Gameplay

The match experience in Fifa 09 is by far the most improved part of the game this year.  They have successfully ironed out the faults from last year’s title and this year is as fluid and realistic as ever.  The improved physics and the more realistic player momentum means the experience is even more realistic and the boundary between reality and the virtual world has been blurred because of this.  The passing has been improved while the shooting has worsened; it is much more difficult to hit a long rage drive into the top corner which does somewhat take fun out of the game.

Be a Pro

The “Be a Pro” section has seen the addition of a “Be a Pro” career.  This is probably the largest new feature the game has received and it is definitely one of the best.  Creating a player in the lower leagues and eventually progressing to international status is an extremely satisfying experience.  The “Be a Pro” game play is similar to Fifa 08, which is not a bad thing because the experience is still fun and at the same time challenging.

Graphics

The graphics have not really improved from last year’s game, however it is obvious that EA have spent more energy on improving the game play and in my opinion it was right to sacrifice the graphics.  Although the graphics have not progressed, they are still impressive and way ahead of PES.

Other Features

The level of player and club licensing in the game is still impressive and this gives them a huge advantage over PES.  Although the hardcore PES fans believe that licensing does not matter, it does and it is undoubtedly Fifa’s biggest advantage over PES.  The manager mode has been unchanged which is a bit disappointing as perhaps a new feature in the manager mode would’ve been nice.  The menus in the game are quite confusing and the colour scheme is too similar to Fifa 08 as a change would have been nice.

Rating /10:

Game play:  9.1

Be a Pro:  8.5

Graphics:   7.9

Overall:  8.5

Check back soon to see TF90M review of Pro Evo 09.