EA’s FIFA Soccer franchise has long
been one of the most successful sports franchises in Europe, selling like
gangbusters throughout most parts of the world. Now, in its thirteenth
iteration, the series continues with FIFA Soccer 09. The most realistic FIFA
game to date, FIFA Soccer 09 is deep and engaging, offering some robust
improvements over its predecessor, including 10 vs. 10 online play, updating
rosters and player stats, and an improved Be A Pro career mode. The game is
still not perfect, as there are some nagging AI issues that plague the Be A Pro
mode, but for fans of the
sport who want a soccer title with longevity and depth, they need look no
further than this latest FIFA offering.
From passing to shooting and
ball-handling, FIFA Soccer 09 is meticulously realistic. Your shots will slice
in a certain direction if you don’t use the right amount of power. The game uses
a very authentic approach to soccer, which slows the action down quite a bit,
for better or worse. The game’s slow pace may be a bit off-putting to some
gamers hoping more fast-paced arcade action, but purists will appreciate the
attention to detail and sense of realism.
FIFA Soccer 09’s Be A Pro mode
is probably one of the game’s biggest assets. Going above and beyond what was offered last year, this career mode is very deep, offering players the opportunity
to create their own player, choosing their team, appearance, and doling out stat
points, and then taking them out onto the field. You’ll have control over your
character exclusively during the match, and get rated on how well you work in
your position, getting points for shot attempts, successful passes and tackles,
and so on.
Additionally, there are specific
conditions that you can fulfill (like a certain number of goals or shot
attempts) that will net you more points at the end of the match. Once the game
is over, you can improve your player’s stats with the experience points that you
earn, building your avatar up. This mode is quite addicting and a blast to play,
and one of the best elements in FIFA Soccer 09.
Another big feature in FIFA 09 is
the Adidas Live Season, which allows players to choose one of several different
leagues and have the individual player statistics updated as they happen.
Similar to what was available in other EA Sports titles like NBA Live 09, this
will keep the game’s player rosters fresh as well as their statistics, improving
the shelf life of the game. The game gives you a special code in the box that
lets you choose your first league for free, while you’ll have to pay for any
others beyond that.
Online play has also received a huge
push this year, allowing players to play in 10 versus 10 matches where each
player on the pitch is represented by human player, which is a great and long
overdue addition to the franchise’s online formula.
Unfortunately, the one major sore
spot for the game is the buggy AI, especially in Be A Pro. Your
computer-controlled teammates will do some pretty inexplicable things at times,
including running out of bounds, passing offsides, and a few other frustrating
moves.
Graphically, the game looks pretty
good, with realistic-looking player animations and authentic character models
for some of the well-known players. While the framerate still slows down during
the Be A Pro mode, it maintains a smooth clip during regular play.
The sound is also pretty good this
year. The soundtrack is the same kind of international tracks as previous
iterations, but the commentary is very well done and the crowd sounds are
dynamic and reflect the teams on the field.
FIFA Soccer 09 is a great addition
to the FIFA franchise, offering some excellent new features and authentic
on-field mechanics. While the slower pace might turn off some gamers and the AI
issues are problematic, FIFA
Soccer 09 will delight purists with some of the most realistic soccer gameplay
yet.
|
Review |
Gameplay: 8.7
FIFA Soccer 09 not only presents excellent on field mechanics and ball
physics, but also provides a variety of great gameplay modes, including a vastly
improved Be A Pro mode and updating player stats. Unfortunately, there are some
nagging AI issues that affect the gameplay.
Graphics: 8.5
While the framerates take a hit in the Be A Pro mode, the game performs
solidly with great looking player models and smooth animations.
Sound: 8.5
The soundtrack is par for the course, but the commentary is excellent, as is
the crowd noise element.
Difficulty: Medium
Concept: 9.0
Last year’s FIFA title added some great new elements to the series, and 09
ups the ante by improving 08’s shortcomings and adding some great new features.
Multiplayer: 9.0
10 versus 10 online matches are great fun, and the Adidas Live Season
element is great for keeping the game topical for a good long while.
Overall: 8.7
Aside from some AI problems, FIFA Soccer 09 is a fine
representation of the sport, and the new features keep the series fresh and
competitive.
