike the dreadful Xbox 360 version).

On the pitch, the first thing you notice is the resolution which isn’t as crisp as many other PSP sports titles. Furthermore, the game has more than its fair share of jaggies. However, those two instances are really the only major knocks against the graphics as the rest of the visuals are pretty damn good.

Usually, I start off by talking about player models when discussing a game’s visuals, but I have to go straight to the money – the stadiums! FIFA 07 PSP features 48 (FORTY EIGHT) different grounds, some based on real stadiums, some on fictional but all excellently modeled. Besides the different pitch textures from stadium to stadium you also get a plethora of different pitch-side details and wonderful lighting effects. The stadiums are truly my favourite part of FIFA 07 PSP, not just because they’re gorgeous, but also because they add so much to the sense of immersion in a season as you move from ground to ground.

Player models are decent but hampered by the low resolution of the graphics – it’s tough to identify specific players from the gameplay views. On close-ups, however, things are better but mainly with the top players and some of the lower-division players don’t really resemble their real-life counterparts. For example, Sheffield Wednesday’s striker Deon Burton (who is black) is a white guy with a well manicured coif!

Player kits, however, are excellent and each team has brilliantly modeled kits, complete with the appropriate sponsors.

Animations are very good and the game features almost as many different animations as the home console versions. There are many different animations for shooting, passing, heading, fouls and even player interactions. Best of all, the animations all flow very smoothly from one to another giving the movements a very organic look.

Finally, FIFA 07 PSP also excels with great TV-style presentation that is pretty much on par with the PS2 & Xbox versions (and put the Xbox 360 version to shame). Players walking down the tunnel, graphical overlays of formations/line-ups, close-up cut-scenes, highlites and instant replays (from a variety of angles) are all present.

Sound 90/100

The audio department is another area where the game impresses tremendously with brilliant commentary (though not as wide a vocabulary and variety of comments as the home consoles but pretty darn close) and a great soundtrack. A great feature is the ability to copy MP3s to your PSP’s music folder and play those songs in the menus! FIFA 07 PSP also has a good variety of crowd sounds and appropriate reactions, though there could be some more team-specific chants.

Options 90/100

Continuing my earlier theme of getting the bad out of the way first, FIFA 07 PSP would have received an even higher grade in the options department if it weren’t for one thing; menu navigation, particularly in the Manager Mode, can be noticeably s-l-o-w. For some reason the game is always a few seconds behind with button presses in the menus – you’ll push a button to navigate through a menu and it’ll take 2 seconds before you see the change on-screen. To be honest, while this is a problem initially, you start to become accustomed to the delay during the midst of managerial season – of course, that’s no excuse for something that shouldn’t be in the game in the first place.

Okay, so with that out of the way let me say this; the wealth of options in FIFA 07 PSP is truly staggering. The fact that these quality options are all possible in a PSP game (on a 1.8GB UMD, no less) makes the lack of options in Winning Eleven and FIFA 07 for the Xbox 360 even more shocking. I almost feel like sending Konami a copy of this game with a note attached reading;

“Hey Seabass,

Look what EA Sports can do with leagues and options on the PSP, what the hell’s your excuse?”

In fact, in some areas of the game, FIFA 07 PSP has even more depth than the PS2 & Xbox versions! Funny, but true.

The main modes of play in the game are Kick Off (exhibition), Tournament (play any of the cups available from any of the licensed leagues), Challenges, Mini Games (Juggling & Wall Attack) and, of course, the excellent Manager Mode.

As a keen eye may have noticed, the Challenges are back! The game features 61 different ‘challenges’ that are ACTUAL SCENARIOS from club matches last season! The Challenge Mode in FIFA World Cup 2006 was one of my favourite game modes and I was disappointed to see such scenarios missing from the PS2 & Xbox versions of FIFA 07. I’m absolutely delighted they’re back in the PSP version and they add even more replay value to an already deep game.

The juggling mini-game (the rhythm-type game where you turn the PSP 90°) returns along with a brand new mini-game called Wall Attack which I’ll discuss in more detail in the gameplay section.

FIFA 07 features the following licensed leagues;

As you can see the list is identical to the current-gen home console versions which is supremely impressive.

Of course, the real star of the game is the Manager Mode. I won’t go into much detail about the intricacies of this career mode (you can check out my Xbox review of the game for that) suffice to say that it is almost identical to the PS2/Xbox versions. Actually, if anything, it is arguably better than the home console editions because it allows you to ‘train’ players and increase their development by playing the Juggling or Wall Attack mini-games. You’re only allowed five of these such training sessions which is definitely a bit skimpy but it also prevents you from juicing up your team (depending upon how well you do in the mini-games, of course). The game also has a PS2-link feature where you can synchronize Manager Mode seasons between the PS2 & PSP so you can continue your football career on the go.

I really can’t state just how awesome it is to have a fully functional Manager Mode on the go. Combined with the solid gameplay I found myself glued to the screen and playing the game to death over the holiday season (when I was away from home and visiting relatives).

Multiplayer is also included via Ad Hoc and Infrastructure though I didn’t try these out and so cannot comment on them.

Finally, FIFA 07 PSP features a wealth of unlockables in the FIFA ‘Store’ that include 35 alternate kits, 23 different game balls, 3 teams (World IX, Classic XI and MLS All-Stars) and EPL & Bundesliga highlight packages (identical to the home console editions but in excellent FMV resolution nonetheless).

Gameplay 85/100

The general controls in FIFA 07 PSP are as follows;

FIFA 07 PSP’s gameplay can best be described as a fusion of FIFA 06 and FIFA 07. On initial play it seems to play very similar to FIFA 06 PSP, but the more time you spend with the game, the more you notice AI and control changes that make the game play more like the newest version of FIFA. There are a wide variety of different goals that can be scored (from in close, outside the box and set pieces) and most importantly you always have a sense of satisfaction when you do stick the ball in the back of the net.

My favourite aspect of the gameplay is how masterfully the controls have been adapted to the PSP. Skill moves are done just like the Xbox/PS2 versions where specific Analog Nub movements correspond to different feints and dekes. First touch and Pace Control moves are also expertly implemented (though it can be a little tricky to hit Select in the midst of a heated match). Even things like the difference between a ‘Finesse Shot’ and a Chip are far easier in practice than they are when you read them. All of the controls are intuitive, easy to learn and you never feel like you’re fighting to retain control of your players.

The gameplay isn’t perfect – the ball physics definitely aren’t at the same level of the brilliant unscripted physics in the home console versions. Likewise, player interactions aren’t nearly as in-depth as other versions of the game and the brilliant overlapping movements of your AI teammates present in the current-gen versions are absent here. And of course, like other FIFA games, there really isn’t noticeable a difference in playing style between CPU controlled teams – Acrrington Stanley and Barcelona play the same kind of football.

That said, the game is still a blast to play and the mini-games add even more fun (and a nice change of pace).

The juggling mini-game is practically identical to last year’s version and is basically a rhythm game. The Wall Attack game involves you controlling a player standing in front of a ‘wall’ of changing blocks. Blocks have different colors and logos on them and these correspond to the points you get when you hit them. Furthermore, as you hit each block it disappears and the column of blocks above it slides down with a new block placed on the top of the column. There are also blocks with Red Card logos on them. The game is divided into rounds and the primary goal is to achieve a certain point total in a given time limit (while avoiding the red cards) by shooting the ball at particular blocks. It sounds very simplistic but there’s a good deal of skill involved (particularly as you progress) and it is fiendishly addictive!

Longevity 95/100

Solid gameplay, a full-featured Manager Mode, 61 different Challenge scenarios, online play and addictive Mini-Games as the icing on the cake – the amount of gameplay on offer here is truly staggering.

Overall 90/100

FIFA 07 PSP is easily one the best soccer games released in 2006. When you combine the solid gameplay with a wealth of options you get a game that is the complete package and a definitely a MUST-BUY for any PSP-owning soccer fan.

The PSP has been accused of suffering from ‘port-itis’ – that is, too many inferior ports of PS2 games. That argument has gone by the wayside with games like Syphon Filter, MGS Portable Ops, Killzone and LocoRoco. FIFA 07 for the PSP, however, is most definitely a port, but a port done RIGHT – with fantastic presentation, excellent gameplay (masterfully adapted to the PSP's controls), and just as many features as the home console version! This is a must-have for PSP soccer fans.

Graphics 85/100

From the initial menu-screens to the in-game menus FIFA 07 PSP is pretty much identical to its PS2 & Xbox brethren. Text, pictures and diagrams are all crisp and clear on the PSP’s screen and the menu layout itself is intuitive and easy to navigate (unlike the dreadful Xbox 360 version).

On the pitch, the first thing you notice is the resolution which isn’t as crisp as many other PSP sports titles. Furthermore, the game has more than its fair share of jaggies. However, those two instances are really the only major knocks against the graphics as the rest of the visuals are pretty damn good.

Usually, I start off by talking about player models when discussing a game’s visuals, but I have to go straight to the money – the stadiums! FIFA 07 PSP features 48 (FORTY EIGHT) different grounds, some based on real stadiums, some on fictional but all excellently modeled. Besides the different pitch textures from stadium to stadium you also get a plethora of different pitch-side details and wonderful lighting effects. The stadiums are truly my favourite part of FIFA 07 PSP, not just because they’re gorgeous, but also because they add so much to the sense of immersion in a season as you move from ground to ground.

Player models are decent but hampered by the low resolution of the graphics – it’s tough to identify specific players from the gameplay views. On close-ups, however, things are better but mainly with the top players and some of the lower-division players don’t really resemble their real-life counterparts. For example, Sheffield Wednesday’s striker Deon Burton (who is black) is a white guy with a well manicured coif!

Player kits, however, are excellent and each team has brilliantly modeled kits, complete with the appropriate sponsors.

Animations are very good and the game features almost as many different animations as the home console versions. There are many different animations for shooting, passing, heading, fouls and even player interactions. Best of all, the animations all flow very smoothly from one to another giving the movements a very organic look.

Finally, FIFA 07 PSP also excels with great TV-style presentation that is pretty much on par with the PS2 & Xbox versions (and put the Xbox 360 version to shame). Players walking down the tunnel, graphical overlays of formations/line-ups, close-up cut-scenes, highlites and instant replays (from a variety of angles) are all present.

Sound 90/100

The audio department is another area where the game impresses tremendously with brilliant commentary (though not as wide a vocabulary and variety of comments as the home consoles but pretty darn close) and a great soundtrack. A great feature is the ability to copy MP3s to your PSP’s music folder and play those songs in the menus! FIFA 07 PSP also has a good variety of crowd sounds and appropriate reactions, though there could be some more team-specific chants.

Options 90/100

Continuing my earlier theme of getting the bad out of the way first, FIFA 07 PSP would have received an even higher grade in the options department if it weren’t for one thing; menu navigation, particularly in the Manager Mode, can be noticeably s-l-o-w. For some reason the game is always a few seconds behind with button presses in the menus – you’ll push a button to navigate through a menu and it’ll take 2 seconds before you see the change on-screen. To be honest, while this is a problem initially, you start to become accustomed to the delay during the midst of managerial season – of course, that’s no excuse for something that shouldn’t be in the game in the first place.

Okay, so with that out of the way let me say this; the wealth of options in FIFA 07 PSP is truly staggering. The fact that these quality options are all possible in a PSP game (on a 1.8GB UMD, no less) makes the lack of options in Winning Eleven and FIFA 07 for the Xbox 360 even more shocking. I almost feel like sending Konami a copy of this game with a note attached reading;

“Hey Seabass,

Look what EA Sports can do with leagues and options on the PSP, what the hell’s your excuse?”

In fact, in some areas of the game, FIFA 07 PSP has even more depth than the PS2 & Xbox versions! Funny, but true.

The main modes of play in the game are Kick Off (exhibition), Tournament (play any of the cups available from any of the licensed leagues), Challenges, Mini Games (Juggling & Wall Attack) and, of course, the excellent Manager Mode.

As a keen eye may have noticed, the Challenges are back! The game features 61 different ‘challenges’ that are ACTUAL SCENARIOS from club matches last season! The Challenge Mode in FIFA World Cup 2006 was one of my favourite game modes and I was disappointed to see such scenarios missing from the PS2 & Xbox versions of FIFA 07. I’m absolutely delighted they’re back in the PSP version and they add even more replay value to an already deep game.

The juggling mini-game (the rhythm-type game where you turn the PSP 90°) returns along with a brand new mini-game called Wall Attack which I’ll discuss in more detail in the gameplay section.

FIFA 07 features the following licensed leagues;

As you can see the list is identical to the current-gen home console versions which is supremely impressive.

Of course, the real star of the game is the Manager Mode. I won’t go into much detail about the intricacies of this career mode (you can check out my Xbox review of the game for that) suffice to say that it is almost identical to the PS2/Xbox versions. Actually, if anything, it is arguably better than the home console editions because it allows you to ‘train’ players and increase their development by playing the Juggling or Wall Attack mini-games. You’re only allowed five of these such training sessions which is definitely a bit skimpy but it also prevents you from juicing up your team (depending upon how well you do in the mini-games, of course). The game also has a PS2-link feature where you can synchronize Manager Mode seasons between the PS2 & PSP so you can continue your football career on the go.

I really can’t state just how awesome it is to have a fully functional Manager Mode on the go. Combined with the solid gameplay I found myself glued to the screen and playing the game to death over the holiday season (when I was away from home and visiting relatives).

Multiplayer is also included via Ad Hoc and Infrastructure though I didn’t try these out and so cannot comment on them.

Finally, FIFA 07 PSP features a wealth of unlockables in the FIFA ‘Store’ that include 35 alternate kits, 23 different game balls, 3 teams (World IX, Classic XI and MLS All-Stars) and EPL & Bundesliga highlight packages (identical to the home console editions but in excellent FMV resolution nonetheless).

Gameplay 85/100

The general controls in FIFA 07 PSP are as follows;

FIFA 07 PSP’s gameplay can best be described as a fusion of FIFA 06 and FIFA 07. On initial play it seems to play very similar to FIFA 06 PSP, but the more time you spend with the game, the more you notice AI and control changes that make the game play more like the newest version of FIFA. There are a wide variety of different goals that can be scored (from in close, outside the box and set pieces) and most importantly you always have a sense of satisfaction when you do stick the ball in the back of the net.

My favourite aspect of the gameplay is how masterfully the controls have been adapted to the PSP. Skill moves are done just like the Xbox/PS2 versions where specific Analog Nub movements correspond to different feints and dekes. First touch and Pace Control moves are also expertly implemented (though it can be a little tricky to hit Select in the midst of a heated match). Even things like the difference between a ‘Finesse Shot’ and a Chip are far easier in practice than they are when you read them. All of the controls are intuitive, easy to learn and you never feel like you’re fighting to retain control of your players.

The gameplay isn’t perfect – the ball physics definitely aren’t at the same level of the brilliant unscripted physics in the home console versions. Likewise, player interactions aren’t nearly as in-depth as other versions of the game and the brilliant overlapping movements of your AI teammates present in the current-gen versions are absent here. And of course, like other FIFA games, there really isn’t noticeable a difference in playing style between CPU controlled teams – Acrrington Stanley and Barcelona play the same kind of football.

That said, the game is still a blast to play and the mini-games add even more fun (and a nice change of pace).

The juggling mini-game is practically identical to last year’s version and is basically a rhythm game. The Wall Attack game involves you controlling a player standing in front of a ‘wall’ of changing blocks. Blocks have different colors and logos on them and these correspond to the points you get when you hit them. Furthermore, as you hit each block it disappears and the column of blocks above it slides down with a new block placed on the top of the column. There are also blocks with Red Card logos on them. The game is divided into rounds and the primary goal is to achieve a certain point total in a given time limit (while avoiding the red cards) by shooting the ball at particular blocks. It sounds very simplistic but there’s a good deal of skill involved (particularly as you progress) and it is fiendishly addictive!

Longevity 95/100

Solid gameplay, a full-featured Manager Mode, 61 different Challenge scenarios, online play and addictive Mini-Games as the icing on the cake – the amount of gameplay on offer here is truly staggering.

Overall 90/100

FIFA 07 PSP is easily one the best soccer games released in 2006. When you combine the solid gameplay with a wealth of options you get a game that is the complete package and a definitely a MUST-BUY for any PSP-owning soccer fan.