Mahesh Sharma | October 21, 2008
SOCCER enjoys the title of world game, but when it comes to video games it lags the likes of NFL, golf and car racing.
Soccer fans will love it, but newcomers may find themselves wondering what else is on.
Soccer games have gone the other way, adding complexity that only makes sense to diehard fans.
FIFA 2009 continues this tradition, adding complex online function and hundreds of skills and moves, but omitting something as simple as a training program for newcomers.
The steep learning curve of FIFA 2009 will make it hard for the game to make inroads into the growing North American and Australian markets, which are still familiarising themselves with the sport.
Another problem is that the more people playing, the less involved each person is, which almost discourages multiplay.
However, hard-core fans enjoy months, and even years, of entertainment, taking advantage of the online features, endless tournaments, and football manager mode.
The stunning and detailed graphics, combined with fluid player movements, give life to formerly wooden computer models.
The game perfectly captures the sounds and emotions of the stadium crowd and seamlessly runs this underneath the commentary of internationally recognised voices of the game.
Playing this game is like watching a match on television.
Soccer fans will love it, but newcomers may find themselves wondering what else is on.
FIFA 09
Price: $99.95
Publisher: EA Sports
Rating: 6.5/10
More at: easports.com