Lace up and step out to the pitch with a whole lot of FIFA 08 info and screenshots coming your way. We get down to the nitty-gritty of what's in store for soccer fans itching to get their hands on a copy, as well as see what EA's stacking up against the other football game giant, Pro Evolution Soccer.

It seems that EA's finally boosting both gameplay and graphics up a notch with the series's much-awaited next-gen title, touting to deliver an experience so authentic a player will actually feel as if he's actually on the pitch rather than just playing a video game. The AI has been ramped up somewhat as well, with a 35-point decision engine which supposedly enables AI-controlled players to process multiple decisions and reactions in real time. Nifty.

Shooting's also been improved, with every kick of the ball calculated from the angle of the kick to just how strong the wind is blowing - courtesy of the next-gen ball-striking engine. Boasting of an infinite number of contexts from which every kick's success can be measured by, goalies and attackers will certainly have their work cut out for them in the goalpoint-race to triumph.

And there's a new mode for those of you who want to squeeze more gameplay out of the game other than facing off with your friends. Titled "Be A Pro", this mode puts you in the shoes of a single player and pits you against all the challenges and tribulations all actual soccer players go through - and it's up to you to overcome anything in your path by skill, guts, and sometimes just pure absurd luck.

While there's no news yet on how deep the player's customization options are going to be, what we do know is you'll be able to make your own signature move - be it a Ronaldo-esque kick, or a David Beckham-ish pass. The game's organic "building-block" system enables players to combine tricks and skill moves to recreate the moves of legend, or to create an entirely original move of their own.

And for those of us savvy in the online bit of things, there's always the Interactive Leagues, the online tournament now making its debut on the Xbox 360 and the PlayStation 3. Represent your favorite clubs and face off against your rivals throughout the season in multiple divisions.

FIFA 08 is certainly shaping up to be a solid next-gen title, and should be looked out for, whether you're a fan or a videogame player itching for some sports action besides basketball. Updates as we get them, and in the meantime, feast on these screenshots!