FIFA Soccer 2004

Play Magazine

Not to be outdone by "Winning Eleven 6," EA Sports has pulled out all the stops and created a soccer game that is second to none... I dare you to find a soccer game where the ball moves so dynamically and realistically. [Nov 2003, p.108]

GamePro

a solid simulation of the sport that offers more teams and unique options not available in its main and only competitor on the PS2, "Winning Eleven." Some minor control issues remain and the depth is still not where it needs to be, but it delivers a highly worthwhile experience nonetheless.

Nintendojo

Sports fans will enjoy the level of off the field depth and control scheme depth here.

TotalGames.net

Easily the best football game on the GameCube, even with the shortcomings of the AI and controls. It takes some getting used to, but once mastered, there's a great game in here.

Nintendo Power

The game doesn't make any giant advances, but why mess with perfection? [Feb 2004, p.149]

Next Level Gaming

The computer AI is not quite as realistic as Konami's game this year, but is still very solid.

GameCube Europe

Overall the whole thing is immensely enjoyable with a soundtrack that will get you linking your GameCube up to your stereo straight away.

Games Radar UK (Pre-2006)

Though it pains us to say this, the official license really does make a big difference. All those real stadia, shirts and club logos flying around the place give it the kind of special event feel that the competition simply can't match. Shallow? Not us.

GameSpot

Though some of the new features will inevitably take you a while to get used to--and there's still plenty of room for improvement--it manages to be both enjoyable and challenging.

GameNow

Other than the lackluster practice mode, everything in FIFA 2004 is spot-on.

IGN

The core gameplay is changing ever so slowly from super arcade play to a more comprehensive, more realistic style of soccer, and the series is better for it. But it's not quite there yet.

Game Informer

The Off the Ball controls don't entirely solve the "magnet ball" feel of the franchise, but they go a long way to used space in your offensive attacks. [Nov 2003, p.157]

Electronic Gaming Monthly

FIFA's Off-the-Ball control not only increases your offensive potency tenfold but also provides hardcore soccer studs with an added level of gameplay they've been beggin' for from the series. Plus, no other game of footie has such stellar graphics or electrifying stadium atmosphere. [Dec 2003, p.204]

Eurogamer

But however much positive energy we lavish on FIFA all the areas that EA beats Konami on - bar online - are simply gloss. In a straight tussle between the games, we just don't enjoy playing FIFA as much as we do PES3, and, for most of you, that's what matters.

Game Revolution

There’s plenty in FIFA 2004 to keep you happy until next season, when hopefully we’ll finally able to execute some plays of greater skill and complexity.

GameSpy

The best FIFA game so far, but it's still a few problems away from being a soccer utopia. EA really needs to perfect FIFA's control as much as it needed to make a better career mode. The old developmental mantra is gameplay first, options second.

games(TM)

Even with its overly ambitious new 'Off The Ball' interface the FIFA series is still a long way from capturing the true essence of the beautiful game. [Dec 2003, p.127]