EXCLUSIVE - PT I : Jozy and the Game (FIFA 08 review, playin’ Jozy and more)

By: Dave Martinez | October 10th, 2007

So, I am separating this into two parts.

Part I will feature FIFA 08, and the actual playing of the video game v. Jozy, review on its features, some trash talkin in between, and other stuff . . .

Part II, is the actual interview, where we discuss everything from gaming to the U-20 WC, to the current Red Bulls situation and more

So without further ado . . . . .

PART I

- Jozy and the Game

Here’s the setup . . .

SETTING: ESPN ZONE, Times Square.

So me and my partner Coki (photographer and brother supreme) had the pleasure of getting our backsides handed to us by Jozy Altidore. And yes, there was trash talking.

Here is the scene: Jozy on the far left couch, Coki on the far right. And the teams are selected . . . . In classic Argie style . . . .

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NOTE: If I had started the game, there woulda been a game of rock, paper scissors - I ALWAYS play with RBNY!

So the scene is set. Boca v. RBNY.

FIFA 08 - Observations and review

I have been playing FIFA since 1993. And this is the most impressive overhaul of the system I have seen in a long time.

Right from the start up menu, they have changed the look of the game. Its modern, sleek, and has excellent navigation.

Acool wrinkle to the game? While the game is loading, you can run around with a player and shoot on net in an open field. Just practice shots. Cool way to pass the 7 second waiting time . . .

Right away, the amount of attention to detail is what really grabs you.

- There are sparse crowds for smaller teams, or meaningless games.
- The pitch is vibrant and alive. You can see everything.
- The game play, including player touch and shooting ability, is much closer to real life than the unrealistic bounces of past FIFA games. The shots go where directed, but expect the defense to stand up to attacks 9 times out of 10.
- Even player speed bursts have been improved upon - you dont go from 0-60 with a click of a button anymore. I prefer this. Especially when it eliminates cheezy goals. It forces you to build your midfield game and find the holes.
- This game is all about the subtelties that have been missing for so long. Dont expect to take a run down the midfield without a defender taking out your legs. And if your on the corner? Read that defense - it seems to be the only way to get a goal. FIFA 08 stresses strategy over cheezyness - a big improvement in my book.
- BTW, 4 English leagues and the Irish have joined in the fun this season as well.

FIFA 08, though a tad more complicated, does get the realism right. And it makes for excellent “chess match” strategy futbol.

I didn’t like the fact that the controller was once again tampered with. But, the adjustment to the current set up doesn’t seem to involve too much transition.

Once I have the game in my hands, and play it some, Ill have something a bit more indepth. But THIS was one hell of a first impression . . . . just working off the asthetic, I would give it a 9 out of 10 stars. But I’ll give more of an opinion on it later.

BACK TO THE REAL GAME

So some light trash talking . . . .

(ALTIDORE: Uh oh. This guy is doing his lines!)
*”Doing his lines” is common FIFA lingo for setting up his formation*

and off they go . . . . .

Now my only guess is that Coki (pictured above), making changes in the beginning of the game, must have given Jozy the impression that he can play. That would be the only explanation for the serious tone the both took when the game started.

But that quickly changed. And it looks like Jozy has been practicing . . . .

6th minute - Jozy strikes!!

“OH! JAUNPI!!!!,” was heard across the room as Angel netted one home. As a matter of fact, Jozy loved the goal so much, he tried to get JPA’s attention by calling out his name across the room. But he was on a phoner. Oh well.

From there on out . . . . domination.

Now you know your getting schooled when an American player, USMNT caliber no less, breaks out the “OLE”’s . . .

Pass from Leitch to Reyna . . . . “OLE” . . . Reyna to Richards . . . . “OLE” . . . . Richards to Altidore . . . . “OLE” . . . . Alti to Van Den Bergh . . . . “GOOOOOOL!!! YEA DAVE! He can SHOOT!”

The best part? The crowd behind us, chiding him on.

“Jozy let him score! We feel bad!” Gotta love it.

And the game went on like that.

At 2 - 0 . . . . “Man you’ve been beat already! Give up!”

I got a chuckle out of that one.

My brother conceded at the half . . . . Jozy 4 - 0 Coki. Ouch.

TIME TO AVENGE THE FAMILY FIFA NAME . . .

Playing Altidore, mind you, is like playing a machine . . . the guy swarms you, 3 at a time somehow, and you are left with absolutely no breathing room.

With that said, I open my big mouth. Having played since ‘93, I figured I could do enough to slow down those Jozy engines . . . .

“Hey Jozy, my turn. And I can play . . . unlike my brother.”

Words I will live to regret.

Ole
Ole
Ole
JUANPI GOOOOOL!!!
Ole
Ole
Ole
VANDIE SCORES
ole
ole
. . . . oh my god. 3 - 0.

I guess it runs in the family. 4-0 at the half . . . . and I conceded as well. The Jozy lead RBNY dismantled BOCA. Twice.

At which point, the quote of the night . . . .

“I am the best player in FIFA history” - Jozy Altidore.

What can I say? Not my night? Yea . . . . Ill go with that line. I DEMAND A REMATCH! (well, maybe one day . . . . )

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SOME NOTES OF INTEREST

-Who knows who asked, just found this interesting…….

“Has Bob called you for the Switzerland game?”

“Nah, no one has called me.” not spiteful, mind you, just not really caring. I think he is comfortable where he is at now, and realistic of where he fits in the USMNT plans.

- Playing against Jozy and hearing OLE every two seconds . . . man . . . how do the MNT players handle that?!?! The schooling gave me a new admiration for that chant.

- Losing to him 3 - 0, someone asked “What happened to Boca Jrs?! (my team)” and Jozy asks “Boca? Whos Boca?” Classic.

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ANGEL v. ALTIDORE

Angels team - Barcelona (An ex River player using Leonel Messi?! Amazing . . . )
Altidores team - Arsenal (man does this kid love that team!)

Believe it or not, JPA really held his own! I didnt catch the final tally. But it looked fun. Enjoy the pics . . . .

ALTIDORE SCORES!

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In Summation . . .

I love the new FIFA. I will have to do a more in depth review when I get the game. Its that good.

Jozy is a GREAT player. And that includes the virtual realm.

And my impression of him? Everything you have heard from every reporter, and every person who comes into contact with Alti - whether it be coaches, fans, players - they all crow about one thing, and that is his maturity. And they are all right.

Jozy is well collected, positive, has a great outlook on life, and seems just about ready to climb any obstacle to be the very best. He has an excellent support staff around him, rooted in his family, and extending throughout the organization.

And having a chance to interview him gave me even more respect for his accomplishments. You really do forget your speaking to someone that is ABOUT TO TURN 18!!!!!

Amazing.

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The Interview will be up later tonite or early tommorrow morning. In the meanwhile . . . Enjoy the read and review!