FIFA Soccer 09 Preview

After a few rough starts this console generation, EA Sports’ FIFA Soccer franchise finally came into its own, with last year's iteration, FIFA Soccer 08, which offered tons of great features, new teams and leagues, and great ball handling. Now, FIFA Soccer 09 is readying to release, offering more updates to the formula, including great new online features and realistic gameplay, making this a game that footy fans will definitely want to check out.

As in other EA Sports games like NHL 09, FIFA Soccer 09 features an offline Be A Pro mode, allowing you to create your own player from scratch and turn them into an international superstar. You can play for one of 500 different teams from tons of leagues, just as in its predecessor.

One of the bigger features in FIFA Soccer 09 is the inclusion of 10 versus 10 multiplayer matches. In this online mode, each player on the pitch is controlled by an actual player. This mode is very similar to the one recently employed in NHL 09, with the difference being that you aren’t able to use custom characters, only existing ones from the game.

Another huge addition to FIFA Soccer 09 is the Adidas Live Season. The Adidas Live Season feature updates the game’s stats and player rosters every week in order to ensure that the in-game players accurately represent their real-life counterparts. This new element gives the game a very dynamic feel and puts you in the game in a whole new way. Unfortunately, this element will come at a price, as you’ll only be able to choose one out of the six leagues, and pay a fee in order to get the remaining five.

The on-field gameplay elements are also very well done, feeling a lot more fluid and realistic than other entries to the series. The new meticulously realistic mechanics are pretty tough to master, but can be pretty fun and intense for hardcore soccer fans who are familiar with the series.

FIFA Soccer 09 is looking to be a pretty impressive take on the series, and the level of depth and impressive online modes and options will definitely keep most players busy for a long time. Look for a full review soon.