As EA Sports and FIFA part ways, we count down five iconic games

It was announced yesterday that FIFA and EA Sports were going to stop making their iconic FIFA video games. The partnership has brought much to both parties over the years

EA Sports FC will be the new name of Fifa from summer 2023.

Wed, 11 May, 2022 - 18:38

TJ Galvin

Simon and Garfunkel, Lennon and McCartney, Miley and Biddy.

It’s always sad when iconic partnerships reach the end of their road. So it was yesterday when it was announced that FIFA and EA Sports were going to stop making their iconic FIFA video games. The partnership has brought much to both parties over the years.

A trusted, venerable institution built up over decades, beloved by millions. And FIFA.

Indeed, about the only positive publicity football’s under-fire governing body got in recent years was on the back of this hugely popular video game.

FIFA 23 will be the last collaboration with the game being rebranded as EA Sports FC from next year.

Here we take a look at the top five versions of FIFA down through the years.

5. FIFA 1994

On the Cover: David Platt and Piotr Świerczewski

Soundtrack: All songs were composed by Jeff van Dyck in the style of a classic early 90s video game.

The first but very much not the best. The graphics left a lot to be desired, but sales were brisk.

The most memorable aspect was the ability to have your player run away from the referee while he was trying to book him.

Much like the early albums of David Bowie, its greatness lies in the legacy it left after it.

4. FIFA 2017

On the Cover: Marco Reus

Soundtrack: Send Them Off! by Bastille

This was the first edition to introduce a story element into the game.

Alex Hunter, an up and coming youth footballer, is introduced and we follow him on ‘The Journey’ as he tries to make it in professional football.

It is a similar scenario to one that games like Fight Night Champion had introduced before.

The similarity of Hunter’s story with that of Marcus Rashford has been pointed out.

Claims that his disappearance from FIFA 21 onwards mirrors Rashford’s career are wholly uncalled for.

3. FIFA 2000

On the Cover: Sol Campbell

Soundtrack: It’s Only Us by Robbie Williams

A sentimental choice, this was the first FIFA game I owned after my parents got tired (and poor) from driving me to Listowel to rent FIFA 98 from the local video store.

The game play was decent. There were classic teams which allowed you to play as Man Utd 1968 or Brazil 1970.

For some odd licencing reason, none of Brazil’s Ronaldo (a god in my eyes), Pele, or Romario allowed their names to be used. They were known as ‘number 9’, ‘number 10’, and ‘number 11’ in the game.

Whatever about Ronaldo, however, this game was all about Robbie Williams. Right at the height of his post-Take That popularity, he provided the title song.

EA Sports also allowed him to add his favourite team (Port Vale, as you ask) into the game as an extra treat.

The absence of the Republic of Ireland soccer team was made up for by editing one of the less glamourous international teams (sorry Luxembourg) and painstakingly adding in versions of Mark Kinsella and Steve Staunton.

2. FIFA 2011

On the Cover: Kaka and Wayne Rooney

Soundtrack: Record Collection by Mark Ronson Feat. Simon Le Bon and Wiley

If Blur vs Oasis was the defining cultural rivalry of the 90s then Pro Evo vs FIFA was the noughties equivalent. Pro Evolution Soccer had none of the licences or real names that FIFA did, but from 2001 to 2008 it had by far the better gameplay.

FIFA 2009 brought FIFA back into the conversation but it was FIFA 11 that really heralded the new era of FIFA dominance. It received a 10/10 from Playstation magazine.

The gameplay surpassed that of Pro Evo and for the first time a player was able to control the celebrations of a scorer rather than having to watch a cut scene.

Peter Crouch’s iconic robot celebration took place just months before at the 2010 World Cup. Coincidence?

1. FIFA 98

On the Cover: David Beckham

Soundtrack: Song 2 by Blur