And so there it is... another brilliant win for Team GM to make it four victories on the trot, this time with a couple of late goals handing the home team a 3-0 win. It wasn't easy but they got there in the end. So what do the managers reckon to the new star performer FIFA 09 then? Let's have a quick post-match reaction with the winning coach...
Well, it's a game of two halves, innit? It's as daft as a brush... it's more important than life or death... look, at the end of the day there are 22 men out there and one football... Okay, okay, enough of the football cliches... To put it simply in three words: this is ace. FIFA 09 plays a blinder of a game and we on Team GM are absolutely loving it (as our constant lunchtime and after-work games testify). This is the proper next-gen footy game we've been hankering for since... ooh, this time last year when the previous incarnation demonstrated so much Nani-like potential but then flopped like Ronaldo in the penalty area.
It's fair to say that FIFA 08 came up a little short, but thankfully things are a lot different here - a whopping 250 things different here according to EA's Dan Rutter (the line producer of the game), and to be fair this does play very differently from last year's version. As soon as you start playing you'll immediately notice new things, from the way the ball moves, to the way players fall over, kick the ball, shove, point and more...
Start playing and you'll soon realise that the passing system has moved on and that the quality of your passes really do depend on the abilities of the player you're using - more so than ever before. It makes each player seem much more like their real-world counterpart. If you're using a skillful midfielder such as Wesley Sneijder, the game will be so much easier for you than playing as some rubbishy league two player. (Apologies here to any Football League 2 players - we know you have skill, it's just that your passing isn't always up to the standard of international players.)
Meanwhile, the through ball system has been cranked up a notch. It didn't really work in FIFA 08 - launching an aerial through ball was as good as handing the ball on a silver plate to the opposition. UEFA Euro 2008 saw this rectified so that it began to work as it does in PES. FIFA 09 has again taken that on and improved it so that it doesn't always work, but does so in the right situations and when using the right players, ie, ones good at passing.
One of the other changes you'll notice when you're in possession of the ball is that the crossing has been revamped. FIFA 09's physics system is the best of any footy game yet. And the way the ball moves on crosses and goal kicks is now super realistic. Chipped up floating crosses, huge wellied hoofs down the pitch, skewed, spinning punts from off the shin - they're all here and you'll really notice how the ball moves in the air. Crosses, which have always been one of the best ways to score in FIFA, now arc across goal realistically, dipping in towards the net at the last minute or rocketing past only a few inches away from your stretching attackers.
It makes for some excellent back-post goals that will either have you screaming with exhilaration or cursing at your shambolic defenders who couldn't mark for toffee. Now crosses from the full back or wingers will look like they're flying out of play or into the keeper's hands only for them to swing back in at the last minute for an attacker to acrobatically volley or head home. The crossing is now crisp, believable and makes for some great goals.
Not only are the centres better but so is the shooting. Our games have been filled with goals, with our chosen teams proving to be more leaky than Welsh Deputy Editor Geraint. And that's largely down to the new shooting mechanic. It's great and exactly what we asked for in our list of wants in GM202. The scourge of any footy game is discovering that certain shots always go in. The last FIFA had areas where it wasn't ever worth shooting from as you'd never score from there. Now you can ping shots into the goal from anywhere. We've seen far more long shots fly in as well as all manner of volleys and lobs. You'll really notice players sidefooting the ball home or curling it around the keeper with the outside of the foot.
And married up to that, like an England International and an orange-skinned WAG, is the way keepers react to shots and crosses. They now parry and punch crosses and shots a lot more, as happens in real matches. And more rebounds equals more goals.
The set-pieces have been reworked too. There's a lot more variety to corners and your keeper won't claim everything that arrives in the six-yard box, while you can also use two men on free kicks just like in PES. The way that players nudge each other out of the way is just like watching proper footballers jostle. When your striker manages to wriggle free and get in front of his marker to plant a header into the far corner, it feels extremely satisfying.
However, possibly the most improved aspect of the game is the player collisions. When you launch into a sliding tackle you'll send the other player flying, while shoulder-to-shoulder challenges will see you bumped off the ball. The way that the players are knocked around has a real impact on how cleanly they connect with the ball, meaning that finally you can play long ball football that would have Sam Allardyce weeping tears of joy. You might get annoyed as lightweight players often hit the deck, but hey, that's football and they'll make up for it with their close control and nippy-ness.
So are we talking title challenger or midtable obscurity for this FIFA? This is the next-gen footy game that we should have seen last year. Rather than a drab early season 1-1 draw, this is a 4-3 thriller with end-to-end footy and two goal-of-the-season contenders. The bad points? Well, the referees are still a little quick to whistle and the advantage rule isn't always implemented. (Where are the quick free-kicks, EA?) We also noticed a tiny bit of slowdown in multiplayer games - especially on long goal kicks where lots of players collided. But it certainly didn't spoil our games.
Despite these niggles, EA have delivered a beautiful take on the beautiful game. The players look and play better than ever - this is the finest footy videogame yet in terms of realism. Disappointed because your favourite team is already out of the cup and displaying worrying relegation form? Pick yourself up with a copy of FIFA 09 and rewrite the season. It's a guaranteed 3-points winner.
Gamesmaster Staff
// Overview
Verdict
The best FIFA game yet and a big, big improvement over last year. Can PES keep up?
Interesting that the review lists quite a few improvements to Fifa by stating it now does things "just like PES".
I've played both demos and IMO Fifa looks great but PES still feels more instinctive. Then again I haven't really played any other footy game for the last 8 years so I suppose it would.
If PES09 doesn't perform online I may well purchase Fifa for the first time since my SNES days!
It is a really good game of football. However, I was slightly miffed to learn that EA hadn't included trophy support in the PS3 version - especially considering Konami had included it in PES09. Therefor, there is still no reason not to pick up the 360 version instead, I suppose.
On a positive note, the online side of things is great and I've had a couple of enjoyable games against our neighbours, without a hint of slowdown or lag. Well done for that EA.
Just please release a patch for trophies. There really is no excuse for not supporting them nowadays!
On a positive note, the online side of things is great and I've had a couple of enjoyable games against our neighbours, without a hint of slowdown or lag. Well done for that EA.
We're you reffering to the 360 or PS3 version online Mark?
Fifa is amazing. Best football experience I've had on a console! As a standard game it betters Pro Evol in virtually every way. But the Be a Pro mode elevates it above and beyond any expectations I had for the title. Shame they didn't showcase the mode in the demo, coz I dont think I can go back to playing an ordinary game of computerized football after this
On a positive note, the online side of things is great and I've had a couple of enjoyable games against our neighbours, without a hint of slowdown or lag. Well done for that EA.
We're you reffering to the 360 or PS3 version online Mark?
just got my copy and cannot wait to get home and play it. after playing the new pro evo demo last night(4 hours to download is terrible) i think i can safely say i've made the right choice this year. the ball seems to be on an elastic band in PES this year, making a thumping sound every second as the ball bounces off the players feet. konami you've really dropped the ball this year by not doing what the name says and evolving the game.
On a positive note, the online side of things is great and I've had a couple of enjoyable games against our neighbours, without a hint of slowdown or lag. Well done for that EA.
We're you reffering to the 360 or PS3 version online Mark?
PS3 version, matey.
Cheers for that.
Really not sure what to do now though. Do I stick with what I know and love (PES) or bite the bullet and try something different (Fifa)??
On a positive note, the online side of things is great and I've had a couple of enjoyable games against our neighbours, without a hint of slowdown or lag. Well done for that EA.
We're you reffering to the 360 or PS3 version online Mark?
PS3 version, matey.
Cheers for that.
Really not sure what to do now though. Do I stick with what I know and love (PES) or bite the bullet and try something different (Fifa)??
That's hardly different. Trying LBP, that would be different. Trying a different football game is like trying Galaxy when you're a die hard Cadbury fan.
Having played both demos i think pro evo dances all over fifa. I was really disappointed with last years pro evo and was worried about this years. At last it seems to be back to its best.
Its still slow and unresponsive, PES has been the better game every year, even with the awful commentary and lack of licensing. and what the hell was that stupid nintendo post about? Stupid troll.
Only a 'moron' posts in capitals, and secondly, learn how to spell. I don't have time to translate your posts.
Also, the D-pad on the PS3 is by far the best D-pad on any current-gen home console (btw I have all three), although I agree the analogue sticks do need a rethink.
In my opinion this year's Fifa has improved drastically whereby PES has failed to recover after 2008. Read the IGN review and it will say that you should pick Fifa if you want a simulation or PES if you want the quick thrills of an arcade game. Now stick your waggle stick up your a***.
Before you start calling people fanboys, make sure you don't have the name of the console you are supporting in your name. That's like accusing people of being paedophiles and posting with the name Ian Huntley.
IF YOU GO IN TO A SHOP AND BUY FIFA PS2/3 X360 OR PRO EVO PS2/3 X360 AND IM THERE IM GOING TO POINT AT YOU GIGGLE HYSTERICALLY CONTINUE TO POINT AT YOU FOLLOW YOU AROUND THE TOWN CENTRE STILL POINTING STILL GIGGLING AND FOLLOW YOU HOME WEN YOU GO INSIDE ILL SUPER GLUE PUBLIC NOTICE POSTERS TO YOUR HOUSE SAYING
Now, I've no intention of getting Fifa at all, on any system. However, if I thought you'd be around my way to do this, I would consider shelling out 40 quid so I had justification for my size 10s meeting your chin. Repeatedly...
What are you gonna be like if Nintendos next console has a more traditional control pad?
Nicely put Marty . Would those be steel-toe caps or pointy cowboy boots?
Wiiboy101, seriously, learn to spell and arrange your sentences in a grammatically sound manner. If you're playing a console to look 'cool' in your leather chair then just grow up.
The majority of people on here are not fanboys, but rather just open minded, mature people up for giving their unbiased opinions.
Stop slating people to justify your own purchase of a Nintendo Wii. If it's that great then shouldn't you be gaming now?
Go visit neoGAF. Seem to be quite a few misinformed prats on there.
sony fans:: stop waving your hands in the air ,(at wiiboy101) and bash that obsolete control pad like you just dont care (about the future of gaming)
wen i see a dualshock my minds eye pictures a caveman bashing it on the ground wilst picking his ass and then sniffing his fingers
wen i see a wiimote my GAMER SOUL feels all warm inside and my minds eye pictures a cool good looking dude relaxed on a leasther sofa gaming the MODDEN WAY CUZZ HIS COOL
starting to get the picture sony fans
I'm really sorry to point this out to you but even the "soul warming" Wiimote has a fecking D-Pad on it.
And now back on topic what does the Wii version of PES have to offer? Wave franticaly to run? Wave franticaly another direction to pass? I'm not bashing the Wii at all. I own one. But honestly. Shut up with the "Fanboy" bashing. Seriuosly I bet you own an "I heart Miyamoto" t-shirt dont you.
And that Wii Music is in your most wanted games.
D-pad is the best for football games. This shows by MS redesigning their D-Pad for the release of PES '09
Nintendo's motion controls are innovative, but if they were so good in the first place then why would they feel the need for WiiMotion Plus? The only way Nintendo are going to innovate again with the 'Wii 2' is if they have some strong competition. Remember, competition drives technology forward.
Also, everyone copies something from someone else. Nintendo started off as a playing card business and I'm pretty sure cards were around way before Nintendo.
You seem to have some confusion over these 'facts' and opinions. Where is your basis that the Wavebird is the best controller ever? Personally, I found it too heavy for a gaming pad.
Anyway, back to the topic of the comments page. Why don't you just give the PS3/360 versions of PES/FIFA 09 and then compare it to the Wii versions. As good as the Wii version of PES 2008 was, it still had some major shortcomings.
wiiboy101, you're clearly a fanboy yourself so please stop harassing those with a PS3 with your illegible drivel. I love the wii, its a great console as are the other two, but no one has time for deciphering your "opinion".
Now, as for the game, from what I've read from this review and others, it seems fantastic. I downloaded the demo and it plays so much better than Fifa 08. I'll wait for the new PES to before I make a definite decision, but so far this seems like the better choice.
nintendos next console will have a WHAT A WHAT MORE TRADITIONAL WHAT!!!!?????
nes d-pad (first ever was copied by everyone else in industry)
snes evolution of the d-pad based controls and the shoulder buttons were innovated (again everyone else copied it)
n64 the pad focused on 3d gaming and a central analog stick (again all nintendos innovations and like wiimote got called gimic and silly by people like you) again everyone else copied it
dual shock direct ripp off of a snes pad two analog stiocks and rumble was added later in ps1s life copying n64s controller just like original ps1 pad copied snes pad
history of gaming little sony teens go get yourselfs educated
gamecube a evoleved n64 come snes pad = the greatest and most comfortable traditional controller ever "FACT" wave bird still to this day is a better pad than x360/ps3 FACT
motion play GBA TILTER POWER GLOVE
THEN WIIMOTE/NUNCHUCK
the wii 2 as ill call it for now will go backwards and not forwards ARE YOU INSANE SONY FANBOYS
wii 2 will have an evolved 3d motion play controls the most obvious being
dual wiimotes one in each hand dual 3d mouse pointer and dual rumble and dual speakers
one with analog one with d-pad
but i suspect there's more than that to come
what you have just discribed as traditional is not traditional its NINTENDO and sony and microsoft and sega etc etc etc etc etc COPIED IT
everything on a dualshock and xpad EXISTS BECAUSE NINTENDO INNOVATED IT
so if your one of those anti nintendo types i call you HYPOCRITE AS THE CONTROLS YOU USE ARE CLEARLY A NINTENDO INNOVATION
OUCH NINTENDO FANS WISDOM BEATS THE SONY FANS LIES """"AGAIN""""
THE FUTURE OF GAMING IS 3D MOTION YOU GOOF NOT BASHING BUTTONS LIKE A DAM CAVE MAN
I hope you're not referring to me as a Sony fanboy - I've stated time and again that I can't stand Sony, and I really dislike the Playstation control pad.
WHat I said was, what will you say if Nintendo go for a more traditional pad next time (for Wii 2 or whatever it's called).
And yes, the NES had a D pad, however, Nintendos Game and Watch handhelds had the first D-pads, so get your facts straight before spouting off at us.
superb game of footy,very realistic,players collide,fall all over the place,keepers punch,catch,drop,crowds n fx r spot on 2 stadiums look amazing,shooting system been reinvented n its spot on... 9/10 near as a perfect footy as you will eva get
I wasn't going to post (I've never played PES and the last FIFA game I played was on the original PS), but Wiiboy has forced my hand. I have a PS3 and a 360. I had a Wii but beyond the gimmicky controls it didn't offer me what I wanted. The Wii is, IMHO, primarily for children and people who want their games simple and not very taxing. That isn't to say ALL games on the Wii fall into those brackets, just that most of them do (bright colours, cutesy characters, jolly tunes etc) - and frankly that's not what I'm into. The Wii doesn't suck, but it's not a gamer's machine. The joypad isn't obsolete and only an idiot with no real clue about gaming would say it was. Complaining that later incarnations of a joypad or a d-pad are just rip offs from an earlier version is ridiculous. It's like saying the new Mercedes sucks because it's only a rip off of the Model T Ford. Perhaps Wiiboy is just upset because his mum and dad won't stump up the readies for a better machine. I've been in the middle of fanboy arguments from way back when the Spectrum and the C64 ruled the roost, it always comes down to jealousy. I remember insisting my Megadrive was better than my mate's SNES, using all sorts of arguments from 'it looks cooler' to 'there are more games' to 'the best Sega games are beter than the best nintendo games'. Looking back it's clear the Megadrive was inferior, in pretty much all respects. Maybe one day Wiiboy will look back and say the same about the Wii.
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