We have our reporters and community keeping an eye on FIFA 09 for you, and we'll keep you up to date with the latest developments as they happen.

FIFA is generally a known entity. Like with my other reviews, I'm going to put one mode under the spotlight - Be a Pro.This little known mode is a great and realistic way to play as part of a team. I found it strangely similar to the team tactics of Ghost Recon, just as engaging and at times just as absurd.

The most recent batch of mainstream football games include a new feature where you can choose to control one player, taking responsibility for his every move, kick and tackle and you can also influence play by asking for the ball, or compelling others to take a shot. It's an interesting twist and a new idea, as far as I am aware. I am going to zoom-in and review this game mode alone here, rather than passing comment on the game in its entirety.
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FIFA is the longest running video game footballing franchise. Some ten years ago they lost their place on top of the video football pile by new upstart Pro Evolution Soccer (PES).Hard work and innovation have now seen a resurgence in FIFA's critical reception. Testament to this is the ground breaking Wii version that (along with Madden 09 Wii and Tiger Woods 09 Wii) now includes their All Play controls to wider the experience (and audience further).

Sports games recreate a wide variety of real life competitive games. Depending on the sport, these will either have an action or strategy focus. Popular sports games are often released on an annual basis, each year the game receives new player rosters and game improvements.
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Throughout the past few years Pro Evo and FIFA have had a constant power struggle for the title of 'Best Football Game', with Pro Evo usually coming out trumps with their somehow smoother (if not as accurate) graphics and easy style of playing. However, FIFA have just made a very good attempt at maybe finally topping the tables and receiving their strived-for title.

I must confess I didn't expect very much from this game, and not very much was certainly delivered in my first few minutes of playing. Lots of football logos and the EA man speaking far lower than his voice would ordinarily allow him, telling me it's in the game.
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FIFA 09 was a lot of fun although still a little over keen on motion controls. It was best when it didn't take itself too seriously and let rip with the Mii inspired games - I had a great time with the 8 vs 8 Mii players against my Dad.

The games sports a new All Play control system that takes several forms, aimed at several different skill levels. If you've never played a Wii game (or never played a football game before) you can opt to play simply with the Wii-mote - completely ditching the Nun-chuck. You don't do much in this mode as the players will move around on their own, you simply tell them when to shoot, tackle and pass. Needless to say, I found this mode is quite boring, and I can't see anyone really using it.
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The 2009 crop of EA Sports releases have so far represented some significant steps forward in terms of solid, well-rounded playability. However, if one thing can either crystallise or undermine 09's shot at 'EA vintage' status, it's the performance of FIFA 09.

I've never tried to hide the fact that, for at least the last five years, I have been firmly in Konami's corner for the annual Pro Evo vs. FIFA bout. Like many people, I stuck to the (now clichéd) story that FIFA is all gloss and bubbles and serious fans will always opt for Pro Evo's ultra realistic gameplay. That was until last year.
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