Okay, I have been playing my brand new copy of FIFA 2009 since midday yesterday and the first impressions were good, and now my final conclusion is that the game is...well you'll have to read the review first!
Graphics
The graphics are much improved over the last game, with the players able to pull more facial expressions to show either their disappointment or elation at an instant. At long last, the referee is now running around during the game, rather than only appearing to make a booking.
The crowd have been seriously worked on, and rather than them all looking like 2D figures, they actually look quite realistic. It shows just how much work has been done over the last year to make this as good as possible.
After conceding a goal against Ipswich today, I could actually see a fan in the third tier of the North Stand at Old Trafford wailing his arms in frustration, now that is realistic.
Sound
The commentary seems to be largely carried over from FIFA 2008, which is rather disappointing, but it does mean that we remain with the best commentator in the world, Martin Tyler, and the man that infuriates me so often, Andy Gray.
One thing that has disappointed me is that the commentary is not that great with the transfers that took place on the deadline day. Yes, Dimitar Berbatov is at Manchester United, but he is referred to like he is still at Tottenham. Quite frustrating when you score a 40-yard volley with him.
The music on the game is as good as ever, with tracks from quality artists like Duffy, The Ting Tings, Sam Sparro, and Radiohead. Naturally there is a few that you will have never heard of, but if this is their big break then who are we to deny them? Nothing from Muse though, and that really is disappointing.
Gameplay
The gameplay is better than ever, with free kicks as difficult as they should be and long range goals just as difficult. The tricks are all there and remain as crisp and surprising as ever.
One big difference is the tackles, rather than a player falling once you have gone through him, he falls in response to the direction in which you tackled from. They also respond to the ferociousness of the tackle, something which I demonstrated today—breaking Frank Lampard's leg.
15 comments Last one added 8 months ago — Leave a Comment
Jeff Harbert 9 months ago
I loved FIFA 2008 but I can't compare it to FIFA 09 til' I've actually played it myself. I'm sure it's great.
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Michael Griffin 9 months ago
You won't be disappointed mate.
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Joe G 9 months ago
Counting down the days until FIFA 09 gets released in the states...been playing a lot of 08 lately. Really enjoyed the 09 demo, too.
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Michael Griffin 9 months ago
oh I hate that, you guys get it after us, how is that fair? The demo is great though, and the game is better, amazingly.
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Joe G 9 months ago
Nowhere near as big of a market for good footballing games here as across the pond...I wish things were different.
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Michael Griffin 9 months ago
If Beckham gets his way it will be. Actually your problem is similar to ours with the NFL Madden games, I struggle to find it, I'd probably be crap and not understand a thing but I want the god damn game! lol
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Dev Ashish 9 months ago
very accurate mate! just bought it today and enjoying it!
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Michael Griffin 9 months ago
Cheers mate, glad u like the game.
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Yoosof Farah 9 months ago
good review mate, although i'm not going to give fifa09 any praise because i'm a die-hard pro evo fan!!
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Michael Griffin 9 months ago
I can't stand that game, nothing on it compared to FIFA
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Shyam Parthasarathi 9 months ago
Nice review Michael.. can't wait to play it myself!
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Benjamin Rogers 9 months ago
Great article mate, is the article picture the american front cover of the game?, it looks realy good.
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Michael Griffin 9 months ago
Cheers, and yes it is the american cover of the game.
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illya mclellan 9 months ago
disappointing to here about the stadiums.
was hoping they dont still have the blank faced players did they change that?
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Darren Hatfield 8 months ago
Awesome review michael
The game is absolutely fantastic i still havnt found a fault with it and ive had since the first day it came out here in England
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