Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

The EA Sports Collection brings together three of EA’s flagship sports titles—FIFA 07, NBA Live 07 and NHL 07—into one package, delivering a wealth of gameplay variety. Each title retains the core mechanics that made it successful in its standalone release, yet benefits from subtle tweaks that polish controls and AI across the board. For newcomers, the diverse control schemes and difficulty levels provide an accessible entry point, while series veterans will appreciate the deeper layers of strategy and skill.

(HEY YOU!! We hope you enjoy! We try not to run ads. So basically, this is a very expensive hobby running this site. Please consider joining us for updates, forums, and more. Network w/ us to make some cash or friends while retro gaming, and you can win some free retro games for posting. Okay, carry on 👍)

FIFA 07 shines with its new First Touch control system and more intuitive passing mechanics. Dribbling feels responsive, defenders close you down convincingly, and set-pieces offer a satisfying balance of risk and reward. Manager Mode extends the gameplay by letting you build tactics, oversee transfers and manage club finances, creating a meta-game that often outlasts a single match.

NBA Live 07 offers a faster, more fluid hardwood experience thanks to its enhanced Dribble Stunt stick and improved defensive AI. Plays feel authentic—you can run a textbook pick-and-roll, exploit mismatches, or rely on star players’ signature moves to turn the tide. Dynasty Mode spices things up with trade negotiations, draft picks and coach upgrades, giving your franchise a living, breathing identity.

NHL 07 rounds out the trio with tight, physics-driven skating and collision mechanics. Checking feels weighty, puck physics are more predictable, and the revamped Skill Stick allows for breakaway dekes that look and feel genuine. Franchise and Be a Pro modes deepen the experience, letting you guide a single player’s career or manage an entire team from the front office.

Graphics

Graphically, the Sports Collection showcases the mid-2000s EA engine at its peak, with each title delivering crisp animations and detailed arenas. Across FIFA, NBA and NHL, character models feature recognizable faces and authentic kits or uniforms. Lighting effects—whether the glare of stadium floodlights, the glow of arena jumbotrons, or the gleam of ice under spotlights—add a cinematic sheen to every match.

In FIFA 07, pitch textures are lush, with realistic grass wear patterns and dynamic shadows that track player movement. Stadium atmospheres feel alive: crowd models react to momentum swings, and goal celebrations are captured with fluid motion-capture sequences. The result is a convincing football spectacle.

NBA Live 07 impresses with its polished hardwood floors, detailed crowd animations and subtle sweat-on-ball effects. Player likenesses are sharp, and arena-specific lighting—such as baskeball court reflections—adds authenticity. In-game replays adopt a broadcast-style presentation, complete with heads-up displays and camera zooms that mimic real TV coverage.

NHL 07’s graphical strengths lie in its handling of ice physics and environmental details. Skating trails carve into the surface, snow sprays under sharp stops, and the glass overhead reflects dynamic action. Team jerseys sport accurate logos and textures, and vibrant arena signage completes the authentic hockey experience.

Story

While sports games don’t follow a linear narrative, each title in this collection weaves its own sense of progression through career and franchise modes. Rather than a scripted storyline, you craft your own journey—whether rising from rookie to legend, climbing the managerial ladder, or orchestrating a championship dynasty.

FIFA 07’s Manager Mode goes beyond on-pitch action by simulating press conferences, boardroom expectations and transfer market drama. Every decision off the ball—signing a marquee player or reshaping your tactical identity—feeds back into the club’s long-term success and shapes the unfolding “story” of your season.

Both NBA Live 07 and NHL 07 feature Dynasty and Be a Pro modes that place you in the director’s seat. You negotiate trades, nurture young talents, set practice routines and vie for playoff glory. The sense of ownership over your roster and player development transforms routine matches into high-stakes chapters of a sports saga you create.

Overall Experience

The EA Sports Collection delivers exceptional value by bundling three robust, award-winning titles into a single package. It’s a one-stop shop for fans of football (soccer), basketball and hockey, offering hours of single- and multiplayer entertainment. The quality of each individual game remains high, and the variety ensures you can switch between sports to suit your mood.

Although the graphics and commentary reflect the technology of the mid-2000s, the core gameplay remains engaging and finely tuned. Whether you’re lacing up virtual boots, hitting the court or charging down the ice, the controls feel responsive and the AI challenging without being unfair. Franchise and career modes across all three games further extend replay value, giving you reasons to come back season after season.

For potential buyers, the EA Sports Collection stands out as a budget-friendly way to experience three landmark sports titles. Its polished gameplay, deep management features and solid presentation combine for a thoroughly enjoyable package. If you’re looking to spice up your sports gaming library or want an entry point into these series, this compilation is hard to beat.

Retro Replay Score

null/10