FIFA 08 details and screens

Electronic Arts has been speaking about the game for a week or so, but now FIFA 08 has been officially announced.

Give the strong showing in the last FIFA game the new version is perhaps the first in a long time with a lot of folks really excited about the prospects of another next-gen FIFA.

We're told that the PS3 and X360 version features dynamic AI based on a threat map system to help the AI players make decisions based on 35 points.

New ball physics calculates factors in such elements as ball spin, defend pressure, air pressure and player attributes when taking a shot on goal.

Perhaps the unique highlight of FIFA 08, if it works, is the new Be A Pro mode where players are locked into the role of a single player on the pitch. We can also expect to see plenty of new tricks and skill modes with the excellent animation system of FIFA 07 expanded further.

"This year, FIFA 08 takes its second step into the next-generation. Last year, we kicked off the next-generation by introducing a new engine and stunning ball physics. This year, we are introducing new gameplay, new modes and a new feeling of football finesse," said Andrew Wilson, Executive Producer for FIFA 08. "Be A Pro forces you to think and react like a professional player - you will experience the whole range of emotions players go through during the course of a game. This feature, along with advancements to our gameplay engine, will deliver on our promise of authentic football gameplay."

The current-gen version of FIFA 07 featured a system where players played the same fixtures as their real favourite team – resulting in interesting overall leagues displayed online based on how well the fans played. This makes its way into the PS3 and Xbox 360 game this year.

"The Interactive Leagues is the most successful online tournament we’ve had for the FIFA franchise and I am thrilled to bring it into this year’s next-gen game. As a Leeds United fan I was pained to see Manchester United win the first Interactive Premier League last season. However, I’m looking forward to redressing the balance this year through FIFA 08," said Joe Booth, Producer for FIFA 08 on Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3. "One of my favourite things about Interactive Leagues is how it connects me and the development team with the FIFA gamers via our weekly in-game pod-cast. We have just broken the one million downloads mark and It’s been a fantastic way to interact with other fans, share experiences and answer questions."

The game will feature 620 teams, 30 leagues and over 15,000 players. Expect to see the game on store shelves in the autumn on Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, PC, PlayStation 2, Wii, DS, PSP and mobile.