FIFA 09

12/12/2008
By Staff Writers
In Cybershack

With the likenesses of real teams and players from the English Premier League as well as other teams around the world, we find out of FIFA 09 is the ultimate soccer video game.

In case you weren’t aware, Electronic Arts is the proud owner of FIFA’s gaming franchise. The first of its series was released in 1993, and they have kindly been throwing us a spanking new version nearly every year since. Being the spawn of a some-what obsessed soccer fanatic I decided it was about time I picked up a copy of FIFA 09 to see what all the fuss was about.

FIFA 09 is the ultimate soccer video game as it has licensed permission to use real teams and players from the English Premier League. The likeness and accuracy of different player characteristics has been this titles biggest improvement from previous FIFA titles. Detail down to the weight and speed of individual players has been calculated to maximise tackle accuracy.

Straight away, I was overwhelmed by the level of detail included in not only the features but graphics of the game. As I walked into the stadium with my fellow team mates – the crowd roaring and familiar voice of the commentator blabbering away – I felt like I was back home on Sunday arvo watching FIFA World Sport on the telly. Hectic!

“Having initially skipped through my practice session and control options, due to my over excitement, I wasn’t really off to such a good start.”

After I had finally decided on the best team using the best players and had aligned them in their best positions, I was ready to roll. However having initially skipped through my practice session and control options, due to my over excitement, I wasn’t really off to such a good start. I found the level of skill required to have any kind of chance at this game would require tons of practice. I managed to make it through a Quick Match (Losing 2 – 0, who would have thought?) always trying to keep track of which little man I now controlled! And definitely thought twice before selecting the scarier Online and Pro game options.

Instead I made my way back to the Control options to try and memorise the attack and defence lists! I understand that there are a lot of skills required to player soccer – running, sprinting, tackling, kicking, shooting, heading….the list goes on. I just don’t see why they can’t put all these crazy manoeuvres into a couple of simple buttons?

Regardless, I was impressed by FIFA 09 and will play it again. It’s available on pretty much any console, so I’ll probably crack out the Wii version next time – hopefully it has less buttons!

I have to say, this game is definitely entertaining – whether it’s because you are taking every shot, or just trying to keep up! FIFA 09 is for the talented finger happy, soccer crazies or just the damn patient.