Fifa 09

In theory at least, 09 is just another update to the game that was FIFA 08 (see what they have done there?). Boasting some 250+ enhancements to… stuff. And as such it’s never immediately apparent as to whether you should fork out for a game that is really just an update. But it seems 09 is not a year to mess around with, and is actually shaping up to be a bit of a ‘must have’ year.

Beyond all the minor improvements to the game that likely no-one will ever notice, there are several key additions. One is the new animation and movement system. Players are, in theory at least, all a bit weighty; some moreso than others (Roon’dog, we're looking at your carapace) and this is now reflected in game with the new jostle system. What this means is that (locations, direction etc. permitting), you can muscle folk off the ball if you are dense enough. This actually is a massively engrossing addition. Indeed, if there was one change that made the game feel more 'football' this is it. Changing when you pass and to whom alters the goal scoring chances quite a lot.

Other changes take the whole experience a step closer to simu-ball, with the game playing more realistically on several fronts. Players are all a fair bit slower, as is the game in general. Scores remain realistically low, but as such any goals you get are realistically satisfying.

Big changes to the team play have come about in the form of an on-the-fly tactics system allowing, via a range of sliders and button taps, for you to change battle plans. You can easily start and stop offside traps, or keep things midfield styled. Definitely one for the more advanced players, but an excellent addition, which again makes the whole thing feel a lot more like a real game of footy.

Chock full of new things and improvements, FIFA 09 is definitely more than just an update to UEFA 2008; it plays well and feels so much more engrossing. Teams play as teams and players battle for the ball as they should. Controls are the best of any FIFA so far, and options both online and off give you plenty to do. And as for whether it’s better than PES? It’s possibly more realistic, perhaps a bit slower as a result, so in the end personal preference will be the only decider as things are certainly too close to call now. But anyone who does buy FIFA 09 will certainly not be disappointed.