FIFA 09 Review
A Review - By Gaetano Prestia
The FIFA Soccer franchise from EA Sports and Pro Evolution Soccer series from Konami each have their own strengths and weaknesses and the competition between the two has heated up considerably in the past two years. The PES franchise hasn’t quite maintained the same level of quality it manufactured during its PS2 days, while the FIFA series has improved with each new iteration this generation. Last years FIFA 08 was probably the first time ever that a football title from EA Sports had outdone PES on the gameplay front. A few months later, UEFA Euro 2008 hit shelves and we were given an insight into the future of FIFA games from EA. That title had improved visuals, challenging and realistic gameplay and great online components and it was a great lead up to FIFA 09. But does the latest addition to the series from EA Sports live up to the quality of that title, and can it outclass and outscore PES for the second year in a row?
How does it play?
Those who are familiar with the Euro 2008 game will be pleased to hear that FIFA 09 takes a lot of the improved gameplay aspects from that title and adds a refined amount of polish to make this title an overwhelmingly different FIFA title when compared to last years game. There’s no doubt that EA are proud with this years game, with plenty of pre-season talk of the games 250+ improvements making it clear to everyone that this wouldn’t be merely FIFA 08 with a different year on the box.
One of the most impressive aspects of this franchise over the past few years is its ability to provide gamers with a realistic and highly tactical gaming experience. Once upon a time, you could pass the ball straight down the middle of the field and avoid your opponent before slotting through an easy goal. Now, your ability to be patient, work up attacks and take advantage of space and injured opponents is crucial to your ability to score a goal. We got a taste of this challenging gameplay last year, with a scoring system that made it incredibly difficult to score even on the midrange difficulties. This was a major step-up from FIFA 07, which was crucified by FIFA fanatics who claimed that the gameplay was too easy. EA have taken another step forward this year, with a football title that incorporates football tactics similar to those used in real-life football games.
If you’re familiar with the free-flowing and more arcade-style of goal scoring in PES, it may take longer than normal to get used to the scoring system in FIFA 09. Goals are hard to come by, and just like in EA Sports’ NHL 09, finally getting one past the goal keeper is a feat in itself. The feeling of seeing the ball slam past the keeper and into the back of the net is a rewarding one, as you’ll rarely see a game where there are more than three goals scored. The ability to control your player’s celebrations after a goal makes a return after a successful appearance in Euro 2008 and adding a bit of pizzazz and showtime to your goal makes it that much more pleasing.
EA has once again included the wonderful trick stick gameplay mechanic in FIFA 09, leaving open an array of awesome and blistering tricks to the more skilful players in the game. Holding down the two top triggers and moving the right stick in a desired fashion, the controlled player will perform an array of tricks and fakes to get past opponents and head towards goal. It’s a system that makes the gameplay feel a lot more realistic and takes the ball handling beyond the simple quick-turns and twisting passes that are easy to pull off. It’s important to use the trick system with players with high attributes however, as lesser skilled players can mistime the trick or kick the ball too far ahead. Instances like this show how dedicated the game is to providing as realistic a football experience as possible, making the more skilled players more accustomed to the newer gameplay mechanics.
FIFA 09 has a strong focus on tactics and deciding which style of play is suited to your team of choice - crosses, free kicks and corners seem to have been given an upgrade on the gameplay front. Firstly, it’s easier to make position in the box and get first contact on the ball from a free kick or corner. Secondly, when you’re running down the wing preparing to cross the ball in, your ability to force AI controlled teammates to rush forward with you and get ready for the cross is a lot more effective. Last year, they would jog into the box and even if you waited until the very last moment to cross the ball in, the box was almost always in favour of the opposition. This year, your teammates sprint into the box and give you a much higher chance of scoring. While it depends on the actual skill of the player in the box and their ability to header or scissor kick a flying ball into the net, their ability to make good placement and get in position in time with your kick is an improvement that makes the gameplay feel very rewarding and realistic.
There are still several issues that plague FIFA 09 that have been present in the series for a number of years. When in your defensive end, the computer often puts you in control of the wrong defender or a defender behind the charging opponent with the ball. This makes it difficult to stop a player with a clear space in front of them and your keeper, as all of the other computer-controlled players aren’t running at full speed. Far too often will you out-number a player 4:1, but when you hit the left bumper to change defenders and kick the ball away, the game will put you in charge of a player running in from the wing or from behind, while the two players closest to the opponent will remain controlled by the AI. This then puts the AI’s inability to provide pressuring defensive tactics on show, as the game is totally reliant upon your ability to always be between the last opponent and your keeper. Anyone familiar with FIFA games will know this is impossible sometimes, especially after you’ve just completed a blistering run down the centre, only to have the ball quickly intercepted and on its way back towards your defending goal.
It’s weird how the game seems to adapt well off the ball when you’re attacking, but seems to fall over whenever you’re defending. AI controlled teammates generally position themselves well, but it’s their ability to notice dangerous through-passes and lobs that is questionable. Thankfully, the mostly AI-controlled goal keepers have been improved dramatically, which cleans up some of the mess left by AI controlled defenders.
FIFA 09 has an impressive array of gameplay modes, making it one of the deepest football titles ever developed. EA Sports has taken full advantage of the FIFA brand, incorporating plenty of professional and semi-pro leagues and representing them with accurate player and kit designs. Be-A-Pro returns for an even deeper and enjoyable rags-to-riches experience, allowing you to lift a player up from the reserves right up to the challenges of professional league football. It’s a great feature that has been incorporated well into NHL 09 and EA have done it again with a great mode that adds a whole new level to the games value. You always have the enjoyable yet slightly tedious manager mode that gives you full control over a team of your choice; from the onfield management to the off-field turmoils, and the online component of FIFA 09 rounds out an amazing collection of fantastic gameplay modes.
The introduction of Adidas Live Season is probably one of the most intuitive and original concepts for online play ever, with it updating your desired league with real-life statistics and player management. This feature is especially great for gamers who made changes in manager mode that reflected real-life changes, as now they’re able to leave it to the game to do it for them. The implementation of the 10 vs. 10 matches is an impressive one, and it adds to a great list of online modes that give FIFA 09 the clear lead in the online football stakes.
What does it look like?
EA have really set the bar high with a very impressive presentation for FIFA 09, improving the visuals slightly from last years gorgeous looking title. Player design is fantastic with great textures and facial mapping, while the stadiums and crowds have all been recreated perfectly for the major teams. It's not an enourmous leap from FIFA 08, but it's an improvement nonetheless.
How does it sound?
The FIFA franchise once again scores a goal on the soundtrack front, with an impressive array of British hip-hop, house and indie rock tunes that fit the style of the series well. The commentary team of Andy Gray and Martin Tyler once again provide realistic commentary that rounds out an impressive audio presentation.
I'm getting my money's worth, right?
FIFA 09 offers plenty of value, with a hoard of offline and online modes to satisfy the online and single-player gamer in you. The game shines online and when playing against friends, but it also offers plenty of value for those of you wanting to check out Manager Mode and Be-A-Pro mode on your own.
The Final Verdict
FIFA 09 is a fantastic football title. It improves on FIFA 08 and incorporates the fantastic gameplay elements we got a sneak peak at in Euro 2008. There are still some niggling issues that have carried over from last years game, but the gameplay as a whole is enjoyable, challenging and deep. There’s plenty to do and the online component makes it one of the best ever football titles.
GAMEPLAY
8.8
It may be the best FIFA title ever, but it still has its issues. Defender changing and AI defensive tactics make the gameplay frustrating at times, but overall, it's an enjoyable and deep virtual football experience
GRAPHICS
8.5
Great player, crowd and stadium designs. It's not a massive leap from FIFA 08, but it gets the job done.
SOUND
9.0
An impressive soundtrack coupled with a fantastic commentary track gives FIFA 09 a fantastic audio presentation.
VALUE
9.3
Offline and Online offer plenty of value and will keep you playing until next year. Adidas Live Season looks good and may add even more worth to the title.
OVERALL
8.8