FIFA 10 (360)

The one thing it never had, though, was a credible claim as the king of the footie games that was always a title held by Konami and Pro Evo. Like an unbeaten boxer without a title, it craved top-spot.

Now things are different, EA have carefully reconstructed their biggest asset, have stripped it bare and built it back up. The slick and simplistic gameplay that crippled it has been replaced by a sophisticated game engine.

The real truth now, though, is this game is every bit as playable as Pro Evo and has in many people's eyes taken the mantle.

Everything about FIFA 10 is perfect, the gameplay, the innovation, commentary, the depth of options, the graphics, the authenticity - the list goes on and on.

The title screen and options menu are very neat and well organized to show you how much there is on offer.

There are LIVE options, exhibition and quick play options, a brilliant management mode and an even better 'Be a Pro' option.

This lets you take on the role of one player in the team, a unique idea that it is a game in itself.

Options-wise all is as you would expect, but it is the gameplay that jumps out and takes you by the scruff of the neck.

The introduction of the new 360° dribbling system is immense, giving the player greater control and enabling players to find spaces between defenders that previously were not possible. Using an all-new animation technology, skilled dribblers now have the ability to face the defender and take him on.

All the slick 'ball on elastic' passing and 'goal every time' frailties are gone, now there are mad scrambles for balls, clumsy stumbles, missed headers and a million and one ways to miss the target.

The game is ultra-realistic. As you play, little things will make you nod approvingly, the goalies are superb and some of the saves will have you wondering how you didn't score.

A nice touch is when you get hacked down yet manage to stay on your feet, your player momentarily touches the ball with his hand and anxiously looks for a quick free kick.

Tackling has been enhanced, it feels good now and a lot of the random referee's actions have been removed, you know when you are getting booked and you know when you are heading for an early bath.

From top to bottom this is an awesome game and, in my opinion, the finest FIFA game to date.

To cram so much quality into one game is no mean feat.

This really is a gaming experience of the highest quality.

And just when you think you are good like I did with my Wolves team, there is always a 12-year-old mouthy kid in Japan ready to knock five past you in the first half on Xbox Live.