FIFA 08: Ronaldinho gets Wii'd

For Wii-happy FIFA fans out there, what could be better than getting to play their favorite footballer with the Wiimote, complete with Wii-exclusive mini-games?

Well, duh! How about being able to play against a customized Mii of Ronaldinho? BAM!EA announced today that FIFA Soccer 08 cover athlete Ronaldinho will become the first professional soccer player to appear as a customized character exclusively for the Wii. See for your self:

The Wii-exclusive Ronaldinho will host a game mode designed and created exclusively for Wii called Footii Party with Ronaldinho. With this mode, EA introduces unique party games - including Table Soccer and Shoot Off – where you can play as your self-created Mii character to unlock Ronaldinho and take on the champ. Footii Party games are set up as multiplayer scrimages, Wii-style.

Playing Footi with Ronaldinho.

Ronaldinho commented on the character, "My character looks like he enjoys playing football and shares my passion for the game. This is important to me. Whether you are playing football on the pitch or my party games in FIFA Soccer 08 on the Wii, it should be a fun and enjoyable experience.""When Ronaldinho steps on to the soccer pitch, he plays with passion and energy. We’ve brought that same spirit to FIFA Soccer 08 on Wii – it is fun, high-energy entertainment the entire family can enjoy," said senior producer Tim Tschirner. The game’s FreeMotion controls help level the playing field for all players and turns FIFA Soccer 08 on Wii into a physical, social activity. It also provides gamers with a truly authentic soccer experience with more control than ever before. There’s an in-game Soccer Academy where you can learn basic and advanced controls in more than 30 interactive tutorials. Each lesson teaches you how to master the FreeMotion controls and perform all the necessary movements to dominate on the pitch.

Wii gameplay in action.

FIFA Soccer 08 boasts licenses for all of the world’s top leagues, including MLS and Mexican 1st Division in North America, and 28 others from more than 20 nations. This year you can choose to play with one of over 570 licensed teams and more than 14,000 players in your race for the Cup with or against up to three of your friends.FIFA Soccer 08 is developed by EA Canada in Vancouver, B.C. It is scheduled for worldwide release this fall on the Xbox 360, PS3, PS2, Wii, Nintendo DS, PSP, PC and mobile. FIFA Soccer 08 is not yet rated by the ESRB and PEGI.