Electronic Arts has delivered a
fantastic soccer title with FIFA Soccer 10. They have fine-tuned the
areas that were needed from FIFA Soccer 09 and have listened to the
demands of the fans. The manager mode has received a plethora of improvements,
the 360 dribbling system allows for better control of the ball, and the all-new
Virtual Pro mode is a godsend for soccer fans. To simply put it in a few short
words, FIFA Soccer 10 is one of 2009’s better sports titles.
Covering what should turn out
to be the most important feature of FIFA Soccer 10, the Virtual Pro mode
is highly impressive. Granting full control to the player over their
professional footballer, FIFA 10 allows players to create their pro and
strive to become a virtual legend on the field. The Virtual Pro permits gamers
the chance to create a player, place him on any team of their choice and use
that player in any offline game mode.
To further customize their
player, gamers can use the Photo Game Face feature that has been found in
Tiger Woods and Fight Night to create a likeness that is closer to
their real life appearance. As the gamers develop their player, they are able to
improve their avatar by completing over 200 accomplishments that unlock upgrades
to attributes, skill moves, and various other traits. Players can even take
their player online and compete in the EA Sports 10 v. 10 Pro Club Championship
mode that gives gamers a chance to join in one of the 11 regional leagues and
help their team climb to the top of the World Leaderboard.
If gamers aren’t interested in
creating their own virtual pro and would rather run a club by their own, the
Manager mode is now a viable option for gamers to invest their time into. If
players start out with the lowly Los Angeles Galaxy, they should expect
hesitation by the world’s best players to join the team via free agency or
transfers due to players wanting to play for the best teams, best coaches, teams
that will grant them playing time and the like. Each player has multiple
critiquing areas where they’ll examine each club and determine if it’s a good
decision to join said team or not.
Mimicking real life, the
simulated match results aren’t as easy to predict with the lower teams getting
the best of the high-profile teams if they are on a hot streak or have strength
in an area that their opponent has a weakness. The only issue that should be
recognized is that the stat-tracking isn’t to a satisfactory level. Dynasty
aficionados won’t find the blessing to analyze each and every player on their
team as after each season, the stats reset. In the future, better stat-tracking
will be needed to be implemented so gamers can keep a close eye on the
development of their players and which player is performing to their skill
level.
The self-described “first-ever
true 360 degree dribbling system” is one of the focal points of FIFA Soccer
10; and, boy, did it ever help improve the final product. The passing and
dribbling on the field has improved and helps create a more competitive
environment for soccer fanatics. Gamers who are trying to split two defenders
hawking the ball can now figure out a way to escape the constant pressure and
advance the ball forward into the offensive side of the field. The animations
that were presented were smooth and, when stealing the ball from an offensive
player, the ball transitioned cleanly to the opposing defender. The general
intelligence of the computer A.I. was always up to par and there are sliders to
make it more difficult for the more advanced gamer.
Technically speaking, the
graphics and audio performed well enough to create an authentic experience. The
audience gets loud for home teams, the music is thoroughly enjoyable, and the
stadiums give off the “live” vibe. Gamers should eat and breathe soccer after
they boot up FIFA Soccer 10 – it’s a real treat to any hardcore fan that
has been following the series since its beginning. The lighting and facial
details have never been better for the series, so even if it was a cloudy day,
the improvements are clear to see.
So strap in and get ready for
one of the best soccer games on the Xbox 360.
Gameplay: 9.3
The tightened controls and
improved manager mode pave away for some of the best moments in a sports title
in 2009.
Graphics: 8.5
At times, the game removes
gamers from the virtual environment and places them in a world all of their own.
Sound: 8.7
There are 34 tracks that make
up the soundtrack with songs contributed by: Afrobots, Wyclef Jean, Peter Bjorn
and John, Santigold, Bomba Estereo, Datarock and many more.
Difficulty: Medium
Concept: 9.0
Electronic Arts Canada put a
lot of effort in developing a complete soccer title. Their dedication proves to
be successful with FIFA Soccer 10.
Multiplayer: 9.4
Improved matchmaking helps
create a robust online multiplayer.
Overall: 9.0
FIFA Soccer 10 is the
sports title of 2009 that needs to be played by every gamer. Offline and online,
EA has made sure they covered every area to assure an entertaining time for
gamers.
