Loads of game modes
Once again FIFA packs in loads of game modes, including managerial mode and tournaments, plus the excellent ‘Be A Pro’ mode in which you can now create your own player, name him and hear his name used in the commentary alongside the likes of Wayne Rooney and Michael Owen.It’s online though where FIFA 09 really shines with some brilliantly devised game modes.
EA has shouted from the rooftops about its innovative 10 vs 10 online play, and although I didn’t think it would possibly work, that it would be full of lag and playground tactics with people trying to take on the opposition single-handedly, it isn’t. It works brilliantly.
The only real downside is unless you’re too slow in the lobby ,where you need to choose a position on the pitch, you may end up having to play as a defender when you wanted to be an attacker or vice versa. Nevertheless, playing in any of the positions requires plenty of skill and a lot of team-work, there’s no way you can take on the whole team.
When this mode works well, when players are communicating over live and are all working together to achieve the same goal, it’s a dream. The only problem really occurs in the different abilities of those players on the pitch. You might have a great FIFA player who gets stuck at left back, whereas a novice may get the crucial centre back position.
If you do find it becoming an issue though, you can always opt for another new game mode called FIFA 09 Clubs, where you can form a team of 10 players from up to 50 of your friends and then bring them online to tackle other players who have grouped together. This is sure to provide some superb games online.
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