Game: FIFA 10

by Evening Chronicle

FIFA 10

FORMAT: Xbox 360

PUBLISHER: Electronic Arts

PRICE: £49.99

YES, it’s that time of year when Electronic Arts unleash their annual football sim on the gaming public.

So has much changed from last year’s release? And, more to the point, is it any better?

Well it’s a mixed bag. No, the game does not look vastly different and yes, it’s better – but it may cost you more in the long term.

On the pitch, critical gameplay has been enhanced by adding more sophisticated ball control, and players are far more physical with each other. In addition, players now move, behave and position themselves more realistically. On attack, players analyse space and curve their runs in an attempt to stay onside.

On defence, new concepts like position priority enable defenders to fill dangerous spaces left open by teammates.

 Plus, slide tackle targeting and press marking provide new options that make defending much more of a skill in FIFA 10. The biggest addition, however, is My Live Season. A premium service in FIFA 10 will feature weekly updates of player form, transfers, injuries, suspensions, fixtures, results and league standings, creating a mode that mirrors the real world, where gamers play their favourite real-world teams’ games.

However, at a cost of 400pts, or around £4, for each of six leagues featured, you’ll really only want to purchase one.