Step onto the pitch and play professional football your way in FIFA 09. Experience the most authentic football simulation EA SPORTS has delivered as you live the fantasy of playing... more
FIFA 09 (PS3)
Step onto the pitch and play professional football your way in FIFA 09. Experience the ... more
most authentic football simulation EA Sports has delivered as you live the fantasy of playing as a professional player and customise the game to suit your style and ...
most authentic football simulation EA Sports has delivered as you live the fantasy of playing as a professional player and customise the game to suit your style and ...
FIFA 09 (Xbox 360)
Step onto the pitch and play professional football your way in FIFA 09. Experience the ... more
most authentic football simulation EA Sports has delivered as you live the fantasy of playing as a professional player and customise the game to suit your style and ...
most authentic football simulation EA Sports has delivered as you live the fantasy of playing as a professional player and customise the game to suit your style and ...
Sony PSP FIFA 09 (PSP)
Step onto the pitch and play professional football your way in FIFA 09. Experience the ... more
most authentic football simulation EA Sports has delivered as you live the fantasy of playing as a professional player and customise the game to suit your style and ability. Powered by the third generation of the EA Sports football engine, FIFA 09 features more than 250 core gameplay additions and enhancements that deliver the most responsive, intelligent and realistic action ever for the series. Enjoy turning defenders with more controlled dribbling and ball control, snapping off precision shots with improved first-time shooting mechanics and firing beautifully timed passes with greater accuracy, placing the ball exactly where you want it. With new player momentum physics the speed and weight of the player determines everything from the distance of a slide tackle and the power of a header to the severity of player collisions and the height of a player's jump. Plus, players now behave according to their physical attributes with larger, stronger players dominating collisions, battles for control of the ball, and position in challenges for two player headers. New Animation Sequences: The largest overhaul of the football animation system delivers more responsive, intelligent and realistic physical action and adds depth to gameplay. Players move more fluidly around the pitch.New Collision Detection System: With 360 degree coverage players behave according to their physical attributes. Stronger players now possess the strength to knock down smaller players during collisions or use their body and arms to shield the ball in challenges.Pro Skill Moves: Four new skills give you a total of 32 tricks in your arsenal, making it easier to recreate signature moves of the real-world superstars.Enhanced Shooting Mechanics: Ball-striking enhancements create more respo
Sony PS3 FIFA 09 (PS3)
This is EA Sports fourth serious attempt at overwhelming their opposition in Konami's Pro ... more
Evolution Soccer. The games mechanics and technical changes have come a long way since its birth in 2003, which has seen 16 versions all striving to be ousted to the forefront of the simulated football world.
A review by craggybuk on FIFA 09 (Xbox 360) May 25th, 2009
Author's product rating:
Gameplay/Playability
Excellent - great gameplay & playability
Graphics
Excellent Graphics - visually stunning
Sound
Excellent - makes full use of my speakers
Value for Money
Excellent
Advantages:
Very realistic . Great online play
Disadvantages:
Referees too strict, getting kicked from 10 v 10 online games .
Recommend to potential buyers:
yes
Full review
Background
I remember when the first version of Fifa International Soccer (as it was called then) appeared on consoles in the early to mid 90’s. Its 45 degree angle pitch and amazing graphics blew everything away in its path. Every year from here on in, Electronic Arts sports division, EA Sports have taken the previous years offering and tweaked it slightly. Early on there wasn’t much real competition, Sensible Soccer came and went but Fifa was the only game serious football fans talked about. Towards the end of the 90s’ Konami attempted to break EA’s hold on the football market with their game, Pro Evolution Soccer. This was to be the start of one of the biggest debates in recent gaming history between sports fans. Suddenly this new kid on the block was seriously threatening Fifa’s crown. Gamers were either in the Fifa camp or the PES (as it is affectionately known) camp with very few gamers actually having no preference between the two. After seeing PES on the PS2, I too was converted, it just seemed more like a proper game of football than all the razzmatazz and glamour associated with Fifa. Right up until last year, PES was the only football game for me, it played like a dream, though if I’m being honest, not much was changing from year to year. When this years versions came out, PES was slated by the gaming press as being nothing new. This coupled with the fact that I knew there were issues with the online play last year made me wary. At the same time, all my friends who were stout PES addicts had jumped ship and were telling me how awesome Fifa was. This piece of information alone, pretty much made up my mind. Off I went to Game feeling like a traitor. I walked past the display of PES titles on the shelf, picked up Fifa, handed over my cash and made a hasty retreat.
First Impressions
On loading the game for the first time, things were exactly how I expected them to be. A splash screen shows an impressive array of licenses leagues in the game (the first plus point over PES who have never managed to get the license). Before you get to the menu options though, you are taken to the Fifa arena which I love. This, in simple terms is where you get to show off in one on ones with the keeper, more on this shortly. Graphics are beautiful in full 1080hd and players movements are very realistic, especially the keepers who pull off some wonderful, but not impossible saves.
The game
There are now a lot more game modes than were in the last version I bought which was Fifa 2002. All game modes can be tweaked to your individual preference with plenty of difficulty levels which to me was a godsend as even though I have played football games for the past decade or so, I’ve always been rubbish at them. Even now I haven’t played on all modes although there is something for everyone in here from the budding striker to the new Fergie in management mode.
Fifa Arena
This is great fun, You have free reign to try out your tricks, which are not easy to perform, as well as tuning up your shooting from free play, free kicks or penalties. This mode is fun, especially when you try to make the keeper look silly by drawing him out, only to pull the ball back and leave him sprawling on the floor as you casually walk past him to fire into an empty net. To take free kicks and penalties in this mode, just press on the D pad at any time. You will then be able to take a dead ball kick from wherever the ball was when you pressed the D pad. If the ball was in the area at the time then, obviously you’ll get a penalty kick. You can spend literally hours in this mode as it is just so much fun. If you choose the right player to control then you can score some really good goals and pull off some great tricks. My only frustration is that I cant take my shooting boots from the arena to the actual game. If I could then I wouldn’t be a bad player.
Matchday
There are numerous ways of playing the match, single player mode where you are in full control of your team, multiplayer co-op where you can have your friends join you on the same team, and multiplayer versus where you and a group of friends can challenge each other for the bragging rights. Once the players are established, its onto the team selection. Fifa comes with a whole host of leagues and national teams, all fully licensed. I was really impressed that every professional league club in England is recreated perfectly. You can either choose your team and opposition manually or let the game pick one at random.
The match starts with the usual polished buildup we’ve come to expect from EA. It begins with the players in the tunnel before panning round the stadium showing the expectant fans. Time for kickoff and here the fun really begins. First thing of note for all you converts is that the controls are not the same as PES. Although they are configurable, I decided to leave them as the original configuration. What this did mean on numerous occasions early on was that I’d be clean through with the goal at my mercy only to put a long pass aimlessly over the bar as this would have been a shot on PES.
There is a vast array of button combinations that can be used to perform one-twos, fake shots, fake passes, etc. These all take a lot of time to get used to and perfect. I am still learning them now and it is very satisfying when they come off. I find the control system very responsive and all players react instantly to your instructions. Probably my biggest criticism of the game is that the referees can be very strict. You can make an innocent tackle or barge which the referee will deem as serious foul play and send you off. As the game makes use of the advantage rule, it could also mean that game time could progess for 10 minutes or so before you actually get sent off for such a foul making it even more frustrating as you don’t even remember putting in the challenge. This aside, the game really does feel like you are watching a match on TV. Players make intelligent runs, defenders track back sensibly and you really have to work hard to put the ball in the net. Gone are the days in previous versions where there was a spot that you could score from every time!
Commentary in this game is superb, something that Fifa has always held over PES. The legendary team of Martin Tyler and Andy Gray from Sky Sports do a great job of calling the action and adding a bit of humor too. This commentary isn’t too repetitive and its quite rare for them to use the same phrase more than once a game.
If, at the end of the game, there is still no winner you get the choice of ending the game as a draw, playing silver goal , playing golden goal or going straight to penalties which is always good fun.
Be a pro
I wasn’t exactly sure how well this would work if I was being honest. You take control of a single player on your side, either a real player or you can make one up (ie yourself) to play as. The idea is to get out of your reserve team into the international squad within 4 seasons. During the game, your rating goes up or down depending on your performance. This is measured against elements such as shooting, passing, positioning and tackling. This mode is played vertically, giving you more visibility of the whole pitch at one time. I found this mode difficult at first as the tendancy is to go after the ball or to try and control a player other than your own. Once you get used to the concept however, it is a very good challenge and gives you an insight into how the pro’s have to think about their game. Saying that, I’m still in Tottenham’s reserve team and not showing any sign of progressing!!
Xbox Live
As with most games these days, Fifa 09 is available to play via Xbox Live. In order to do this, you will need to register on the EA servers once you have signed into your Live account. It is worth noting that you have to be at least 13 years of age before EA will allow you to play online, something that my 10 year old son wasn’t too happy about when he had a one month gold free trial but I suppose its good from the child protection point of view.
When online you can play a normal one v one match, either with your friends or a complete stranger from anywhere in the world. As someone fairly new to Xbox Live, I love just playing against random people with the headset on and having a chat whilst playing.
There are numerous leagues online which you can join, although from my experience most of them are either locked or full. You can also set up your own leagues, in which you determine the rules and decide who is eligible to join. I haven’t managed to find a league suitable to my ability yet!!
Perhaps the biggest step forward for online play is the 20 player team match. This is very similar to the offline Be a Pro mode but all 20 outfield players are controlled by humans which makes for some very interesting conversations over the headsets. One thing I don’t like about this mode is that team captains (appears to be the first person who joins the team) has the ability to kick players off their team. This is extremely annoying if you have been in the game setup screen for 5 minutes waiting for enough players to join, only to be kicked out within the first 2 minutes of the game because the captain wants his friend to play in your positon.
Conclusion
Fifa 09 is a very addictive game which has to be in the library of any football loving games player. It is so true to live and so incredibly frustrating at the same time. The learning curve from park player to international superstar is just right. Each day I play it, I am discovering new moves and techniques making this a game that is going to be hard to put down for a very long time. If you shop around at the moment, this game can be picked up for under £20 which is an absoloute bargain.
Fifa 09 has won its crown back from PES for now which can only be good for the future of football games as the competition will now certainly hot up for the 2010 versions. Over to you Konami!!
Advantages: Beaver-Slick Gameplay to Match the Presentation Disadvantages: Still Room for Improvement
...titles has been closing. Until Fifa '08, this was in part because of EA's galloping progress and in part because of Konami's failure to give fans the advances they wanted. Instead, Konami chose to plough a fruitless furrow of stupidity tweaking what was already a near perfectly balanced formula, while wilfully ignoring the obvious presentational defects - the only factor withholding it from perfection. Conversely, EA busied themselves sculpting areas ... ...This time, things are different. Fifa has finally arrived. PUNCHY BALLS
It has at last managed to marry solid physics, AI, and sharp controls with the super-slick presentation synonymous with the series. 2008's game was capable, but still didn't feel organic and lacked the personality and satisfaction of the best from PES. It was still sporadically frustrating. That's a key statement, as I felt that until now Fifa just required knowledge of ...
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Ciao members have rated this review on average very helpful
Advantages: Same, slick graphics; improved, rewarding gameplay Disadvantages: Is far more rewarding for those willing to put in the hours!
...Evolution Soccer. Although the shiny FIFA graphics of past years appeared attractive at first glance, as the vast majority of football fans will agree, the gameplay would be more acceptable in a Winter Olympics figure-skating game. While the FIFA players glided effortlessly across the pitch with a 'Torvill & Dean-esque' gait, the Pro Evo games would pack the box and scramble the ball across the line with almost the realism of the true game. 2009, ... ...to have slacked off, the FIFA developers have been putting in extra hours. It almost seems as if the two games are trying to become more like each other. FIFA has adopted more gritty gameplay, while still maintaining the slick graphics that have become a trademark of the series, whereas Pro Evo is gravitating towards a more arcade style of football.
Within the first couple of hours of playing FIFA 09 I'll admit I couldn't see much difference between ...
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Ciao members have rated this review on average very helpful
Advantages: Interaction, Online, New Aspects Disadvantages: Manager mode not in depth
In my opinion Fifa 09 is the mother of football games.
In the past it has been to close to call between Fifa and Pro Evo games, however personally I believe Fifa 09 has really pushed the bar up this game, surpassing any Pro Evo football game.
With many new features it's easy to see why Fifa 09 is highly recommended and sought after. Computer interaction has been vastly improved, the reactions from the players is easily recognised. The detail is ... ...game play, and believe me Fifa 09 will not let you down in the slightest. This game is simply sensational online, you have various options from quick match to online leagues where you compete to be the best. With Microsoft updating the game through online patches, Fifa 09 offers exceptional value for money as new ideas will always be brought to the game through Xbox live.
The manager mode continues to impress however I do believe they could put ...
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Ciao members have rated this review on average very helpful
Advantages: Fifa is back! Better gameplay shines through! Disadvantages: Still romom for improvment
...I play both Pes and Fifa and have been alternating between the both of them depending on their individual merits as each new release has come out. So... I came to the Fifa 09, praying it was better than 07 ( which was horrendous) and more enjoyable than 08. Verdict? Oh yes, Fifa are definitely back. The game is fantastic from the moment I picked it up. From just exhibition, I could see the player movement and responsiveness has definitely had the ... ...and the passes are fired off better. Personally, having played PES 09 as well, this outclasses it by leagues, the movement on PES still robotic and jerky, and they all run in exactly the same way. We were told about new player physiques and they have stuck to it. Tackles are more rough now, with bigger players shoving and hustling their way round and it gives a sense of the real game, especially the huge amount of fun of sending small wing backs ...
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Ciao members have rated this review on average very helpful
Advantages: Outstanding graphics, great gameplay, new features! Disadvantages: Improving that bit more in creating tournment!
...football your way in this Fifa 09 version. Experience the most authentic football simulation EA Sports has delivered as you live the fantasy of playing a professional player and customize to game to suit your style and abilitiy.
The graphics for the Xbox 360 keeps getting better and better, there sensationally outstanding, with it's fresh and easy layout, new skills, different types of gameplay, and play is very fast and powerful on the pitch!
... ...of EA Sports football engine, Fifa 09 features alot more core gameplay additions and enhancements that deliver the most responsive, intelligent and really realistic action ever for the series. Enjoy turning defenders with more controlled dribbling and ball control, snapping off precision shots with improved first - time shooting mechanics and firing beautifully timed passes with greater accuracy, placing the ball exactly where you want it. With new ...
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Ciao members have rated this review on average very helpful
Advantages: price online play Disadvantages: you have to pay for online
...The xbox360 is a must buy once you have bought this you wont want to get off it. The graphics are amazing and when you plug this in into a high defenition t.v you will see the really benifits of the xbox360 high defenition qualities.
The things that make the xbox360 special are of the graphics the online play and the games such as call of duty 4 fifa09 vegas2 grandtheft auto halo 3.
Also what i think that makes the xbox stand out from the other consoles like the ps3 is that it is a very reasonable price and that the games are cheaper than ps3 games.
The disavantage of the xbox is that the onilne you have to pay £40 a year also the xbox can get a problem called the the ring of death also the xbox does get overheated if played to much. But the thing that really annoys me is that you have to buy so many asesories like...
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Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful
Advantages: Graphics are fantastic, good for viewing photos and if you purchase gold membership Disadvantages: The console is sometimes loud when viewing DVDs
...The xbox360 is by the best games console if you are looking at graphics.
Having recently purchased fifa09 and various other games i find myself keep wanting to use the console as the players and characters you create are very realistic.
When you first purchase the xbox you get one month free subscribtion to gold membership. This is fantastic as it allows you to play against f the xbox users, uddate games you have purcased, for instance on fifa09 it update the player with regards to how each player is perfroming..
I also recenly went on a trip where i took my digital camera, I then viewed these picturesvia my xbox.. What a fanastic way to show others your day out.
I also play DVDs on my xbox360 the picture is alwats clear and DVD always runs smoothly however the console is loud at time....
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Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful
Advantages: Adidas Live Season, Celebrations, Smoother Gameplay, Disadvantages: Very Few!
...As far as I'm concerned theres only one game needed to thoroughly enjoy your gameing expereince. After the success of Fifa 08 EA Sports has come back with a stroke of genius, Fifa09!
Fifa is much more realistic this year, in my opinion the greatest sports game made. The commentry runs smoothly, passing is sharper and the glitches are to a minimum. New this season are the celebrations, you can choose your own depending on whether you score or not. Combinations of buttons decide whether you slide on your knees or do somersaults, a classic way of winding up opponents while you put in the third goal of your star strikers hat trick!
Fifa Boasts one of the greatest concepts on Playstation Network, adidas Live Season is a premium service for FIFA09 PS3, Xbox360 and PC that will update in-game player form each and every week, and it is...
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Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful
Step onto the pitch and play professional football your way in FIFA 09. Experience the most authentic football simulation EA SPORTS has delivered as you live the fantasy of playing as a professional player and customize the game to suit your style and ability.
Powered by the third generation of the EA SPORTS football engine, FIFA 09 features more than 250 core gameplay additions and enhancements that deliver the most responsive, intelligent and realistic action ever for the series. Enjoy turning defenders with more controlled dribbling and ball control, snapping off precision shots with improved first-time shooting mechanics and firing beautifully timed passes with greater accuracy, placing the ball exactly where you want it. With new player momentum physics the speed and weight of the player determines everything from the distance of a slide tackle and the power of a header to the severity of player collisions and the height of a player's jump. Plus, players now behave according to their physical attributes with larger, stronger players dominating collisions, battles for control of the ball, and position in challenges for two player headers.
FIFA 09 features new Custom Team Tactics that gives you all the tools to become a first-team coach. For the first time, go inside the game engine to customize the positioning and support play of your teammates and decide exactly how your team will play in any situation. Now you are the player, coach and manager! You have the power to adjust and customize tactical settings so CPU players and your team perform just like the real-world team plays or how you think it should play. Save your tactics and then make strategic decisions to exploit your opponent's weaknesses, all on-the-fly.
Live the fantasy of a professional football player through the popular feature innovation "Be A Pro" now expanded to include a career mode. In Be A Pro: Seasons you pick or create a professional player and then develop his skills at a single outfield position with the ultimate goal of becoming a national legend.
FIFA 09 delivers a new level of authenticity. The matchday experience is now true-to-life with a referee and assistants. Plus, crowds, stadium atmosphere, and commentary have all been regionalized in exacting detail and 15 new stadiums added.
30.10.2008
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