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This thread has been linked to the game 'FIFA 10'.
Having been a life long fan of the FIFA series, I always anticipate the annual release of the game every year. FIFA games usually deliver to their audience, by delivering a game that has better graphics, better atmosphere and a better gameplay engine to its predecessors. Sadly, FIFA 10 came along and broke, for me, the10 consecutive years of fantastic football simulation that I had enjoyed on the PS1, PS2 and Xbox 360.
After playing my first next-gen football title, FIFA 09, on the Xbox 360 last year, I couldn’t believe how much the game had developed. Players were no longer restricted to the eight directions of ’99, or could slide tackle the keeper whenever they felt like it. The game became a simulation, something that was meant to feel real rather than something you play. After playing 09 for hours on hours, I could only dream about the potential of FIFA 10. There was so much that could be done. EA also realised how far football simulation could be taken. So what was one of my all time favourite games became a realistically boring, slow and impossible simulation.
It’s the first time you’ll have heard a reviewer say this, but FIFA 10 is just too realistic. The new physics engine is supposed to replicate real football, in terms of player movement, ball movement and physics, which it does, which is why I hate it. No longer is passing a simple button, or shooting for that matter. Your pass will go miles off or your shot will be in row Z if you’re just a millimetre off target with the analogue stick. Players fall over with the slightest of contact, when the 11 men of ’99 used to be able to take flying kicks to the face before scoring a brilliant goal. The modern game of football has turned into something horrible, where players fall over for anything, money controls who wins and referees make horrendous decisions. So my plea to EA; don’t try and make the game anymore similar to the modern game, because it’s horrible to watch, let alone play.
I’m not saying that the game shouldn’t be developed, it should, but as something that’s fun to play rather than extremely realistic. Some of the best games stick to the basics, and stick to their strong points. One part of the game that could be greatly improved, which I wrote about in my very first review (FIFA 09) was the commentary. A year on, and the commentators are still ridiculously aweful. Goals are being celebrated, while 2 old men talk about the new Wembley stadium, which is not new anymore, so the reference doesn’t work. The amount of commentary you hear over and over again is ludicrous. You’ll have Andy Gray telling you about his old footballing days every match. To be honest Mr Gray, I don’t give one, you should really be talking about my fantastic goal.
My biggest gripe with this game is the referee. I’ve already talked about how easy players go down. Well the referee will give a freekick for just about anything, so much so that the only way to really get the ball back is to let the other team score and keep possession from kick off. If the computer gets a freekick anywhere between 18-30 yards, you might as well take the ball to the centre spot, because they’re going to score, and the worst thing is, you can’t stop them. The wall is about as useful as David Beckham’s hairstyle.
So, a new physics engine, which is realistic, but horrible for a game; a referee who has been bribed by your Xbox 360/PS3 and the same old farts from the previous games. I think you can guess my verdict.
FIFA, in my opinion, has the football gaming market shut off now. PES is never going to catch up with it, and they are the only other major competitors. So EA probably won’t give a thought to what the fans want. I can only hope they take a step back with FIFA 11.
6/10
After playing my first next-gen football title, FIFA 09, on the Xbox 360 last year, I couldn’t believe how much the game had developed. Players were no longer restricted to the eight directions of ’99, or could slide tackle the keeper whenever they felt like it. The game became a simulation, something that was meant to feel real rather than something you play. After playing 09 for hours on hours, I could only dream about the potential of FIFA 10. There was so much that could be done. EA also realised how far football simulation could be taken. So what was one of my all time favourite games became a realistically boring, slow and impossible simulation.
It’s the first time you’ll have heard a reviewer say this, but FIFA 10 is just too realistic. The new physics engine is supposed to replicate real football, in terms of player movement, ball movement and physics, which it does, which is why I hate it. No longer is passing a simple button, or shooting for that matter. Your pass will go miles off or your shot will be in row Z if you’re just a millimetre off target with the analogue stick. Players fall over with the slightest of contact, when the 11 men of ’99 used to be able to take flying kicks to the face before scoring a brilliant goal. The modern game of football has turned into something horrible, where players fall over for anything, money controls who wins and referees make horrendous decisions. So my plea to EA; don’t try and make the game anymore similar to the modern game, because it’s horrible to watch, let alone play.
I’m not saying that the game shouldn’t be developed, it should, but as something that’s fun to play rather than extremely realistic. Some of the best games stick to the basics, and stick to their strong points. One part of the game that could be greatly improved, which I wrote about in my very first review (FIFA 09) was the commentary. A year on, and the commentators are still ridiculously aweful. Goals are being celebrated, while 2 old men talk about the new Wembley stadium, which is not new anymore, so the reference doesn’t work. The amount of commentary you hear over and over again is ludicrous. You’ll have Andy Gray telling you about his old footballing days every match. To be honest Mr Gray, I don’t give one, you should really be talking about my fantastic goal.
My biggest gripe with this game is the referee. I’ve already talked about how easy players go down. Well the referee will give a freekick for just about anything, so much so that the only way to really get the ball back is to let the other team score and keep possession from kick off. If the computer gets a freekick anywhere between 18-30 yards, you might as well take the ball to the centre spot, because they’re going to score, and the worst thing is, you can’t stop them. The wall is about as useful as David Beckham’s hairstyle.
So, a new physics engine, which is realistic, but horrible for a game; a referee who has been bribed by your Xbox 360/PS3 and the same old farts from the previous games. I think you can guess my verdict.
FIFA, in my opinion, has the football gaming market shut off now. PES is never going to catch up with it, and they are the only other major competitors. So EA probably won’t give a thought to what the fans want. I can only hope they take a step back with FIFA 11.
6/10
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I have dabbled in the SPL on FIFA 09. I don't particularly like the SPL, because of the sheer dominance of 2 teams (I don't think I have to name them; Rangers and Hearts of course! ;D) Think I'll go as one of the low English teams.
A PE teacher from on school is on the football manager games. Most people in our school buy him for their team. He gets sent off loads though.
A PE teacher from on school is on the football manager games. Most people in our school buy him for their team. He gets sent off loads though.
Sonic Chris wrote:
> I have dabbled in the SPL on FIFA 09. I don't particularly like
> the SPL, because of the sheer dominance of 2 teams
You could break that dominance. Either of the Edinburgh teams or Dundee U would be a good choice.
Is it not a little harsh now to fault the SPL for it's 2 team dominance? It's been quite some time since someone outside of Man U and Chelsea won the premiership.
Once Rangers have their summer clearout and don't sign anyone else you will see the 2 team dominance change to 1 team. That will make it even more exciting!
> I have dabbled in the SPL on FIFA 09. I don't particularly like
> the SPL, because of the sheer dominance of 2 teams
You could break that dominance. Either of the Edinburgh teams or Dundee U would be a good choice.
Is it not a little harsh now to fault the SPL for it's 2 team dominance? It's been quite some time since someone outside of Man U and Chelsea won the premiership.
Once Rangers have their summer clearout and don't sign anyone else you will see the 2 team dominance change to 1 team. That will make it even more exciting!
Well with the premiership, you usually need the very last game to decide a winner, because the likes of Arsenal, Tottenham, Man city and previously Liverpool have challenged Man Utd and Chelsea. Celtic and Rangers usually have a healthy lead above the rest of the pack, even early on.
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