Fifa 2009 (360 and PS30)
For me FIFA 08 was as close to perfection as any footie game has managed, working on a different level to the more nichey and equally superb Pro Evo - FIFA is mainstream football gaming that is about as good as it gets.
So is FIFA 09 a development? A backward step?
Well rest easy FIFA fans, the waiting is over, the game is immense - and the online play is better than ever!
I think the best way to deal with this game is to start by ticking a few boxes...
1 Graphics: Breathtaking - the best looking football game ever - bar none.
2 Sound: Good commentary - realistic auido, good choice of tracks.
3 Optons: Another big tick, FIFA has taken the Be A Pro mode and made it stronger and enhanced it no end. Last year gave you a feel of what was to come, this year you get whhat was to come. The game is very rich and offers mega-depth and enjoyement for gamers.
4 Online: Playing against friends and strangers is great fun and certainly better than ever, you can even play 10 v 10 if you are brave enough!
If FIFA 08 was an attempt to snatch the crown off Pro Evo then O9 sees EA ripping the crowd from it's biggest rival...
The gameplay on FIFA is the most improved area to date, slick passing and a generally less predicatble feel to the game makes it extremely interesting, varying your style of play can really pay dividends.
I have played dozens of games so far and not one has felt predictable or samey, each one has been action packed and challenging.
The "Be a Pro" feature superb, it sees you taking on just one player which was introduced in the under-rated UEFA 2008, you are markedon verything you do so it's not just a case of scoring etc.
FIFA rewards hard work and the passing elements, shooting and tackling have all been immensely improved to make it a more realistic and enjoyable experience.
There isn't really anything FIFA doesn't have, the franchises, the options, the gameplay, the graphics.... this is a complete package of the highes, highest quality and it's the best fun I have had playing a game in ages.
Still very different to PRO Evo in many ways, but If I were making a choice between the two I would pick FIFA.
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Authors
Steve Wollaston - Sunday Mercury games reviewer Steve has been writing about video games for donkey's years. In fact he is probably far too old for it now which is why you will see a lot of reviews been done by kids... He has been nominated three times for Regional Games Journalist Of The Year at the Games Media Awards, but never wins. His major love is sports games and rates Sensible World of Soccer circa 90's as the greatest game ever made - closely followed by Championship Manager 2. Skyrim has currently taken over his life.
