Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

FIFA Soccer 2004 delivers a deep, accessible experience that caters both to newcomers and veteran footy fans. The control scheme strikes a balance between simplicity and depth: basic passes and shots map to the face buttons, while the right analog stick unlocks EA’s “Freestyle” moves. This allows you to execute inventive flicks, dribbles and roulette spins in tight spaces, making you feel in full control of your player’s flair and personality.

One of the game’s standout features is its sheer breadth of content. With eighteen domestic leagues, thirty-five national teams and over ten thousand real-life players, FIFA 2004 offers unparalleled variety for single matches or custom tournaments. You can jump straight into a quick match, challenge friends in local multiplayer, or test your tactics in one-off international cups—the options are almost endless.

The heart of FIFA 2004, however, lies in its in-depth career mode. You don the role of manager and star player simultaneously, juggling budgets, player contracts and morale. Promotions and relegations carry real consequences: sign rising talents, renegotiate veteran deals or sell high to balance the books. The transfer market battles and boardroom politics inject a welcome layer of strategy beyond the ninety minutes on the pitch.

On the field, mastering a full repertoire of skills—from lofted passes and driven crosses to diving headers and bicycle kicks—becomes immensely satisfying. You can pre-select the player you want to control before the ball arrives, giving you the freedom to orchestrate runs and create scoring opportunities. Combined with multiple difficulty levels and adaptive AI, each match feels dynamic and challenging, rewarding practice and tactical adjustments.

Graphics

Though rooted in early 2000s technology, FIFA Soccer 2004 still impresses with its clean, colorful presentation. Player models are distinguishable by height, build and kit details, and each stadium boasts unique advertising boards, crowd colors and turf textures. Close-up shots during goal celebrations or fouls reveal crisp animations that bring the action to life without sacrificing performance.

Lighting effects—particularly under floodlights—add atmosphere to evening matches, while weather variations like rain subtly influence ball physics and player traction. Animations for sliding tackles, goalkeeper saves and aerial duels feel polished, reducing the jarring “robotic” movement seen in some contemporaries. Replays rotate around the action smoothly, delivering a broadcast-style feel that enhances immersion.

Menus and on-screen overlays mirror a television broadcast, complete with dynamic scoreboards, running time clocks and stat banners. The crowd chants and camera cuts in close to moments of drama, reinforcing the stadium atmosphere. Even TV-style transitions between half-time and full-time replays underscore EA Sports’ commitment to a polished presentation that holds up remarkably well for its era.

Story

As a sports sim, FIFA Soccer 2004 doesn’t offer a traditional narrative campaign. Instead, it hands you the canvas to craft your own footballing saga. Every promotion, cup final or heartbreaking cup exit adds chapters to your manager’s personal story. Will you rise a small-club legend or rebuild a fallen giant in the top flight?

International tournaments introduce national pride and rivalry into the mix. Guiding a mid-tier country through the knockout stages against powerhouse opponents can create digital memories as thrilling as any scripted story mode. Upsets feel earned, and the tension of penalty shootouts or last-minute winners mirrors real-world dramas.

Off the pitch, the career mode’s transfer window deadlines, contract negotiations and youth scouting breathe life into your long-term strategy. Each successful remodel of your squad or breakout star adds a narrative arc: watching a teen prospect evolve into a superstar captain is as narratively rewarding as any cutscene-driven plot. FIFA 2004 trusts you to be the author of your own football epic.

Overall Experience

FIFA Soccer 2004 stands as a cornerstone of EA’s long-running franchise, offering a rich blend of immediate match fun and deep management simulation. The seamless integration of Freestyle controls and conventional passing/shooting provides something for every play style, whether you’re a purist aiming pinpoint through balls or a skill-move virtuoso weaving past defenders.

Beyond the core game, the EA Sports Bio feature in console versions rewards cross-title loyalty. Leveling up by playing Madden NFL 2004 or NBA Live 2004 unlocks bonus kits, player portraits and celebration packages, extending the game’s lifespan and encouraging exploration of other EA Sports titles. It’s an early example of interconnected unlockables that keep you invested across multiple seasons and titles.

The replay value is immense: countless leagues, cups and international competitions mean you’ll rarely tire of fresh matchups. Even almost two decades after its release, FIFA 2004’s combination of depth, polish and replayability continues to hold appeal for soccer enthusiasts and nostalgic gamers alike. As an entry point to the franchise’s evolution, it remains a rewarding experience that laid the groundwork for modern football simulations.

Retro Replay Score

7.6/10