FIFA Street: Release Date, Features and Preview

If you are a hardcore world football fan, or a casual soccer fan like myself, there may be something you enjoy in FIFA Street.

EA Sports is bringing back the arcade side to its FIFA license, and judging from the demo, it's going to be entertaining.

I've played this series in the past, and as a casual soccer fan, I've found a ton of enjoyment in it. Think of it as the world football equivalent to NBA Jam, or NFL Blitz. In actuality, it is the world football equivalent to the now inactive NBA Street, also produced by EA Sports.

Here are some of the particulars, and a video of gameplay from the demo.

Release Date:

March 16 For Xbox 360 and PS3 

Features:

• From the Creators of FIFA 12 - Powered by the critically acclaimed FIFA 12 gameplay engine and the revolutionary Player Impact Engine, FIFA Street delivers an arsenal of groundbreaking street dribbling styles and trick moves that ignite the one-on-one battles.

• Street Ball Control - Replicates the touch, creativity and flair street stars bring to the streets. Over 50 never-before-experienced skill moves to beat your opponents and look good doing it.

• World Tour - A connected, social game mode that enables you to create yourself in game, build your own team of street stars, and progress to become the best street team in the world.

• Licensed Content - Featuring the stars of Manchester United, Barcelona, Real Madrid and many of the top clubs in the world. Play with Rooney, Kaka and many of your other favorite players decked out in authentic kits, training and street gear.

• Complete Customization - Enjoy customizable matches to replicate the unique ways the game is played around the world. Choose from different size venues, number of players, and match types including futsal, cage matches, last man standing and more!

• Own the Street - From parking lots and parks to gyms and rooftop arenas, FIFA Street will feature cool and unique environments where the world plays street soccer. More than 35 different environments, including iconic locales like Tokyo, London and Paris.

• EA SPORTS Football Club - From the first trick onward, you will be contributing to your Football Club identity.

Information on features from Gamestop.com.

Preview:

The controls on the demo feel amazingly intuitive—there isn't much difference in response from FIFA. The payoff from completing sick dribble moves and off-the-wall passes is all highlight-reel worthy.

The action is faster and more furious than the traditional game because the field of play is smaller. It makes you wonder how exciting the game would be if the great athletes like Lionel Messi and Kaka performed in arenas this small.

Most every major star is represented as well, so the star power is another drawing card to the title.

Still, the appeal isn't just about stars. FIFA Street features solid gameplay, tons of customization to your created players and teams, and the ability to take your creations online.

For me, the presentation of the game stands out the most.

In the demo, it is already apparent how well the atmosphere has been blended in with the gameplay and background sounds to capture the urban street vibe. It's great because this a glimpse of urban art from all around the world, depending on the venue you select.

The player models have been enlarged for effect, but nothing too drastic. This just further augments the game's unique style and makes it better to look at. Again, if you're looking for hardcore world football, the original FIFA is the way to go—this is more of a break from the simulation.

Take a look at this video of gameplay:

Over 35 stadiums supply a healthy amount of variety, and it gets even more impressive when you see the detail in them. FIFA Street is shaping up as an entertaining arcade soccer title, with a glimpse into the street pick-up style of play from many different places the game is played in the world.

Download the demo now on Xbox LIVE or PSN.