10 interesting facts about FIFA by EA Sports

Nothing beats cooling your heels off after a long day with FIFA by EA Sports. The association football game has quickly become the first choice for anyone who loves football and gaming. Available across various platforms, the game enjoys a lineage that stretches for over 18 years and is not done yet. With a release every year, FIFA, god-willing, could go on forever. Let’s take a look at 10 things you should know about this best-selling game. And no, India featuring in the last edition is not a part of the list, you already knew that.

1. FIFA International Soccer – The first franchise didn’t have the usual year attached to its name. Moreover, the release was more of a revolution, with the isometric view of the pitch. It was similar to 1983′s International Soccer, which pioneered the angle where peers stuck to the tested top down, side scrolling or bird’s eye views. It was also the first game to be officially endorsed by FIFA, football’s world governing body.

2. FIFA 64 – No, not a futuristic version but another one in the list of exceptions, where the number stood for the Nintendo 64 console. This edition was similar to the 32-bit versions of FIFA 97.

3. Sensible Soccer, Kick Off and Match Day – Competitors for FIFA, when it first came out, were no match for the evolving monster of a game. All three have since wilted, but Sensible Soccer still finds a limited cult following. Its last edition came out in 2007, released for Xbox and Windows. (Really, Sensible Soccer?)

4. Lionel Messi – Formerly the ambassador for Pro Evolution Soccer by Konami, the strongest competitor for FIFA till date, was poached by FIFA last year, and promptly put on the cover of the latest edition of FIFA Street in March 2012. (Sneaky?)

5. Platforms – Electronic Arts tries to ensure that they reach all the possible screens out there, and they haven’t done so badly actually. They have conquered a multitude of platforms. (Microsoft Windows, Xbox 360,Xbox 360 Kinect, PlayStation 3,PSP, Wii, Wii U, Nintendo 3DS,PSV, Mobile Phone, iOS, Mega Drive, SNES, PlayStation, Nintendo GameCube, Game Boy Advance, Sega Saturn, Nintendo 64, Game Boy, Game Boy Color, Nintendo DS, 3DO, Sega 32X, Sega Game Gear, Sega Master System, Sega CD, Amiga, Nokia N-gage, Gizmondo, DOS, Xbox,PS2) (Phew!)

6. The Soundtracks – Also called EA Trax, FIFA chooses some of the biggest contemporary artists to grace its release. These tracks have also hit popularity after they were featured. It is still a mystery as to how the tracks are chosen, with forums suggesting fan feedback and top management choices, but licensing ease seems most likely.

7. Popularity – By 2011, FIFA was available in 51 countries and had been translated in 18 languages. It had sold over 100 million copies worldwide, and FIFA 12 had become the “fastest selling sports game ever” with over 3.3 million games sold. (Ka-Ching!)

8. The UEFA Champions League – Popularly a major feature of the Pro Evo series, FIFA has notably missed this license in its arsenal. The chat forums are currently abuzz with rumors of FIFA 14 bringing the holy grail of football silverware to the franchise, but there has been no confirmation. (Yet)

9. FIFAM – FIFA Manager is one the most popular franchises, and complements FIFA. With over 15 editions by itself, FIFAM has quietly achieved commendable success in the deep shadow of its sibling. (Well, how long can drop down menus and buttons hold your attention. You might as well play MS Word)

10. The Cover – FIFA has always ensured that regions across the world get customized covers. From Rooney in England to Ronaldinho in Brazil; popular regions also have access to customized club covers, which can be easily downloaded.

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