FIFA 09

Innovation both under on the hood and on the pitch.

FIFA 2009 is the 15th version in the ever popular FIFA series by EA Sports. It boasts possibly the highest number of improvements (over 250 according to the game producer) of any sequel game and went on to win over 25 international gaming awards. It completely eclipsed anything that came before and the game engine and graphics layout is still used at the bedrock for all subsequent editions of FIFA.

New Features of FIFA 2009

With over 250 new innovations to discover, previous players of the FIFA series were delighted with the more responsive feel to the game and still rate it as one of the most realistic to play. Highlights amongst the new features include:

• Jostling - the biggest difference that players of previous editions of FIFA will notice is an improvement in being able to shoulder players off the ball, or maintain possession against weaker players. The game engine now fully takes into account each player's strength and skill rating and allows you to attempt to steal the ball if your player is stronger.

• Collisions - another first for the FIFA series is that each player has their accurate height and weight data included in the hidden part of the statistics. This is combined with the speed that each player was running at and their power and strength ratings to work out what would happen when two players go for the same ball. It helps gamers pick their sides more carefully as you can't get away with a small lightweight striker against big bulking central defenders.

• First time shots - a new animation allows players to hit more accurate first time shots and passes with higher skills players. This is combined with better off the ball runs from your team mates to help create more goal scoring opportunities.

• User controlled celebrations - it sounds silly, but having your players celebrate goals in default ways was a major bug bear of FIFA gamers up until the 2009 edition. Now different button combinations bring out different celebrations, with more famous ones such as the Klinsmann swan dive and the Bebeto baby swing becoming unlocked as players progress through the game.

• Editable tournament mode - for the first time, players in the PC version of the game were allowed to create and edit their own tournaments, meaning that you can finally relive the 1966 World Cup or pit a lower league team in your own version of the Champions League.

Pros

• More detailed player control in matches
• Revamped weather conditions
• Control your own celebrations

Cons

• Be a Pro mode lacking goalkeeper position
• Online gameplay is limited by computer speed
• No weather choices in manager mode