Machogames: FIFA 09 Makes Us Go Ga-Ga For Goals

We’re longtime soccer fans, but we never really played the video games much until recently. As far as sporting titles go, we’ve stuck to EA’s Madden or MLB titles until a couple of years ago when our friend sat us down with FIFA 07 for the 360. We were hooked. Maybe that’s because it was the first one with the new sports engine that EA created specifically for the title. FIFA 08 was good, too, but left us a little off. Then when we got 09… well, let’s just say we got a little bit of that groove back.

First of all, the graphics are gorgeous. We’re lucky enough to play our games on a 42-inch plasma and boy does the game just glide by the screen. The grass and players are so vibrant they pop out of the set. The chants from the crowds make you want to put on a scarf, grab a pint and run out the door before you realize it’s just a game.
But what a game it is. EA added over 250 improvements to this year’s version including fine tuning the physics of movement of everything, from the goal kicks to the battles for an aerial ball. And while it may take a little getting used to, the ball movement and tackling in this year’s version are about as real-life as you can get. The AI is really strong, as well, whether it’s keeping the keeper honest about letting balls go or handling them or the computer using some jukes to try to dribble the ball past you. Actually, it seems that it learns as it goes, so leave your tendencies at the door when you fire this baby up.
Great features include the “Be A Pro” function where you build up your players, similar to the “Create A Player” abilities you see in other sports games. But you also are allowed to buy individual “Live Season,” which gives you real time updates of your players from different leagues. You get one free with the game, but there are additional leagues you can get (of which there are tons, unlike the 07 version where there were only a handful).
It’s going to take a lot for the newest installment of Pro Evolution Soccer to tackle FIFA 09. While not perfect–the dribbling still is a little hard and “real” even for veterans of the game–this newest installment of the classic title leaves little to be desired and is a must have for any library.
FIFA 09 is available for all major systems and retails for 59.99.
Images [EA]