With the World Cup in full swing EA Sports swings the focus to the casual gamer. The 2010 FIFA World Cup has made its way to the Wii and while the 360 version scored a solid 8.5 we are all wondering if the Wii will produce the goods, will it live up to what we know the Wii is capable of, or will this be just another way EA is filling the money hat? 

Presentation

Right off the bat, it is clear that EA spent a lot of time on the opening menu. It’s fun, easy to use and with the brilliant music to go along with, it makes your road to the finals start with a welcomed bang!

There are 5 modes to choose from: Hit the Pitch, Zaukumis Dream Team, 2010 Fifa World Cup, Global Elimination and Online.

No matter which one you choose, one of the nicest things about this game is the way it has pulled all the official logs and put them right into the game. It’s the little details that keep us coming back for more and this factor is a sure winner. With 199 international teams you aren’t going to be short of content.

While this is all gravy, after such a great introduction, holding your spirits high for a great gaming experience, all those expectations are suddenly shattered as the game cuts to its first (typically styled) intro scene. It truly takes me right back to the opening ceremony last week: incredibly disappointing. I would understand if this was one of the Wii’s first titles, but with Wii games nowadays really pulling off some amazing cinematics, its a shame that they didn’t put more effort into it…such a let down.

The national anthems are played badly, the crowd is flat and lifeless and to make matters worse you are then presented with the same old stat, team management and boring jersey selection screens until finally the whistle blows and it’s kick off time. The whole thing is very removed and lifeless.
 

Gameplay

On a better note, I was please to see that after EA spent so much time invested in getting the commentators as accurate and precise as possible in the Xbox and PS3 versions, that they simply ported that over to the Wii.

Important factoid: If you don’t have a nun chuck, I say stay clear of this one. If you are chuck-less then you won’t be able to control the movement of your player. You will only be able to point the controller at the screen to direct the passing, and by shaking the controller, shoot the ball in an almost matrix, slow motion, rocket-ball way, but no nun-chuck-chuck, no move-move!

Corner kicks are fun but really leave you with the same uninvolved feeling. Press B to kick the ball and just at the last second (when the ball glows white) the computer will prompt you to shake the controller to enter the slow motion, rocket ball mode to header or kick the ball into the back of the net. Free kicks and penalties are taken in the same way. When scoring a goal you will be prompted to choose a celebration type. This list, including a whole range of different awards can be unlocked in the same fashion as the PS3 Trophies or the 360's Acheivements.

Good tackles and full, accurate passing will raise the level of your momentum bar. When full, this bar will allow your shots to be far more powerful and on target. Momentum = Power. All in all, the one thing that really stands out for this Wii title is the great job they did on the music selection. Its fun, modern and really gets you in the mood to ‘do it for your country’.

Verdict

'I take my hat off to you EA; not only have you given us a great game, you have given us a way to experience this once-in-a-life-time opportunity again and again and again...'

This was my conclusion to the 360 review... unfortunately I have to say the complete opposite for this disappointing Wii port. EA really missed the mark on this one, the graphics are poor, the gameplay is sluggish and even for the casual gamer the over all experience will leave you in a large well of disappointment.